How Xenobiotics Trigger AD

Posted by Elaine Moore Nov 22, 2006

Toxins are plant or chemical substances that have the ability to cause harm. Many toxins are referred to as xenobiotics. Xenobiotics are natural or synthetic chemicals with the capability of reacting with our body's cells and other structures in place of the body's natural biochemicals. For instance, some xenobiotics combine with the body's natural enzymes and form substances with altered properties. Xenobiotic chemicals damage our body's chemical mechanisms by reacting with one molecule at a time. Xenobiotics are well-known causes of autoimmune diseases, with specific xenobiotics linked to specific autoimmune diseases.

A number of chemicals construed as toxic waste found in contaminated water supplies are linked to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). This accounts for the clustering effect in which certain geographic areas have higher incidences of PBC and also primary sclerosing cholangitis, with higher incidences of these autoimmune liver disorders found near toxic-waste cites in New York City.

Heavy metals such as lead and mercury, and organic solvents such as trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) are considered triggers for Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Studies show that the variability in severity seen in WG tend to correlate with toxin exposure, with the most aggressive cases seen in patients with the highest incidence of self-reported exposure to toxins. Similar to toxin exposure in other autoimmune diseases, symptoms tend to improve and the disease course in WG tends to wane when steps are taken to reduce exposure to environmental toxins.

Perchlorate in rocket fuel and fertilizers is a well-known trigger for autoimmune hypothyroidism. Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and lupus disorders are also associated with environmental toxins from pesticides and industrial waste. Exposure to silica dust is known to cause scleroderma, and exposure to mercury in vaccines is associated with autoimmune autism.

While it is impossible to avoid toxins completely, we can minimize risk by using natural cleaning products such as lavender oil, baking soda, lemon, and vinegar. We can also use natural cosmetics, eat organic food, and avoid exposure to any unnecessary chemicals including bug sprays. In the workplace, we can be mindful of environmental safety, using established engineering controls and other safety precautions to minimize our exposure to harmful chemicals.

Resources:

Katherine Sole, Living near toxic-waste sites linked to increased incidence of primary biliary cirrhosis, Nature Clinical practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2006 3, 299-300.

Diana Fairechild Toxins on Board, www.Paxpax.org/toxins.html

Albert Clarkin, Wegener's granulomatosis: Possible role of environmental agents in its pathogenesis, Arthritis Rheum, 2004, Aug 15;51(4): 656-664.