Nickel allergy is associated with a broad spectrum cytokine response.

Background: Nickel-induced proliferation or cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be used for in vitro diagnosis of nickel allergy.

Objectives: Aim of this study was to explore the nickel-specific cytokine profile to further elucidate the pathogenesis of nickel allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and to identify potential new biomarkers for nickel ACD.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients and controls were cultured with T-cell skewing cytokine cocktails and/or nickel.

Patch test-relevant concentrations of metal salts cause localized cytotoxicity, including apoptosis, in skin ex vivo.

Background: Metal alloys containing contact sensitizers (nickel, palladium, titanium) are extensively used in medical devices, in particular dentistry and orthopaedic surgery. The skin patch test is used to test for metal allergy.

Objective: To determine whether metal salts, when applied to freshly excised skin at patch test-relevant concentrations and using a method which mimics skin patch testing, cause in changes in the epidermis and dermis.

Titanium salts tested in reconstructed human skin with integrated MUTZ-3-derived Langerhans cells show an irritant rather than a sensitizing potential.

Background: The nature of clinically related adverse reactions to titanium is still unknown.

Objective: To determine whether titanium salts have irritant or sensitizing potential in a reconstructed human skin (RHS) model with integrated Langerhans cells (LCs).

Methods: RHS-LCs (ie, reconstructed epidermis) containing primary differentiated keratinocytes and CFSE CD1a -LCs generated from the MUTZ-3 cell line on a primary fibroblast-populated collagen hydrogel (dermis) were topically exposed to titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide (TiALH).

Non-heat inactivated autologous serum increases accuracy of in vitro CFSE lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) for nickel.

Background: Skin patch testing is still seen as the gold standard for the diagnosis of allergic hypersensitivity. For several metals and for patients with a suspected adverse reaction to their medical device implant material, patch testing can be unreliable. The current alternative to metal allergy patch testing is the in vitro lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) using tritiated thymidine.

[Transient erythema after alcohol consumption; a side effect of tacrolimus].

Background: Transient erythema after alcohol consumption is a side effect of topical tacrolimus use. The clinical picture is characterised by itching, a burning sensation and erythema, often at the site where tacrolimus is applied. The erythema develops shortly after alcohol consumption and disappears after approximately 1 hour.

A retrospective study on titanium sensitivity: Patch test materials and manifestations.

Background: Titanium is being increasingly used. Although it is considered to be a non-allergenic material, allergic reactions to it have been reported. Titanium dioxide has been found to be an unreliable patch test material.