Abstract
Environmental agents have been gaining more attention in recent years for their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (ADs). Increasing evidence has linked environmental exposures, including trichloroethene (TCE), silica, mercury, pristane, pesticides, and smoking to higher risk for ADs. However, potential mechanisms by which these environmental agents contribute to the disease pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is another important environmental factor that has been linked to the onset of different ADs. Altered microbiota composition is associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and dysregulation of mucosal immune system, but it is unclear if gut dysbiosis is a causal factor or an outcome of ADs. In this review article, we first describe the recent epidemiological and mechanistic evidences linking environmental/occupational exposures with various ADs (especially SLE). Secondly, we discuss how changes in the gut microbiome composition (dysbiosis) could contribute to the disease pathogenesis, especially in response to exposure to environmental chemicals.
Highlights
Autoimmune diseases (ADs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc), are chronic and potentially lifethreatening inflammatory disorders
This study further showed that antibiotic treatment inhibited Enterococcus gallinarum growth and T cell response, relieving the autoimmune manifestations [110]
It is becoming clear that environmental agents can trigger autoimmunity in susceptible individuals
Summary
Autoimmune diseases (ADs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc), are chronic and potentially lifethreatening inflammatory disorders. Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding potential cellular, molecular, and immunological mechanisms by which environmental agents contribute to the disease pathogenesis. In addition to physical and environmental agents that can trigger and perpetuate an autoimmune response, gut microbiome can play critical role in such responses. The human microbiome changes could be a significant contributory factor in autoimmunity as an altered microbial composition can induce inflammation. Gut Microbiome in Autoimmune Diseases and loss of immune tolerance [9]. The composition and stability of gut microbiome help with the nutrient absorption and regulate mucosal immune system, dysbiosis can result in multiple ADs [10]. We discuss how changes in the gut microbiome composition (dysbiosis) could contribute to the pathogenesis of ADs, especially in response to xenobiotics
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