2023-09-08 07:15:41
by Carlo Selmi
New data fuel the hypothesis of a greater risk of this autoimmune disease among those who are more exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, substances that can derive from combustion
I have read that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, derived for example from cigarette smoking and grilling, are associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis: is this true?
He replies
Carlo Selmi
Head of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Institute, Milan (
VAI AL FORUM
).
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that, although systemic, mainly affects the small joints of the hands and feet which become painful, swollen and stiff, especially when waking up in the morning. It is a non-rare disease that affects just under 1% of the general population, particularly women in 80% of cases. North America is consistently one of the highest regions in terms of rheumatoid arthritis prevalence, with a 19% increase between 1990 and 2017 suggesting a better chance of early diagnosis but also the possibility that other environmental factors explain this increase.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered the result of interactions between individual susceptibility linked to sex, age, and above all genetic factors (well represented by other cases of rheumatoid arthritis in the family) and environment. Among environmental factors, it has long been demonstrated that cigarette smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and makes its progression more aggressive over time, while in the past a correlation had also been demonstrated with professional exposure to textile dust, asbestos or harmful agents.
Specific toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a class of ubiquitous chemicals formed by the burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, or tobacco, or through the grilling of meat. To define the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, cigarette smoking and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a study recently published in BMJ Open by American researchers who used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a database of information, is of particular interest. on the general US population, also including exposure to toxic substances in biological samples. The study demonstrated that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is associated with a greater risk of rheumatoid arthritis in smokers and non-smokers alike. In fact, the differences observed indicate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are responsible for the majority of the risk of rheumatoid arthritis linked to cigarette smoking. However, although levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons tend to be higher in smokers, they are also found in most of the population and can result from motor vehicle exhaust, natural gas, wood smoke or coal fires, and consumption of grilled foods.
September 8, 2023 (changed September 8, 2023 | 07:15)
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