Biomimetic Oxidation of Chromium(<scp>III</scp>): Does the Antidiabetic Activity of Chromium(<scp>III</scp>) Involve Carcinogenic Chromium(<scp>VI</scp>)?

Abstract

The insulin-enhancing activities of some CrIII complexes, such as [Cr3O(OCOEt)6(OH2)3]+ (1), previously attributed to specific interactions of CrIII ions with cellular insulin receptors, are more likely to be caused by the formation of [CrO4]2− (2). Oxidation of 1 to 2 by biologically relevant oxidants, including enzymes (see scheme), and inhibition of an isolated protein tyrosine phosphatase by a CrVI complex are reported. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2004/z460113_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.