RESUMO
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.
