Climate Change and the Exposome in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Climate change is a significant driver of environmental shifts, impacting the exposome.
• Exposomal changes affect immune regulation through pathways like oxidative stress and dysbiosis.
• Autoimmune rheumatic diseases may be influenced by these climate-driven immune disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence linking climate-related exposomal changes to immune dysfunction and autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
• To identify vulnerable populations and discuss clinical and public health implications.
• To propose research priorities for a climate-informed exposome framework in rheumatology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current evidence.
• Analysis of climate-related exposomal factors (air quality, temperature, etc.).
• Examination of immune mechanisms (oxidative stress, dysbiosis, trained immunity).

Main Results:

• Climate change reshapes the exposome, affecting immune regulation.
• Specific exposomal shifts are linked to increased risk of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
• Vulnerable populations face disproportionately higher risks.

Conclusions:

• A climate-informed exposome framework is crucial for understanding and managing autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
• Anticipatory and equitable care in rheumatology is necessary in the context of global environmental change.
• Further research is needed to elucidate specific mechanisms and inform interventions.