title: Environmental and gene-environment interactions and risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: Multiple environmental factors including hormones, dietary factors, infections, and exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as gene-environment interactions, have been associated with increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The growing understanding of the prolonged period before the first onset of symptoms of RA suggests that these environmental and genetic factors are likely acting to drive the development of RA-related autoimmunity long before the appearance of the first joint symptoms and clinical findings that are characteristic of RA. This article reviews these factors and interactions, especially those that have been investigated in a prospective fashion before the symptomatic onset of RA.
authors: Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. ekarlson@partners.org
authors: Elizabeth W
authors: EW
authors: Karlson
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Deane
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances