Comparison of Susceptibility of Liver and Kidney to Lipid Peroxidation Induction by Cr(IV), Cr(V) and Cr(VI) Compounds

Abstract

Chromium(VI) compounds, potent carcinogens, are known to induce lipid peroxidation. However, it is not clear how Cr(VI) induces lipid peroxidation. It has been proposed that Cr intermediates such as Cr(IV) and Cr(V), possibly generated during the metabolic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), may be responsible for the Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage and cancer. In this article, in order to clarify the mechanism by which Cr(VI) enhances lipid peroxidation, mouse liver or kidney homogenate was incubated with Cr(III), Cr(IV), Cr(V) and Cr(VI) compounds. Our results are as follows : (i) lipids in liver homogenate are peroxidized more remarkably than those in kidney homogenate after being treated with Cr(IV), Cr(V) and Cr(VI) compounds; (ii) lipid peroxidation induction by Cr(IV) and Cr(V) compounds is more effective in both liver and kidney homogenates than that by the Cr(VI) compound; (iii) the extent of lipid peroxidation induced by the Cr compounds is significantly correlated between liver and kidney homogenates. These results suggest the possible participation of Cr(IV) and Cr(V) in Cr(VI)-enhanced lipid peroxidation.