Silicone breast implants and the risk of autoimmune/rheumatic disorders: a real-world analysis

Environmental factors in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome

“…However, the association was driven by two studies of self‐reported disease, and the five other studies did not report statistically significant associations. A recent study on SBIs and risks of various autoimmune diseases identified by ICD‐9 codes suggested an increased risk of SS in women with SBIs (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.26–1.97) (Table ). Even though some studies have reported a link between SBIs and increased risk of SS, a majority of the conducted studies have not.…”

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) demonstrates distinct autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease associations according to the adjuvant subtype: Insights from an analysis of 500 cases

“…Concerning exposure to foreign material, silicone are polymers that are commonly used in various medical applications [6]. These compounds significantly elicit immune system activation and responses, leading to tissue alterations and injuries.…”

“…A robust proof of this is given by the fact that removing SBIs leads to amelioration of the symptoms [31]. In addition, we have recently performed a nation-wide crosssectional study including more than 24 thousand women with SBIs and more than 98 thousand matched with SBIs to assess the link between SBIs and autoimmunity [6]. The adjusted risk of being diagnosed with an autoimmune/rheumatic disorder was computed to be 1.…”

“…The term adjuvant denotes several substances that drive innate immune system pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activation and are commonly used in vaccines to boost immune reactivity towards antigens [2,3]. Many substances beyond vaccine adjuvants such as liquid paraffin, silicone gel, acrylamides, hyaluronic acid, and methacrylate compounds have adjuvant properties [4][5][6]. Aluminium is the adjuvant most commonly incorporated into vaccines and after many years of widespread use, contrasting data on its toxicity and immune adverse events have been reported [7,8].…”

Sarcoidosis as an Autoimmune Disease

“…Among the chemicals which may be a triggering factor in patients with sarcoidosis, silicone holds a special place (34). This material, being considered biologically inert, is widely used in breast implants, artificial joints, shunts for patients with hydrocephalus, and catheters.…”