Caldera Pharmaceuticals proposes to develop physiologic biomarkers requested by the US Air Force to quantify workplace exposure to hexavalent chrome (Cr+6). Exposure to Cr+6 is dangerous and unwanted, because it is a primary carcinogen (class 1 International Agency for Research on Cancer / IARC) and a known lung cancer carcinogen. Chromium (Cr) exists in several valence states, the most prevalent states are hexavalent Cr (Cr+6, which is associated with industrial exposure and toxicity) and trivalent Cr (Cr+3, which is stable and a biologically active form). Cr+3 is an essential nutrient for humans and shortages may cause heart conditions and metabolic disruptions or diabetes; it is classified as IARC Group 3. Although a limited amount of Cr+3 is necessary, large amounts may be hazardous. Cr supplements are taken readily and are available as trivalent Cr in chloride (CrCl3) or picolinate (CrPic) salt forms, but associated health effects are unknown. If ingested in large amounts, both Cr+3 and +6 can cause gastrointestinal problems and ulcers, or kidney and liver damage. There are no physiologic biomarkers for exposure to Cr+6, especially those that differentiate between various Cr species in vivo. Caldera XRpro(R) Technology will be used to screen for Cr-selective biomarker aptamers.
Keywords: Chromium, Inhalation, Metal, Toxicity, Biomarker
