The Role of Environmental Toxins in Autoimmune Diseases: Impacts on Human and Wildlife Health

Abstract

Environmental toxins have now become important agents in immune dysregulation in human and animal populations, which has led to the rising prevalence of autoimmune and chronic diseases. The paper summarizes available information on the relationship between exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, industrial pollutants, microplastics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals and impaired immune functioning in diverse species. These toxins may result in oxidative stress, changes in the health of the gut microbes, disruption of the endocrine system, disruption in immune tolerance, and susceptibility to autoimmune reactions. Recent research has revealed that similar harmful effects on the immune systems of the animal species, which include livestock, pets, and wildlife, have similar harmful effects on the immune systems of those species, making the autoimmune diseases of these populations comparable as well. This is because chronic exposure to Dioxin has led to reproductive issues, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory conditions, and a reduced capacity of livestock and wildlife to endure environmental stressors. These are harmful to the health and productivity of animals, and they present severe ecological and public health risks due to their biomagnification and common environmental pathways. Understanding immune responses caused by toxins may be required in the identification of vulnerable species, early biomarkers of exposure, and the creation of effective mitigation measures. As revealed in this review, better environmental surveillance and evidence-based regulatory policies, as well as a combination of research techniques, are required to comprehend the mechanisms through which ecological contaminants cause autoimmune conditions and chronic conditions. These aspects play an important role in solving long-term issues relating to animal health, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem stability.