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Journal article
Epidemiology of environmental exposures and human autoimmune diseases: Findings from a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Expert Panel Workshop
Journal of autoimmunity, v 39(4), pp 259-271
01 Dec 2012
PMCID: PMC3496812
PMID: 22739348
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Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (AID) are a collection of many complex disorders of unknown etiology resulting in immune responses to self-antigens and are thought to result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Here we review the epidemiologic evidence for the role of environmental factors in the development of human AID, the conclusions that can be drawn from the existing data, critical knowledge gaps, and research needed to fill these gaps and to resolve uncertainties. We specifically summarize the state of knowledge and our levels of confidence in the role of specific agents in the development of autoimmune diseases, and we define the areas of greatest impact for future investigations. Among our consensus findings we are confident that: 1) crystalline silica exposure can contribute to the development of several AID; 2) solvent exposure can contribute to the development of systemic sclerosis; 3) smoking can contribute to the development of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis; and 4) an inverse association exists between ultraviolet radiation exposure and the risk of development of multiple sclerosis. We suggest that more studies of phenotypes, genotypes, and multiple exposures are needed. Additional knowledge gaps needing investigation include: defining important windows in the timing of exposures and latencies relating to age, developmental state, and hormonal changes; understanding dose response relationships; and elucidating mechanisms for disease development. Addressing these essential issues will require more resources to support research, particularly of rare AID, but knowledge of the risks conferred by environmental. factors in specific genetic contexts could pave the way for prevention of AID in the future. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Details
- Title
- Epidemiology of environmental exposures and human autoimmune diseases: Findings from a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Expert Panel Workshop
- Creators
- Frederick W. Miller - National Institute of Environmental Health SciencesLars Alfredsson - Karolinska InstitutetKaren H. Costenbader - Brigham and Women's HospitalDiane L. Kamen - Medical University of South CarolinaLorene M. Nelson - Stanford UniversityJill M. Norris - Colorado School of Public HealthAnneclaire J. De Roos - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- Publication Details
- Journal of autoimmunity, v 39(4), pp 259-271
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- intramural and extramural programs of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH R21ES017934; ZIAES101074 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000313465800003
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-84869864800
- Other Identifier
- 991020099055004721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Immunology