Why PM2.5 is attacking your joints, even before symptoms show up, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• A study in Delhi reveals a link between PM2.5 air pollution and worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
• Long-term exposure to PM2.5 can trigger autoimmune responses, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
• Nearly 20% of Delhi residents may have pre-clinical autoimmunity due to polluted environments.
• Rheumatology OPDs in Delhi see an increase in patients with complications during winter months when the Air Quality Index (AQI) dips.

Detailed Insights:

• PM2.5 particles enter the bloodstream through the lungs, triggering inflammation and damaging cells, leading to an imbalance in the immune system.
• Exposure to polluted air can cause the body to produce autoantibodies, indicating early signs of autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Molecular mimicry occurs when altered proteins mimic the synovium, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints.
• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience reactivation of symptoms like swelling, pain, and stiffness during periods of high pollution.
• Preventive measures include avoiding morning walks, wearing high-quality masks, using air purifiers, and temporary relocation outside of Delhi.
• Elderly patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight, eat fresh foods, take vitamin supplements, exercise indoors, stay hydrated, and sleep well.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, a major air pollutant.
• Autoimmunity: A condition where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs.
• Inflammation: A localized physical condition characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
• Synovium: The soft tissue that lines the inner surface of joints and tendons.