Abstract:
Background. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease with a major impact on
patients’ quality of life and functional capacity. Although its exact etiology remains largely
unknown, both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been shown to be associated
with an increased risk of its development.
Objective(s). The aim of the study is to identify and synthesize the risk factors associated
with rheumatoid arthritis, using a method based on critical analysis of relevant scientific
literature.
Materials and methods. 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024 were selected from the PubMed Central database. The included studies focused on identifying risk
factors for rheumatoid arthritis and employed case–control, retrospective cohort, and
prospective cohort designs. A narrative, descriptive, and qualitative synthesis of the data
was performed.
Results. The analysis of the literature demonstrated a consistent association between
smoking and elevated risk of rheumatoid arthritis (OR 1.15–3.1; RR 1.10–2.47; HR 9.6).
Inhalation of silica dust (OR 1.22–3.5), textile dust (OR 2.5–3.5), and air pollution (OR 1.15–
1.45; HR 1.14) were also identified as contributing factors. High BMI (OR 1.13–1.45),
intestinal dysbiosis (e.g., Haemophilus spp., Prevotella copri), and genetic markers (HLADRB1, PTPN22) were significantly linked to the disease. In contrast, the Mediterranean diet,
omega-3 fatty acids, fish intake, and vitamin D were associated with a reduced risk (OR 0.57–
0.91; RR 0.65–0.76).
Conclusion(s). The analysis confirms the multifactorial etiology of rheumatoid arthritis,
showing a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and modifiable risk factors
such as smoking, diet, obesity, occupational exposures, and hormonal imbalances
influencing disease development.
