Can environment affect autoimmune diseases? Dr. Kalil and experts explain

Genetic predisposition plays a relevant role in the development of autoimmune diseases, but it is not the only determining factor. According to experts, environmental factors act as essential triggers for the disease to manifest itself, even in individuals with a family history.

The topic was covered on the CNN Vital Signs program this Saturday (26). Dr. Roberto Kalil received rheumatologist Ana Luisa Garcia Calich and dermatologist Cristina Abdalla, both from Hospital Sírio Libanês.

Calich explained that the genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases is not limited to a single gene, but rather to a "conjunction of genes". "The curious thing is that sometimes they are genes that are not specific to a disease. This explains why families tend to have autoimmune diseases, but one has hashimotos and another has lupus", explained the specialist.

To illustrate that genetics alone is not enough to determine the onset of the disease, the rheumatologist cited the example of identical twins, who share 100% of their DNA.

"One twin who has lupus, the other has a 25% to 50% chance of having lupus too. It's much higher than the population probability, but it's not 100%. If it were just genetics it would be 100%", he explained.

Environmental factors as triggers
Among the environmental factors capable of triggering autoimmune diseases, Ana Luisa mentioned smoking, which already has a well-established relationship with rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity has also been cited as a pro-inflammatory factor. "A patient with psoriasis, who is obese, has a greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis", he exemplified.

Infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis, have been linked to multiple sclerosis and lupus. Stress and intestinal microbiota were also identified as relevant factors.

"The bacteria that we have in the intestine are also part of the process of developing autoimmunity", highlighted Calich.

In addition, the consumption of ultra-processed foods was related to increased risk, due to the changes they cause in the intestinal microbiota. "Eating well is also important to avoid", he highlighted.

Autoimmune diseases that affect the skin
Dermatologist Cristina Abdalla addressed autoimmune diseases with visible manifestations on the skin, highlighting lupus, which causes characteristic butterfly wing-shaped spots on the face, and psoriasis, with lesions that can appear on the elbow, hands and scalp.

In addition to appearance, these patients often suffer from symptoms such as itching, burning and discomfort, as well as restrictions such as the impossibility of exposure to sunlight, in the case of photosensitive diseases such as lupus.

Cristina also highlighted the impact of these conditions on patients' quality of life. "This individual goes to work, he has an injury to his hand, he will have to greet someone, so that is uncomfortable", he reported.

The specialist mentioned the existence of specific questionnaires to measure the quality of life of these patients, and stated that, in some cases, even minor injuries can cause an impact as significant as serious illnesses. "Today we have many treatment options, fortunately, for these diseases", he concluded.

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Source: CNN