Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation

Although UV radiation exposure may exacerbate pre-existing SLE, it remains unclear whether UV exposure plays a role in the pathogenesis of SLE(62).Only a few case-control studies have been able to examine UV radiation exposure and risk of SLE(68-70), and these have been limited by potential inaccuracy of exposure assessment, and influenced by recall and reverse causation bias, given that photosensitivity due to SLE can be present well before diagnosis.Experimental studies suggest that UV-B radiation results in induction of reactive oxygen species, leading to DNA damage(63), production of novel forms of autoantigens and autoreactive T cells(64, 65), and may have immunomodulatory effects on T cells and cytokines (66, 67), all potentially involved in to SLE pathogenesis.Large, well-controlled studies are still needed to prospectively assess the relationship of UV-B radiation with incident SLE.