Chromium-picolinate induced ocular changes: Protective role of ascorbic acid

Chromium-picolinate (Cr-picolinate) is a popular nutritional supplement; however its safety has been questioned with regard to its ability to act as a clastogen. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the biochemical, histological and morphological changes in the cornea and lens following oral administration of Cr-picolinate and the possible protective effect of Vitamin C. Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups included the control group, the groups treated with Cr-picolinate (0.8 and 1.5 mg/100 g b.w.) alone or in combination with Vitamin C (0.5 mg/100 g b.w.) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the high dose of Cr-picolinate induced a significant decrease in SOD, GSH, Na+-, K+-ATPase levels, and a significant increase in MDA level. Severe morphological and histological changes in the cornea and lens accompanied with a decrease in the total soluble protein of the lens homogenate and changes in the crystallines fractions in lens. Vitamin C supplementation succeeded to restore these changes to great extent. It could be concluded that consumption of Cr-picolinate for a long time induced several hazards to cornea and lens. Supplementation with extra amounts of Vitamin C may be useful to restrain the Cr-picolinate induced ocular changes.