Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
780
Exposure to Occupational Inhalants and the Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and
Qianwen Liu1, Xin Song2, Emily Mauro3
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Arthritis & Rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Occupational inhalant exposure, including silica and asbestos, is linked to a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This highlights the need for workplace safety measures to prevent RA.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with known risk factors like smoking.
- The impact of occupational inhalant exposure on RA development is less understood.
- This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding workplace inhalants and RA risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the association between occupational inhalant exposure and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk.
- To quantify the risk of RA associated with various occupational inhalants.
- To inform workplace prevention strategies and future research.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
- Included population-based cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies with reliable RA ascertainment and exposure data.
Main Results:
- Twenty-five studies involving 10 types of occupational inhalants were meta-analyzed.
- Significant RA risk increases (RR 1.25-1.49) were found for silica, asbestos, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, animal dust, and engine exhaust.
- Moderate to high heterogeneity was noted in seven meta-analyses.
Conclusions:
- Occupational inhalant exposures are associated with an elevated risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Workplace prevention strategies are crucial for mitigating RA risk.
- Further research into the biological mechanisms linking inhalants to RA is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.3K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.3K
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
15.2K
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
15.2K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.0K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.0K
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.2K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.2K
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
1.0K
Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
1.0K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
1.5K
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
1.5K