MELISA® A revolutionary blood test that detects type-IV allergy to metals and other common substances from a single blood sample FACILITATING THE DIAGNOSIS Recently, more and more research has been done on the effects of metals on human health. A connection between metals and the onset or worsening of symptoms has been established by many scientists. Previously, metal allergy has been difficult to diagnose. But this has changed with the MELISA® test - the only scientifically validated metal allergy blood test developed for screening of many metals and other antigens at the same time. METAL EXPOSURE AND HEALTH Chronic exposure to metals in jewellery, dental implants and restorations, cosmetics or joint prostheses can sensitize genetically predisposed individuals and induce a so-called Type IV allergic reaction. Metals are potential allergens. The binding of metal ions to cellular proteins can alter the activity of these enzymes or the presentation of these antigens and thereby induce local or systemic symptoms characteristic of allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases. In contrast to a type I allergy, which is mediated by IgE antibodies, a type IV allergic reaction is mediated by T lymphocytes that have had prior contact to a given allergen (memory lymphocytes). Following renewed contact with the sensitizing allergen, these memory lymphocytes respond by enlarging (lymphoblast transformation) and dividing (proliferation). The newly formed cells (effector cells) together with their secreted cytokines mediate the resulting allergic reaction. METAL ALLERGY VERSUS TOXICITY It is important to differentiate between metal allergy and metal toxicity. The MELISA® test does not measure the levels of metals in a patient’s
body; it measures whether the patient is allergic to metals. For example, hair samples may show levels of mercury or other substances which are below the official „safe limit” – but the patient can still be allergic. For allergic individuals, there is no such thing as a „safe” limit. Even trace amounts of a substance pose danger if the substance triggers an allergic reaction. ADVANTAGES FOR IMPLANTOLOGY Metals are found in body implants such as hip joints, knee prosthesis, screws, pacemakers, silicone breast implants, cochlear implants and dental implants. In the majority of patients, these implants are biocompatible. However, in sensitive patients, the implants may induce side-effects such as pain, dermatitis, cutaneous swelling, impaired wound healing, bone infections and implant loosening. Although bacterial infection is often the cause of implant rejection, sometimes no bacteria are detected despite of inflammation. These adverse effects are mediated by so-called wearing products of implant materials. Nickel, cobalt and chromium are known metal allergens. Recently, the cases of titanium allergy have also been described in the literature. Titanium is a transition metal and thus may function as a hapten and trigger cellular hypersensitivity. Since titanium is used as white pigment in tooth-pastes, cosmetics and medicaments, the latent sensitization of susceptible individuals is possible.