Two studies outline the roles of air pollution and T cell imbalance in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
UV Light from Nail Salon Dryers May Provoke Lupus Lesions
(Reuters Health)—Nail salon drying lamps that emit ultraviolet (UV) light may contribute to periungual cutaneous lupus erythematosus lesions, according to case reports detailed in a recent publication.1 Exposure to the sun has long been linked to exacerbations of skin lupus, and, more recently, other types of light sources including surgical lamps have been connected to…
Clusters of Autoimmune Liver Disease Suggest Environmental Trigger
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—A large population-based study from the U.K. provides more evidence that some autoimmune liver diseases may be triggered by exposure to something in the environment. The study found a significant clustering of cases of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) in well-defined regions of north-east England…
Is Chemical Exposure Linked to DNA Methylation Dysregulation in SLE Patients?
Could your lupus patients benefit from limiting exposure to chemicals at home and in the medical environment? It’s a strong possibility, according to the preliminary findings of a research team investigating DNA methylation disruption in patients with SLE…
Gut Microbiota Directly Affects Inflammatory Arthritis
Gut microbiota may provide insight into important environmental triggers for autoimmune diseases. New research in mice indicates that intestinal dysbiosis triggers a mucosal immune response that stimulates T and B cells, which are critical to the development of inflammatory arthritis…
Is It Cold in Here? Working in Cold Environments Linked to RA
Novel research has linked cold environments—with snow, ice and overall frigid conditions—to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This research has many rheumatologists eager for more research that could aid patients and further the understanding of the disease…
Some Jobs Tied to Higher Risk of RA
(Reuters Health)—Workers exposed to airborne toxins may have an elevated risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an immune system disorder that causes debilitating swelling and pain in the joints, a Swedish study suggests. Among men, bricklayers, concrete workers and electricians had at least twice the risk of RA they would have in certain other occupations,…
Air Pollution: Is There an Association with Rheumatic Disease?
Interactions between an individual’s genetic background and their exposure to environmental factors are thought to result in a cascade of immune reactions, ultimately leading to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and juvenile dermatomyositis.1,2 For example, an environmental factor that conclusively affects susceptibility…
Link between Autoimmunity and Environmental Exposure Needs Further Research
Rheumatology needs further cost-effective and validated methods to track the connection between environmental exposure and autoimmune diseases, including research on phenotypes, genotypes, the synergy between multiple infectious and noninfectious exposures, the timing of exposure, and the mechanisms involved, according to presenters of “Impact of Environmental Health on Autoimmunity,” a session here at the 2011 ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meeting held in Chicago in November 2011.