Environmental exposures and the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This review examines evidence relating environmental factors to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Recent findings

The strongest epidemiologic evidence exists for the associations of silica, cigarette smoking, oral contraceptives, postmenopausal hormone therapy and endometriosis, with SLE incidence. Recent studies have also provided robust evidence of the association between alcohol consumption and decreased SLE risk. There are preliminary, conflicting or unsubstantiated data that other factors, including air pollution, ultraviolet light, infections, vaccinations, solvents, pesticides and heavy metals such as mercury, are related to SLE risk. Biologic mechanisms linking environmental exposures and SLE risk include increased oxidative str

SUBMITTER: Barbhaiya M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4965307 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature