Description
Regional differences in the prevalence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis have been described throughout the world. In Europe, a North-South gradient of decreasing prevalence and severity seems also to exist. Most of this variation can be explained by genetic differences. In fact, the rheumatoid epitope, which is associated with disease severity, has a higher frequency in the Anglo-Saxon population. However, recent data point also to environmental factors, such as climate, sun exposure, diet and pathogen prevalence. Whilst diet and climate can modulate pain and inflammation, their role in determining the degree of disease severity or its incidence remains unknown. In this review, the epidemiology of RA in Europe and the role of potential risk factors for disease are discussed.
