The role of environmental heavy metals and the risks for autoimmunity and related rheumatic diseases

Heavy metal exposure has been associated with the development of autoimmune rheumatic diseases in susceptible individuals.We briefly reviewed the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which metals can affect auto proteins and convert them into neoantigens and analyse the potential integrin-dependent signalling pathways that result in the production of inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies.We critically assess autoimmunity related to heavy metal exposure.We also discuss environmental measures to prevent environmental pollution and conclude that heavy metal environmental pollution is an unacceptable, yet preventable, problem.