The Bioinorganic Chemistry of Chromium

Chromium exists in nature as complexes of two stable oxidationstates - trivalent chromium(III) and hexavalentchromium(VI). Although trivalent chromium is required intrace amounts for sugar and lipid metabolism in humans and itsdeficiency may cause a disease called chromium deficiency;hexavalent chromium is toxic and carcinogenic. As chromiumcompounds were used in dyes and paints and the tanning of leather,these compounds are often found in soil and groundwater atabandoned industrial sites, now needing environmental cleanup andremediation. The Bioinorganic Chemistry of Chromium: From Biochemistry toEnvironmental Toxicology takes a critical look at what thebiochemical data indicate about chromium's role in the body and thebiological mechanisms of its toxicology. Topics coveredinclude: * What do we know about the biochemical roles and mechanisms ofchromium? * Is chromium an essential element in the mammalian diet? * Is chromium(III) effective as a nutraceutical, a therapeuticagent, and as a supplement in animal feed? * What is the biochemistry behind the toxicology of chromium(III)and chromium(VI):the mechanisms of metabolism, genetic andepigenetic effects, and disruption of cell signalling? * What are the current chromium(VI) policies and positions fromregulatory agencies? The Bioinorganic Chemistry of Chromium: From Biochemistry toEnvironmental Toxicology is an important contribution to thebioinorganic and trace element biochemical fields which will find aplace on the bookshelves of bioinorganic chemists, biochemists,inorganic chemists, toxicologists, nutritionists andregulatory affairs professionals.