Nickel: A Nanny for the Nervous System
Nickel (Ni)
Nanny for the nervous system.
In the human body nickel participates in redox processes, respiration, hematopoiesis, reduces the effects of adrenaline, providing a calming effect on the nervous system.
The daily requirement for the human body is 100–200 mcg. Nickel deficiency in the body can develop with an intake of this element of 50 mcg/day or less.
Nickel is found in the human organs mainly in the liver, pancreas, and pituitary gland. Nickel selectively concentrates in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, which is responsible for positive emotions in the brain during pleasant surprises. Nickel is deposited in the pancreas and parathyroid glands. The thyroid gland and adrenal glands contain relatively high concentrations of nickel. Nickel content increases with age in the lungs.
In the human gastrointestinal tract, 1 to 10% of nickel from food is absorbed. Nickel ingested with water is absorbed at 20–25%. Certain food products reduce its absorption: milk, coffee, tea, orange juice, and ascorbic acid. Thus, nickel is poorly absorbed (less than 10%) when consumed with typical diets. Nickel absorption increases in cases of iron deficiency, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Nickel is transported with serum albumin. In blood plasma, nickel is mainly found in a bound state with proteins nickeloplasmin (alpha–2–macroglobulin) and alpha–1–glycoprotein.
Nickel is transported with serum albumin. In blood plasma, nickel is mainly found in a bound state with proteins nickeloplasmin (alpha–2–macroglobulin) and alpha–1–glycoprotein.
Nickel is primarily excreted from the body in feces (up to 95%) and in small amounts in urine, sweat, and bile.
Biological role in the human body. There is little information about the biological role of nickel. It is believed that the biological role of nickel lies in its participation in the structural organization and functioning of the main cellular components – DNA, RNA, and proteins. Along with this, it plays a certain role in the hormonal regulation of the body. Nickel inhibits the action of adrenaline, lowers blood pressure, and has an calming effect on the central nervous system. Under the influence of nickel, the excretion of corticosteroids in urine doubles, and the antidiuretic effect of the pituitary extract is enhanced.
In the early 20th century, it was established that the pancreas is rich in nickel. When nickel is administered following insulin, the action of insulin increases, thereby enhancing its hypoglycemic activity.
In its influence on hematopoiesis, nickel is close to cobalt (cobalt is a powerful stimulator of erythropoiesis, stimulates hemoglobin synthesis, and increases the absorption of available iron). Nickel, in combination with cobalt, iron, and copper, also participates in hematopoietic processes, and independently – in fat metabolism and oxygen supply to cells.
Since nickel is essential for some animals, it is assumed that nickel is also necessary for humans. The binding of divalent nickel with various ligands, including amino acids and proteins, is likely important for extracellular transport, intracellular binding, and urinary and biliary excretion of nickel. Nickel is believed to be a structural component of some enzymes.
Nickel influences enzymatic processes, oxidation of ascorbic acid, and accelerates the transition of sulfhydryl groups to disulfides.
Synergists and antagonists of nickel. Antagonists of nickel include sulfur-containing amino acids, calcium, sulfur, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin C.
Signs of nickel deficiency. Nickel content decreases in anemias of various origins and chronic coronary insufficiency.
The essentiality of nickel has been demonstrated in animal experiments, where a reduction in dietary nickel content led to shortening of the hind limbs, hypopigmentation, decreased plasma cholesterol levels and hematocrit, reduced overall motor activity, slowed growth of young animals, and increased mortality. Pathological changes in the liver were also observed: reduction in organ size, decrease in glycogen content, and activation of lipid peroxidation. Adding nickel to the diet of animals at a dose of 50–80 mcg/kg per day eliminated these symptoms or prevented their development.
The essentiality of nickel has been demonstrated in animal experiments, where a reduction in dietary nickel content led to shortening of the hind limbs, hypopigmentation, decreased plasma cholesterol levels and hematocrit, reduced overall motor activity, slowed growth of young animals, and increased mortality. Pathological changes in the liver were also observed: reduction in organ size, decrease in glycogen content, and activation of lipid peroxidation. Adding nickel to the diet of animals at a dose of 50–80 mcg/kg per day eliminated these symptoms or prevented their development.
Nickel levels increase during myocardial infarction.
Excessive intake of nickel into the body can cause skin depigmentation (vitiligo).
Main manifestations of nickel excess in the body: increased excitability of the central and autonomic nervous systems, pulmonary and cerebral edema, allergic reactions of the skin and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (vitiligo, dermatitis, rhinitis, etc.), tachycardia; anemia, decreased immune protection, increased risk of developing neoplasms in the lungs, kidneys, and skin.
Nickel is necessary: in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthenic conditions.
Dietary sources of nickel: chocolate; nuts and seeds: sesame, poppy seeds, macadamia, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts; fruits: avocado, pineapple, grapes, cherries, pears, figs, viburnum, cranberries, raspberries, sea buckthorn, peaches, black currants, sweet cherries, mulberries, apples; dried fruits: raisins, dried figs, dried apricots, dates, prunes; grains and legumes: beans, peas, buckwheat, corn, oats, millet, soft wheat, hard wheat, brown unpolished rice, wild rice, rye, soybeans, beans, lentils, barley; vegetables: parsnip, Jerusalem artichoke, horseradish, garlic; greens: chives, parsley greens, rhubarb stalks, lettuce, celery greens, garlic greens, sorrel; mushrooms: chanterelles, honey mushrooms. A considerable amount of nickel is found in tea, cocoa, buckwheat, and lettuce.