Chromium-containing biomimetic cation triaqua-mu3-oxo-mu-hexapropionatotrichromium(III) inhibits colorectal tumor formation in rats.

The cation [Cr(3)O(propionate)(6)(H(2)O)(3)](+) has recently been found by oral or intravenous administration to increase insulin sensitivity and improve serum lipids in healthy and type 2 diabetic model rats. Serum insulin concentrations and, hence, insulin sensitivity are in part responsible for the relationship between diet and the incidence of colorectal cancer. This strongly suggested that the synthetic cation, which in vitro is able to stimulate insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity in a fashion similar to the oligopeptide chromodulin, could influence the incidence of colorectal cancer. Consequently, the effects of the cation on the inhibition of colon tumorigenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in male Sprague Dawley rats were examined. Gavage administration of aqueous solutions of the complex (1000 microg Cr/kg body mass daily for 6 months) resulted in significantly decreased colon tumor incidence (P<0.003).