Autoimmune diseases solvents

Prolonged TCE exposure has been associated with impairment of peripheral nervous system function, persistent neuritis and temporary loss of tactile sense and paralysis of the fingers after direct solvent contact. Chromosomal effects have been reported in those involved in the use of TCE for degreasing and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosis have been reported after chronic TCE exposure. In addition, organic dementia has been noted after occupational exposure to TCE and there have been some reports of an association between exposure and scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. 

Table 11. Epidemiological studies of solvent exposure3 and risk of autoimmune disease...

Studies in laboratory animals have helped elucidate the mechanisms through which exposure to particular solvents may influence the development or progression of autoimmune disease. Antibodies to malondialdehyde, a product of the oxidative degradation of... 

Various solvents have well-known allergic potentials. Allergic symptoms of the respiratory tract (rhinitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, asthma), allergic contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis can be provoked by solvents. The allergic effects of solvents can also contribute to other diseases such as MCS, autoimmune diseases. 

Organic solvents are associated with human autoimmune diseases, but defined pathomechanisms of these solvents have not yet been detected (role of solvents in the initiation or progression of autoimmune diseases). ... 

Exposures to xenobiotics have been associated with the onset of several autoimmune diseases. Lupus [systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)], scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), rheumatoid arthritis, and other maladies have been strongly associated with exposures to single chemicals and mixtures of chemicals. The single chemicals include sihca dust, VC, mercuric chloride, trichloroethylene, HCB, hydrazine, and tartrazine. Mixtures include epoxy resins, hair dyes, paint thinners and other (unspecified) organic solvent mixtures, industrial emissions, airborne particulate matter, and hazardous waste-site emissions [27-32],... 

SLE is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by inflammation and injury to the joints, tendons, and other connective tissues. Organs affected include the lungs, heart, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and skin. SLE onset is associated with exposure to silica. Though earlier studies have suggested that organic solvent exposure can also be causative for SLE, more recent studies have refuted thisJ2,3,9 No literature references were found associating SLE onset with exposures to chemical mixtures. 

---