Inflammatory Arthritis and the Environment: Causes and Consequences of Spondyloarthritis

TL;DR

This review explores how environmental factors like pollution, smoking, and gut bacteria contribute to the development and progression of spondyloarthritis, alongside genetic risks.

Contribution

The paper highlights novel insights into how environmental factors interact with immune responses and gut microbiota to influence spondyloarthritis.

Findings

Environmental particulate matter activates Th17 cells, potentially worsening autoinflammatory processes in SpA.

Smoking alters immune responses by affecting cytokines and receptors like IL-15 and VEGF.

Gut microbiota disruptions may trigger inflammation via the gut–joint–skin axis involving Th1 and Th17 cells.

Abstract

The extensive research and studies conducted over the past decade have greatly improved our comprehension of the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with Spondyloarthritis (SpA). In addition, they have contributed to the advancement of novel therapeutic approaches. Although genetics still represents the primary risk factor for SpA, increasing evidence presented in this review suggests that environmental factors—such as air pollution, smoking, gut microbiota (GM), infections, and diet—also contribute to its pathogenesis. In detail, environmental particulate matters (PMs), which include ligands for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor—a cytosolic transcription factor responsive to toxic substances—facilitate the differentiation of T Helper 17 (Th17) cells, potentially exacerbating the autoinflammatory processes associated with SpA. Furthermore, smoking influences both the cellular and humoral aspects of the immune response, resulting in leukocytosis, impaired leukocyte functionality, and a decrease in various cytokines and soluble receptors, including interleukin (IL) 15, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), as well as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor. Studies have indicated that patients with SpA exhibit an increased prevalence of antibodies directed against a conserved epitope shared by the human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27)- and Klebsiella nitrogenase, in comparison to HLA-B27-positive controls. Additionally, current evidence regarding the GM suggests the presence of a gut–joint–skin axis, wherein the disruption of the mucosal barrier by specific bacterial species may enhance permeability to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), resulting in localized inflammation mediated by Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as IL-17A. Finally, this review discusses the role of diet in shaping the microbial composition and its contribution to the pathogenesis of SpA. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which environmental factors influence the pathogenesis and progression of the disease could facilitate the development of novel personalized therapies targeting both external and internal environmental exposures, such as the gut microbial ecosystem.