Chromium picolinate induced apoptosis of lymphocytes and the signaling mechanisms thereof

Abstract

Cr(III)(picolinate) 3 [Cr(III)(pic) 3] is currently used as a nutritional supplement and for treating Type-2 diabetes. The effect of Cr(III)(pic) 3 uptake in peripheral blood lymphocytes is investigated in this study. From the cytotoxicity data, DNA fragmentation pattern, Annexin V staining, TUNEL positivity and the ultrastructural characteristics such as chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies, it is clear that Cr(III)(pic) 3 induces a concentration dependent apoptosis. It is shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by treatment with Cr(III)(pic) 3 leads to apoptosis, since we find that pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine inhibits the process. Using Western blotting technique and fluorescence measurements, the downstream signaling molecules have also been identified. Cr(III)(pic) 3 treatment leads to collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, Bax expression, increase in cytosolic cytochrome c content and active caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation and all these manifestations are reduced by pretreating the lymphocytes with N-acetyl cysteine. Thus, it is shown that Cr(III)(pic) 3 is cytotoxic to lymphocytes with ROS and mitochondrial events playing a role in bringing about apoptosis.