Metal hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia and connective tissue diseases

We know that environmental and genetic factors have roles in the onset of autoimmune disease and metal hypersensitivity is one such potential factor. Now a team has looked at the evidence around metal exposure history in people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome, and relate their findings to fibromyalgia.

The main sources of metal exposure were nickel, mercury, gold, palladium, titanium and chromium.

“All of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome patients appeared to have an increased frequency of metal delayed-type hypersensitivity (Type IV allergy),” they explain. “As dental restorative materials release minor amounts of their metals (including mercury, gold, and nickel), many adults are commonly exposed to these metal ions by vapor or corrosion into saliva.”

“Metal-related delayed-type hypersensitivity in these patients will induce an inflammatory response. Such inflammations are important factors in connective tissue disease progress.

“It is hypothesized that metal-specific T cell reactivity can act as an etiological agent in the propagation and chronification of rheumatic inflammation. The key responses of metal delayed-type hypersensitivity in autoimmunity are precipitating as an appealing challenge for further investigations.

“Many patients with connective tissue diseases and fibromyalgia have delayed-type hypersensitivity to metals. Metal-induced inflammation triggers connective tissue diseases and fibromyalgia in metal-allergic patients.”

Click here to read the original research.

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