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Published on: September 12, 2016
In vitro Effects of Polyphenols on the Peripheral Immune Responses in Nickel-sensitized Patients
Thea Magrone1, Paolo Romita2, Pietro Verni2
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, School of Medicine, Bari, Italy.
Background:
Nickel (Ni) is a metal largely present in the environment and prolonged exposure to it may lead to multiple pathological conditions in human subjects. Among these, the most frequent is allergic contact dermatitis.
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from 25 patients with Ni-dependent contact dermatitis were evaluated in terms of cytokine release and nitric oxide (NO) production in the presence or absence of two doses (3 and 5 µg, respectively) of polyphenols.
Results:
Polyphenols were able to reduce the increased release of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-4, while maintaining the equilibrium between IL-10 and IL-17. At the same time, exaggerated release of NO was reduced by polyphenol supplementation.
Conclusion:
In view of their anti-inflammatory activities, polyphenols may represent a potential therapeutic tool to treat Ni-sensitized patients.
