Autoimmune Diseases and Their Relationship with Environmental Pollution

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are characterized by the immune system’s maladaptive response against self-antigens, culminating in chronic inflammation and progressive tissue damage. Although genetic predisposition establishes baseline susceptibility, environmental pollutants—such as heavy metals, pesticides, fine particulate matter (PM۲.۵), and industrial chemicals—are increasingly recognized as pivotal triggers of immune dysregulation. These xenobiotics induce oxidative stress, disrupt immune tolerance by impairing regulatory T-cell function, and modulate critical signaling pathways including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK-STAT. Epidemiological studies corroborate associations between pollutant exposure and heightened incidence or severity of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type ۱ diabetes. This review synthesizes molecular, cellular, and population-based evidence to elucidate the mechanisms by which environmental pollution contributes to the onset and progression of AIDs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Autoimmune diseases ، Environmental pollution ، heavy metals ، Airborne particulate matter ، Oxidative stress