Environment and lupus-related diseases.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Clinical lupus presentations vary across distinct entities like cutaneous lupus, SLE, and overlap syndromes.
• Despite recognized differences, common clinical and serological patterns suggest a potential spectrum of disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the hypothesis that various lupus entities represent a spectrum of a single disease.
• To review and update the role of traditional and novel environmental factors in lupus pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical and serological patterns in lupus-related syndromes.
• Analysis of established and emerging environmental triggers associated with lupus.

Main Results:

• Traditional SLE triggers include sunlight, UV radiation, infections, smoking, and certain medications (e.g., TNF-a blockers).
• Emerging factors such as vaccine exposure and industrial estrogens warrant further investigation in lupus development.

Conclusions:

• Lupus entities might exist on a disease spectrum, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
• Environmental triggers play a significant role in the diverse clinical manifestations observed across lupus-related syndromes.