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Review
. 2024 Jul 17;25(14):7814.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25147814.

Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Rafał Bilski  1 , Piotr Kamiński  2   3 , Daria Kupczyk  1 , Sławomir Jeka  4 , Jędrzej Baszyński  2 , Halina Tkaczenko  5 , Natalia Kurhaluk  5
Affiliations
Review

Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Rafał Bilski et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals and lifestyle factors like smoking contribute to the production of free oxygen radicals. This fact, combined with a lowered total antioxidant status, can induce even more damage in the development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Despite the fact that some researchers are looking for more genetic factors underlying AS, most studies focus on polymorphisms within the genes encoding the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system. The biggest challenge is finding the effective treatment of the disease. Genetic factors and the influence of oxidative stress, mineral metabolism disorders, microbiota, and tobacco smoking seem to be of great importance for the development of AS. The data contained in this review constitute valuable information and encourage the initiation and development of research in this area, showing connections between inflammatory disorders leading to the pathogenesis of AS and selected environmental and genetic factors.

Keywords: HLA; IL-17; IL-23; ankylosing spondylitis; oxidative stress; pathophysiological state; reactive oxygen species.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The schematic image of the IL-23/IL-17 pathway.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The schematic image of calcium activated immune response.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The schematic shows abnormalities in element concentration and their influence on the pathomechanisms underlying AS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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