Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune 
disease that predominantly affects women and is 
characterized by widespread immunologic abnormalities. 
The disease involves multiple organs including the skin, 
joints, and kidney, as well as the peripheral and central 
nervous systems. Significant progress has been made to 
elucidate the role of several loci and genes on the 
pathogenesis of SLE. In addition to the studies of genetic 
factors involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, progress has 
also been made on identifying environmental factors 
involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Therefore, 
overview of the environmental factors in the pathogenesis 
of SLE is quite informative for all researchers in the world. 
In this review, we discuss the historical and recent findings 
on the role of possible environmental factors such as sex 
hormones, viral infections (Epstein-Barr virus, Human 
Cytomegalovirus, 
Parvovirus
 B19,
 Retroviruses), 
ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoking and alcohol 
consumption on SLE. In addition, I propose an interesting 
interaction between infectious agents, microRNAs and anti
dsDNA antibody production in the pathogenesis of SLE.  
Keywords: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Sex hormones, 
Infectious agents, Ultraviolet