Hexavalent chromium and its effect on health: possible protective role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn)
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Kusal K. Das
,
Salim A. Dhundasi
Abstract
Hexavalent chromium or chromium (VI) is a powerful epithelial irritant and a confirmed human carcinogen. This heavy metal is toxic to many plants, aquatic animals, and bacteria. Chromium (VI) which consists of 10%–15% total chromium usage, is principally used for metal plating (H2Cr2O7), as dyes, paint pigments, and leather tanning, etc. Industrial production of chromium (II) and (III) compounds are also available but in small amounts as compared to chromium (VI). Chromium (VI) can act as an oxidant directly on the skin surface or it can be absorbed through the skin, especially if the skin surface is damaged. The prooxidative effects of chromium (VI) inhibit antioxidant enzymes and deplete intracellular glutathione in living systems and act as hematotoxic, immunotoxic, hepatotoxic, pulmonary toxic, and nephrotoxic agents. In this review, we particularly address the hexavalent chromium-induced generation of reactive oxygen species and increased lipid peroxidation in humans and animals, and the possible role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn) as a protective antioxidant.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Publisher’s and Editor’s Note
- A new start for the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
- Review
- Hexavalent chromium and its effect on health: possible protective role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn)
- Original Articles
- Antioxidative and hypolipidemic efficacy of alcoholic seed extract of Swietenia macrophylla in streptozotocin diabetic rats
- Histological alterations in the ultimobranchial gland of teleost Heteropneustes fossilis in response to chlorpyrifos treatment
- Treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) prevents infertility in male cystic fibrosis mice
- Behavioral alterations in cystic fibrosis mice are prevented by cannabinoid treatment in infancy
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in rats and mice
- Birth month and longevity – monthly birth distribution in acute coronary events provoked by atherothrombosis in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
- Effect of graded doses of Caesalpinia bonducella seed extract on ovary and uterus in albino rats
Articles in the same Issue
- Publisher’s and Editor’s Note
- A new start for the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
- Review
- Hexavalent chromium and its effect on health: possible protective role of garlic (Allium sativum Linn)
- Original Articles
- Antioxidative and hypolipidemic efficacy of alcoholic seed extract of Swietenia macrophylla in streptozotocin diabetic rats
- Histological alterations in the ultimobranchial gland of teleost Heteropneustes fossilis in response to chlorpyrifos treatment
- Treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) prevents infertility in male cystic fibrosis mice
- Behavioral alterations in cystic fibrosis mice are prevented by cannabinoid treatment in infancy
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in rats and mice
- Birth month and longevity – monthly birth distribution in acute coronary events provoked by atherothrombosis in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
- Effect of graded doses of Caesalpinia bonducella seed extract on ovary and uterus in albino rats
