Anti-phospholipid Antibodies and Smoking: An Overview.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) involves antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), often co-occurring with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Previous research noted a connection between smoking and aPL, particularly in SLE patients who exhibit higher rates of vascular events.
• Emerging evidence suggests links between periodontitis, tobacco use, and aPL, with potential roles in citrullination and rheumatoid arthritis autoantibodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize the clinical evidence supporting an association between smoking and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
• To explore this link in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and other medical conditions.
• To address the complexities in evaluating smoking's independent contribution to thrombosis risk due to its association with aPL.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing clinical studies and literature.
• Analysis of data concerning smoking habits, aPL prevalence, and associated clinical outcomes.
• Discussion of challenges in aPL measurement and interpretation.

Main Results:

• A consistent association between cigarette smoking and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) is observed across various patient groups.
• Smokers with aPL, especially those with SLE, demonstrate a higher frequency of thrombotic events.
• Methodological variations in aPL testing complicate the definitive assessment of smoking's independent impact.

Conclusions:

• Clinical evidence supports a significant link between smoking and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).
• This association may contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis, particularly in individuals with autoimmune conditions.
• Further research is needed to disentangle the specific contributions of smoking and aPL to disease pathogenesis and outcomes.