Trivalent chromium inhibits protein glycosylation and lipid peroxidation in high glucose-treated erythrocytes.

Epidemiological studies have shown lower levels of chromium among men with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with healthy control subjects. The mechanism by which chromium may decrease the incidence of CVD and insulin resistance is not known. Using erythrocytes as a model, this study demonstrates that chromium inhibits the glycosylation of proteins and oxidative stress, both risk factors in the development of CVD.

Protective effects of 17beta-estradiol and trivalent chromium on interleukin-6 secretion, oxidative stress, and adhesion of monocytes: relevance to heart disease in postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal diabetic women are at greater risk for heart disease compared with men of similar age and with other risk factors. We examined the hypothesis that 17beta-estradiol and trivalent chromium inhibit secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and oxidative stress in monocytes exposed to high glucose (HG). U937 human monocytes were cultured with HG (30 mM) with and without 17beta-estradiol (0-1000 nM) and chromium chloride (Cr(3+), 0-10 muM) at 37 degrees C for 24 h.