Estrogen, estrogen-like molecules and autoimmune diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Autoimmune disease (AD) incidence is increasing globally, affecting 5-8% of the population, with higher prevalence in women.
• AD development is linked to a breakdown in thymic tolerance, with estrogen implicated in female susceptibility.
• Environmental factors like viruses, microbiota, and pollution are suspected triggers acting in concert with genetic predisposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of environmental compounds with endocrine-disrupting abilities on autoimmune disease development.
• To explore the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in mediating cellular effects of these compounds.
• To examine how estrogen and endocrine disruptors affect thymic homeostasis and immune tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the interplay between environmental factors, endocrine disruptors, and immune system regulation.
• Analysis of cellular effects mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
• Examination of impacts on thymic cell homeostasis, intrinsic immune tolerance factors (transcription factors, epigenetics), and extrinsic factors (microbiota, viral sensitivity).

Main Results:

• Estrogen plays a role in the increased susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases.
• Environmental endocrine disruptors can influence autoimmune disease development.
• The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a potential mediator of the cellular effects of endocrine-disrupting compounds.

Conclusions:

• Estrogen and environmental endocrine disruptors contribute to the dysregulation of immune tolerance mechanisms.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing strategies to prevent and manage autoimmune diseases.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which environmental factors trigger AD.