Chromium (VI) potentiates the DNA adducts (O6-methylguanine) formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in rat: Implication on carcinogenic risk

• Cr(VI) synergistically enhanced the O6-MeG formation of NDMA in rat hepatic tissues.
• Cr(VI) did not alter the CYP 2E1 enzyme activity.
• Cr(VI) exposure decreased the GSH content in rats.

Chromium (VI) [Cr(VI)] and nitrosamines such as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) exist commonly in the environment. To evaluate the potential influence of Cr(VI) co-exposure on the carcinogenic risk of NDMA, Female Wistar rats were treated with various concentrations of Cr(VI) and/or NDMA via drinking water for 15 days and the DNA adducts (O6-methylguanine, O6-MeG) of NDMA in liver tissue was used as a bioindicator. The results showed that Cr(VI) synergistically enhanced the O6-MeG formation, which could lead to an increase in DNA damage and carcinogenic potential. Although Cr(VI) did not alter the CYP 2E1 enzyme activity, it decreased GSH content, which would be an potential mechanism for the potentiated O6-MeG formation by Cr(VI) co-exposure. These results would contribute to the development of quantitative risk assessment of NDMA or even for a group of nitrosamines under environmental mixture exposure.