A recent study in A&R identifies an association between air pollutants, including fire smoke particulate matter, & both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) & RA-associated interstitial lung disease.
Air Pollution May Increase the Risk of RA & RA-Associated ILD
Exposure to air pollution, such as high levels of particulate matter from fire smoke and fossil fuel-related nitrogen oxides, may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), according to Kronzer et al. Their findings highlight the need for improved monitoring of air pollutants and suggest that addressing air pollution may help prevent RA and RA-associated ILD.
Lupus: Closer to a Cause?
Two studies outline the roles of air pollution and T cell imbalance in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
The Impact of Climate Change
Although research is still emerging, evidence suggests changes in climate, such as increases in heat, pollution and allergens, may increase the risk of flare and hospitalization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic conditions. Paul Dellaripa, MD, discussed the research and how rheumatologists can help their patients.
Environmental Factors in Pediatric Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Systemic autoimmune diseases are thought to result from immune dysregulation in genetically susceptible individuals who were exposed to environmental risk factors. Many studies have identified genetic risk factors for these diseases, but concordance rates among monozygotic twins are 25–40%, suggesting that nonheritable environmental factors play a more prominent role.1,2 Through carefully conducted epidemiologic and other…
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…