Genetic factors are involved in autoimmune diseases . A fundamental feature of complex diseases is their tendency to cluster within families , a phenomenon known as familial aggregation . This clustering of a particular phenotype is evident when the incidence of a disease is significantly higher among the relatives of an affected individual than in the broader population . 3
Epigenetic modifications refer to the molecular processes influencing gene expression while leaving the DNA sequence unchanged . Examples of these epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation , histone modification , and the involvement of non-coding RNA . 1 Epigenetic modifications can indicate the cellular condition , functionality , and the effects of environmental influences . 1
Evidence supports the role of the environment in the development of autoimmune diseases . 30 Environmental factors exert a more significant influence on the pathophysiology of autoimmune disorders than do genetics . 15 Recently , there has been an increasing focus on various environmental factors , particularly synthetic chemicals , and their contributions to developing autoimmune diseases . 15 An individual ’ s cumulative exposure to external and internal factors throughout their lifetime plays a role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases . 15 Prominent environmental factors include toxic chemicals , dietary components , and infectious agents . Toxic chemicals are pervasive , found in our food , beverages , everyday products , the atmosphere , and even the soil we walk on . 15 These substances can inflict direct damage on self-tissues , leading to the release of autoantigens , or they may interact with human tissue antigens to create neoantigens , thereby triggering an autoimmune response that results in autoimmunity . 15 Toxic chemicals ( e . g ., solvents , pesticides , herbicides , metals , heavy metals , smoke ) can induce various autoimmune responses through diverse cellular and biochemical mechanisms , 15 such as via altering cellular proliferation , Th1 , Th2 , Th3 , Th17 , apoptosis , tissuespecific function , increasing reactive oxygen species production and the induction of DNA fragmentation , inflammation , and modification of DNA methylation , inducing changes in gene expression . 15
The daily diet often contains colourants , preservatives , and chemicals from packaging , which may render the food antigenic for individuals with specific susceptibilities . 15 The attachment of food colourants to human tissue proteins plays a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying autoimmunity . 15 The most common mechanism for food-related autoimmunity is molecular mimicry , in which the food ’ s molecular structure is similar to the structure of one or more self-tissues . 15 The principal determinant governing immune responses related to food is the mechanism of oral tolerance . Exposure to various environmental factors , including toxic substances , can compromise this mechanism . When oral tolerance is impaired , it may lead to or trigger immune reactions against dietary antigens , potentially initiating or worsening autoimmune diseases due to the molecular mimicry between food antigens and human tissue antigens . 15 Research has identified multiple gluten peptides that can activate intestinal T-helper cells in individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease . 15 Cow ’ s milk proteins ( e . g ., α-casein , β-casein , κ-casein , and β-lactoglobulin ) are the most common food allergens affecting young infants , children , and adults . 15
Various infectious agents , including viruses , bacteria , parasites , and fungi , may trigger autoimmunity . 31 Following the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ), evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection plays a role in immune dysregulation and the development of autoimmunity . 31 Typically , the onset of autoimmune conditions is not attributed to a singular infection ; instead , it is often the cumulative effect of multiple childhood infections that contribute to autoimmunity . 31 Infectious agents can induce autoimmune diseases through molecular mimicry , epitope spreading , viral persistence , bystander activation , polyclonal activation , autoinflammatory activation of innate immunity , and dysregulation of immune homeostasis . 31 While infections may not always be the primary cause of autoimmunity , they can occasionally localise at the sites of autoimmune inflammation , thereby influencing the autoimmune condition in three distinct manners : they may worsen the existing disease , resulting
THE DAILY DIET OFTEN CONTAINS COLOURANTS , PRESERVATIVES , AND CHEMICALS FROM PACKAGING , WHICH MAY RENDER THE FOOD ANTIGENIC FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIFIC SUSCEPTIBILITIES . 15
208 | vol30 | no4 | JATMS