A comparative study on chromium-induced micronuclei assessment in the peripheral blood of Hsd:ICR mice

This study investigated the genotoxic effects of chromium (Cr) in Hsd:ICR mice, considering factors such as oxidative state, apoptosis, exposure pathway, duration, pregnancy, and transplacental exposure. Genotoxicity was assessed using the erythrocytes' micronucleus (MN) assay, while apoptosis was evaluated in nucleated blood cells. The results showed that Cr(III) (CrK(SO4)2 and CrCl3) did not induce any marked genotoxic damage. However, Cr(VI) (CrO3, K2Cr2O7, Na2Cr2O7, and K2CrO4) produced varying degrees of genotoxicity, with CrO3 being the most potent. MN frequencies increased following 24-h exposure, with a greater effect in male mice. Administering 20 mg/kg of CrO3 via gavage did not lead to significant effects compared to intraperitoneal administration. Short-term oral treatment with a daily dose of 8.5 mg/kg for 49 days elevated MN levels only on day 14 after treatment. Pregnant female mice exposed to CrO3 on day 15 of pregnancy exhibited reduced genotoxic effects compared to nonpregnant animals. However, significant increases in MN levels were found in their fetuses starting 48 h after exposure. In summary, data indicate the potential genotoxic effects of Cr, with Cr(VI) forms inducing higher genotoxicity than Cr(III). These findings indicate that gender, exposure route, and pregnancy status might influence genotoxic responses to Cr. The study investigated the genotoxic effects of different chromium (Cr) forms in mice, focusing on apoptosis, exposure routes, duration, pregnancy, and transplacental exposure. Cr(III) did not cause genotoxic damage, while Cr(VI) produced varying degrees, CrO3 being the most potent. Male mice showed higher genotoxicity, and oral CrO3 administration had limited impact. Pregnant mice exhibited reduced effects, but their fetuses showed increased genotoxicity. Overall, Cr(VI) was more genotoxic, with responses dependent on gender, exposure route, and pregnancy status.