Canadian researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to test positive for high levels of antinuclear antibodies, immune proteins that attack the body’s own tissues.

Air pollution doesn’t just pose a threat to your lungs or heart — it can silently be train the immune system to turn against one’s own body.

In a new, recently published in the magazine Rheumatologya team of Canadian researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) were significantly more likely to have elevated levels of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA).

These immune system proteins attack the body’s own tissues and are considered early warning signs for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, notes .

The team of researchers, led by scientists from McGill University and the University of Toronto, analyzed blood samples from 3,548 adults who participated in the Ontario Health Study.

Using satellite data and air quality models, researchers estimated people’s average exposure to PM2.5 based on their addresses during the five years prior to sample collection.

Participants who lived in areas with the highest concentrations of PM2.5 — tiny particles from exhaust automobiles, industry and the burning of fossil fuels — had a 54% higher probability of presenting high levels of ANA compared to those who lived in the cleanest areas.

The risk was particularly pronounced in cases with the highest antibody concentrations, suggesting that the anomalous response of the immune system is intensifies with increased exposure to pollution.

“Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with ANA positivity at high titers,” wrote the study authors, who emphasize that there is a clear dose-response relationship.

Antinuclear autoantibodies are not diseases in themselvesbut its presence, especially at high levels, usually precedes by several years the appearance of autoimmune diseases.

The study revealed that about 1/3 of participants tested positive for ANA at the lowest threshold; women were twice as likely of men to have very high concentrations. Adjustments were made for age, sex, ethnic origin, smoking status, income and urban or rural location, but the link between pollution and antibodies remained strong.

The researchers warn that a positive result for ANA does not mean, in itself, that someone will develop an autoimmune disease, but it is a sign to take into consideration.

As the study is cross-sectional, cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship nor determine whether ANA levels will lead to disease in the future. Long-term studies that follow individuals over several years are needed to clarify these risks.

Canadian researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to test positive for high levels of antinuclear antibodies, immune proteins that attack the body’s own tissues.

Air pollution doesn’t just pose a threat to your lungs or heart — it can silently be train the immune system to turn against one’s own body.

In a new, recently published in the magazine Rheumatologya team of Canadian researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of fine particles in the air (PM2.5) were significantly more likely to have elevated levels of antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA).

These immune system proteins attack the body’s own tissues and are considered early warning signs for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, notes .

The team of researchers, led by scientists from McGill University and the University of Toronto, analyzed blood samples from 3,548 adults who participated in the Ontario Health Study.

Using satellite data and air quality models, researchers estimated people’s average exposure to PM2.5 based on their addresses during the five years prior to sample collection.

Participants who lived in areas with the highest concentrations of PM2.5 — tiny particles from exhaust automobiles, industry and the burning of fossil fuels — had a 54% higher probability of presenting high levels of ANA compared to those who lived in the cleanest areas.

The risk was particularly pronounced in cases with the highest antibody concentrations, suggesting that the anomalous response of the immune system is intensifies with increased exposure to pollution.

“Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with ANA positivity at high titers,” wrote the study authors, who emphasize that there is a clear dose-response relationship.

Antinuclear autoantibodies are not diseases in themselvesbut its presence, especially at high levels, usually precedes by several years the appearance of autoimmune diseases.

The study revealed that about 1/3 of participants tested positive for ANA at the lowest threshold; women were twice as likely of men to have very high concentrations. Adjustments were made for age, sex, ethnic origin, smoking status, income and urban or rural location, but the link between pollution and antibodies remained strong.

The researchers warn that a positive result for ANA does not mean, in itself, that someone will develop an autoimmune disease, but it is a sign to take into consideration.

As the study is cross-sectional, cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship nor determine whether ANA levels will lead to disease in the future. Long-term studies that follow individuals over several years are needed to clarify these risks.