Genetic and environmental risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis
KD Deane, MK Demoruelle, LB Kelmenson… - Best practice & research …, 2017 - Elsevier
Multiple genetic and environmental factors have been associated with an increased risk for
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of these, the strongest associations have been seen with female
sex, a family history of RA, the genetic factor the “shared epitope,” and exposure to tobacco
smoke. There is also renewed interest in mucosal inflammation and microbial factors as
contributors to the development of RA. However, the identification of a “preclinical” period of
RA that can be defined as local or systemic autoimmunity as measured by autoantibodies …
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Of these, the strongest associations have been seen with female
sex, a family history of RA, the genetic factor the “shared epitope,” and exposure to tobacco
smoke. There is also renewed interest in mucosal inflammation and microbial factors as
contributors to the development of RA. However, the identification of a “preclinical” period of
RA that can be defined as local or systemic autoimmunity as measured by autoantibodies …