Carolina Ramírez-Santana, Colombia
School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center for Autoimmune Diseases ResearchPresenter of 1 Presentation
AIR POLLUTION: AN INVISIBLE ENEMY OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Abstract
Background and Aims
Environmental factors are triggering elements in the development of autoimmune diseases (ADs). High levels of air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM), increase the incidence and severity of ADs. PM is composed of acids, organic chemicals, metals and dust from primary or secondary sources. Nowadays, several studies have shown that PM exposure is associated with type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Methods
In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that air pollution can cause an imbalance of T cells, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, local pulmonary inflammation, oxidative stress and changes in methylation, all these favoring the onset and exacerbation of ADs.
Results
Exposure to diesel exhaust particles seems to be responsible for RA development, at least in genetically susceptible individuals, through the production of IL-18, autophagy, apoptosis, and protein citrullination. PM2.5 levels were associated with anti-dsDNA antibodies in a cohort of SLE patients. In an experimental animal model of Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS), PM exacerbated the pulmonary response. The mice showed lymphocytic peribronchial infiltrates with decreased alveolar space. Likewise, patients with dry eye associated with SS have severe ocular surface abnormalities due to air pollution. Crystalline silica is another component of PM that has shown a strong association with ADs development.
Conclusions
The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which air pollution generate an immune imbalance change according to the physiological interaction and the exposure time. The use of multiple omics techniques will provide solid scientific evidence to understand these mechanisms on the development of chronic diseases.