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Experimental systemic contact dermatitis from nickel: a dose-response study
Christian S Jensen1, Torkil Menné, Steen Lisby
1Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark. chje@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Contact Dermatitis
|December 18, 2003
Summary
Systemic contact dermatitis can be triggered by dietary nickel. Nickel-sensitive individuals showed a dose-dependent increase in skin reactions and nickel levels in urine and serum following oral nickel exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) is a known reaction to medications.
- The role of dietary nickel in triggering SCD is debated, with previous studies using high nickel doses.
- Understanding dose-response is crucial for evaluating dietary nickel's clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-response relationship of oral nickel exposure in nickel-sensitive individuals.
- To determine if dietary nickel levels can induce systemic reactions.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled oral exposure trial was conducted.
- 40 nickel-sensitive individuals and 20 healthy controls received varying doses of nickel sulfate.
- Nickel levels in serum and urine were measured pre- and post-exposure.
Main Results:
- Nickel-sensitive individuals exhibited dose-dependent cutaneous reactions to oral nickel.
- Reactions occurred at doses as low as 0.3 mg, comparable to normal dietary intake.
- Nickel levels in serum and urine correlated with ingested nickel dose in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Oral nickel exposure can induce clinically relevant systemic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
- The study confirms a dose-response relationship, implicating dietary nickel.
- These findings challenge the controversy surrounding nickel's role in SCD.