Associations between exposure to OPEs and rheumatoid arthritis risk among adults in NHANES, 2011-2018

TL;DR

This study explores the association between exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) and increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in adults, revealing specific chemicals linked to higher prevalence and complex dose-response relationships.

Contribution

It provides novel evidence of the link between OPE exposure and rheumatoid arthritis, including nonlinear dose-response patterns and subgroup-specific effects.

Findings

Higher OPE levels (DPHP, DBUP) associated with increased RA prevalence

Nonlinear dose-response relationships observed for several OPEs

Stronger associations found among women, the elderly, and individuals with higher BMI

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an intricate etiology that includes environmental factors as well as genetics. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are frequently used as chemical additives in many personal care products and household items. However, there has been limited research on their potential effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The specific associations between OPEs and RA remain largely unexplored. This study investigates any potential associations between adult rheumatoid arthritis risk and exposure to OPEs. We investigated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 among participants over 20 years old. In two models, multivariable logistic regression was utilized to investigate the relationship between exposure to OPEs and RA. Furthermore, subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, and dose exposure response were evaluated. Generalized additive models and smooth curve fits were used to characterize the nonlinear relationship between RA and OPEs. In conclusion, 5490 individuals (RA: 319, Non-RA: 5171) were analyzed. Higher quantiles (Q4) of DPHP and DBUP showed a higher prevalence of RA than the lowest quantiles. Our findings show that adult RA prevalence is higher in those who have been exposed to OPEs (DPHP, DBUP). These correlations seem to be stronger among women, the elderly, those with higher BMIs, and those who have diabetes. The dose-response curve for DPHP and DBUP demonstrated an upward-sloping trend. In contrast, BCEP and BCPP showed a U-shaped relationship and an inverted U-shaped relationship with the probability of RA. BDCPP demonstrates a complex relationship with a peak at lower concentrations followed by a decrease. Our study concludes that exposure to OPEs plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA.