Environmental factors and hormones in the development of rheumatoid arthritis

Semin Immunopathol. 2017 Jun;39(4):461-468. doi: 10.1007/s00281-017-0624-2. Epub 2017 Apr 27.

Abstract

The etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is partially understood. Genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors and their interactions are considered to play an important role on disease development. The relative contribution of environmental factors to RA development is probably larger than previously thought. The aim of this review is to appraise robust evidence about the role of environmental and hormonal risk factors for RA. We will discuss inhaled pollutants, nutritional habits, infectious, hormonal, and reproductive factors. As some of these factors are potentially modifiable, understanding their impact on RA development opens new opportunities for potential interventions and disease prevention.

Keywords: Environmental factors; Hormonal factors; Reproductive factors; Rheumatoid arthritis; Risk factors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / adverse effects
  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / etiology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Environment*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Hormones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Infections / complications
  • Infections / etiology
  • Reproductive History

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Hormones