Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Investigator: Daniel A. Albert, M.D., Professor of Medicine
 

Location: University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Timeline: January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2005

Abstract:  Wegener’s Granulomatosis (WG) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the sinus pulmonary tract and other organs of unknown etiology. Both allergic (sinusitis) and infectious (staphylococcus aureus) factors are thought to play a role, but other factors remain to be elucidated. Previous studies have focused on environmental exposures that might provide further stimulation for this autoimmune process. These studies suggest that exposure to heavy metals (mercury and possibly lead), aromatic hydrocarbons, and silica may precede the onset of Wegener’s and that one possible source is through contaminated ground water in wells. This study will assess these risk factors in greater detail through a questionnaire survey of patients with Wegener’s versus controls with either gout or osteoarthritis. In addition, we will directly measure heavy metal exposure through a blood test that will quantify body burden of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic and other heavy metals. These data will provide new information regarding environmental exposures that may be casually linked to Wegener’s Granulomatosis.

This is a pilot study that will provide preliminary data necessary to justify an RO1 application. We plan to utilize this data to support a proposal to examine the role of these factors in animal models of vasculitis and in future studies on patients with Wegener’s Granulomatosis.