Mechanisms of Nickel-Induced Cell Damage in Allergic Contact Dermatitis and Nutritional Intervention Strategies

Abstract

Background: Hypersensitivity to nickel is a very common cause of allergic contact dermatitis since this metal is largely present in industrial and consumer products as well as in some commonly consumed foods, air, soil, and water. In nickel-sensitized individuals, a cell-mediated delayed hypersensitivity response results in contact dermatitis due to mucous membrane coming in long-term contact with nickel-containing objects. This process involves the generation of reactive oxidative species and lipid peroxidation-induced oxidative damage. Immunologically, the involvement of T helper (h)-1 and Th-2 cells, as well as the reduced function of T regulatory cells, are of importance. The toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of nickel are attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species and induction of oxidative damage via lipid peroxidation, which results in DNA damage. Objective: The aim of this research review is to identify nutritionally actionable interventions that can intercept nickel-induced cell damage due to their antioxidant capacities. Conclusion: Nutritional interventions, may be used to modulate immune dysregulation, thereby, intercepting nickel-induced cellular damage. Among these are a low-nickel diet and an antioxidant-rich diet that is sufficient in iron needed to minimize nickel absorption. These dietary approaches not only reduce the likelihood of nickel toxicity by minimizing nickel exposure, but also help prevent oxidative damage by supplying the body with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.

Conjunctional Relationship between Serum Uric Acid and Serum Nickel with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Meanwhile, hyperuricemia is closely linked to insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress in the liver. It is also involved in the development and progression of NAFLD [ 15 ], and the toxic mechanism of Ni was also attributed to this [ 53 ] These findings are consistent with our current results, suggesting that serum Ni is a risk factor for NAFLD. In addition, animal studies suggested that Ni-activating lipid peroxidation and the overproduction of free radicals causes severe hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, and cytotoxicity, which in turn leads to elevations of uric acid and elevations in the ASAT and ALAT activities in male rats [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ].…”

Ameliorative or corrective effects of Fig “Ficus carica” extract on nickel-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

“…Drinking water and food are the two main sources of Ni exposure in humans and animals [8]. The environmental exposition of Ni induced the toxic effects in various organs [9,10], such as immunotoxicity [11], and genotoxicity [12]. Ni intoxication results in loss of body weight and respiratory disorders, increased serum levels of kidney function biomarkers indicating the development of kidney failure [13].…”

Contact sensitization to iron: A potentially underestimated metal allergen and elicitor of complications in patients with metal implants

“…In their review on this issue, Roth‐Walter et al 38 described that: “Fe deficiency affects more T‐helper (Th)1 than Th2 immune cells,” that is, the “proliferative phase of T cells is dependent on Fe supply” and “Th1‐associated cytokines IFN‐y and the IL‐12/IL18‐mediated proliferation was found to be severely affected by iron chelators.” Conversely, it might be possible that this is balanced by normal Fe homeostasis. Filatova et al reported on another aspect, stating that a nutritional intervention with a diet sufficient in ion Fe might reduce enteral Ni absorption, thus potentially resulting in positive effects in Ni‐allergic individuals 39 . However, we do not know whether the rather high frequency of Fe supplementation within the Fe‐sensitized individuals is of any relevance in this context.…”

“…Filatova et al reported on another aspect, stating that a nutritional intervention with a diet sufficient in ion Fe might reduce enteral Ni absorption, thus potentially resulting in positive effects in Ni-allergic individuals. 39 However, we do not know whether the rather high frequency of Fe supplementation within the Fe-sensitized individuals is of any relevance in this context.…”