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Abstract

Case reports suggest that solvents are associated with various connective tissue diseases (systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosis, and rheumatoid arthritis), particularly systemic sclerosis. A small number of epidemiological studies have shown statistically significant but weak associations between solvent exposure, systemic sclerosis, and undifferentiated connective tissue disease. However, the interpretation of these positive findings is tempered by a lack of replication, an inability to specify which solvents convey risk, and an absence of increasing risk with increasing exposure. Existing studies, on aggregate, do not show conclusively that solvents (either as a group of chemicals or individual chemicals) are causally associated with any connective tissue disease. Further investigations should be carried out to replicate the positive existing findings and to specify the solvents and circumstances of exposure that carry risk. The electronic version of this article can be found online at http://arthritis-research.com/content/2/1/005 © Current Science Ltd CI = confidence interval; HLA = human leukocyte antigen; OR = odds ratio; SLE = systemic lupus erythematosus; SSc = systemic sclerosis; UCTD = undifferentiated connective tissue disease.

Environmental Pollution by Benzene and PM10 and Clinical Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis: A Correlation Study

“…Although there are critical issues in establishing an association between exposure and disease outcome in rare chronic diseases such as scleroderma [ 15 ], our study suggests that environmental exposure, in particular to B, could influence the severity of SSc. The association between this disease and exposure to environmental agents, such as toluene and B, is supported by several case reports and case-control studies [ 16 ].…”

Caffeine, Coffee, Tea and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

“…The mechanism involved seems to be the method of extracting caffeine from coffee by direct application of industrial solvents including benzene, acetone, ammonium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, chloroform, ether, alcohol, trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride ( 52 ). Chronic ingestion of solvent residues, even small quantities, could result in connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma, lupus, and RA ( 53 ). Additionally, decaffeinated coffee has a smaller even higher antioxidant activity than regular coffee ( 54 , 55 ).…”

Dietary Habits and Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Diet Influence Disease Development and Clinical Manifestations?

“…On the contrary, specific molecules and products used in coffee processing and preparation may have a role in increasing RA risk: diterpene cafestol, found in unfiltered coffee brews, could increase RF and the risk of RA [56,59]. Moreover, solvent used for extraction of caffeine from beans have been related to RA risk, as well as other connective tissue diseases [60].…”