title: Environmental influences on systemic lupus erythematosus expression.
abstract: The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unknown, but multiple genetic, epigenetic, and environmental risk factors have been implicated. The inheritance of genes alone is not sufficient for developing SLE, suggesting the influence of environmental triggers on disease expression. Despite the tremendous amount of progress in elucidating potential environmental risk factors for SLE, much more needs to be done. An interdisciplinary approach to studies of the causes and, ultimately, prevention of SLE is needed. This article reviews what is understood about the epidemiology of the relationship between environmental exposures and SLE, in addition to emerging areas of study.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 816, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. Electronic address: kamend@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Diane L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kamen
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification; D059647:Gene-Environment Interaction; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013995:Time
keywords: Environment; Etiology; Risk factors; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Vitamin D