Chromium Cr (Blood) Laboratory research

developed disorders

• Kidney dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• skin diseases
• Lung, kidney, bladder, bone, thyroid tumors

Mechanism:

• DNA damage
• Genomic instability
• Oxidative stress and generation of oxidative radicals

Chromium is found in the earth's crust and seawater. Also related to industrial processes. The trivalent form of chromium in small amounts is necessary for the processes taking place in the body - the metabolism of lipids and proteins, as well as the activity of the cofactor of insulin. The 6-valent form of chromium is classified as a group XNUMX occupational carcinogen. Chromium affects the population by taking it with water, food, and medicines. Chromium has a high bioaccumulation ability in human organs and tissues, which is manifested by dysfunction and tumors of the skin, kidneys, nervous system, bones, endocrine glands, digestive and respiratory systems.

Chromium's carcinogenic properties are due to DNA transcriptional dysregulation and genomic instability.

Oxidative stress caused by hexavalent (6-valent) chromium and generated oxidative radicals on the one hand are aimed at breaking DNA and cellular lipid structures, and on the other hand, it inhibits apoptosis (programmed death) of damaged cells, which leads to the development of tumor processes as a result of genetic mutations.

Research material

The research material is selected depending on which metal is being tested and how long it was exposed to (short-term, long-term). Urine and blood are the most common test materials. To diagnose chronic intoxication, it is sometimes necessary to study nails and hair.

How to prepare for the test?

Some foods (fish, crustaceans) and medicines may contain heavy metals, so it is not recommended to take such products and medicines for 48 hours before the study.

Interpretation of answers

A higher than normal concentration of heavy metals in the blood may be a sign of severe intoxication, but not always. Even in the absence of symptoms, it is necessary to find a source of intoxication to reduce toxic exposure. Depending on the need, chelation (binding) therapy is also prescribed. Chelation therapy is usually accompanied by serious side effects, so the question of treatment should be decided by a doctor based on an assessment of risks and benefits.

A normal or low concentration of heavy metals in the blood indicates the absence of intoxication. However, some heavy metals quickly leave the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues. Therefore, in the presence of symptoms, despite the detection of a low concentration of heavy metals in the blood, sometimes additional studies are necessary - skin, hair, nails and other tissues.