-
Archivos de Bronconeumologia Aug 2023
Topics: Humans; Silicosis
PubMed: 36967343
DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2023.03.003 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2023Silicosis is a global disease whose prevention efforts cannot be ignored today. Although numerous silicosis-related data have been published recently, emphasizing the... (Review)
Review
Silicosis is a global disease whose prevention efforts cannot be ignored today. Although numerous silicosis-related data have been published recently, emphasizing the characteristics and nature of silicosis, a summary of the developmental laws of research is lacking, especially in the visual analysis of the literature. We aim to address this issue through a scientometric review. The Web of Science Core Collection and the All Databases were searched with "silicosis" as the topic, excluding unrelated publications, and obtained data from 9802 and 1613 publications, respectively. The data was then analyzed using the Web of Science's online scientometric analysis function and CiteSpace's visual analysis functionality, including publication volume analysis, co-occurrence analysis, co-citation analysis, cluster analysis, and explosive detection. The results identify the "respiratory system" as the most influential area over a century. Furthermore, the publication's number was correlated with the gross domestic product. We ranked countries and institutions based on the frequency of publications and discovered that Europe, the USA, and China are the leading regions for silicosis research, with the USA and Europe having a stronger influence. Many reports related to artificial stone and denim jean production have been studied through citation analysis, indicating new epidemic trends in silicosis. Besides, silicosis-related diseases and the pathogenesis of silicosis were the research hotspots of silicosis through co-occurrence keyword analysis and outbreak detection. Furthermore, related diseases include coal workers' pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis, while the mechanism of silicosis includes studies on inflammation and fibrosis, oxidative stress, alveolar macrophages, apoptosis, and pathways.
Topics: Humans; Silicosis; Europe; Inflammation; China
PubMed: 37864705
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30418-7 -
Korean Journal of Radiology Aug 2023Occupational lung diseases (OLD) are a group of preventable conditions caused by noxious inhalation exposure in the workplace. Workers in various industries are at a... (Review)
Review
Occupational lung diseases (OLD) are a group of preventable conditions caused by noxious inhalation exposure in the workplace. Workers in various industries are at a higher risk of developing OLD. Despite regulations contributing to a decreased incidence, OLD remain among the most frequently diagnosed work-related conditions, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) is necessary for a timely diagnosis. Imaging, particularly computed tomography, plays a central role in diagnosing OLD and excluding other inhalational lung diseases. OLD can be broadly classified into fibrotic and non-fibrotic forms. Imaging reflects variable degrees of inflammation and fibrosis involving the airways, parenchyma, and pleura. Common manifestations include classical pneumoconioses, chronic granulomatous diseases (CGD), and small and large airway diseases. Imaging is influenced by the type of inciting exposure. The findings of airway disease may be subtle or solely uncovered upon expiration. High-resolution chest CT, including expiratory-phase imaging, should be performed in all patients with suspected OLD. Radiologists should familiarize themselves with these imaging features to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases; Pneumoconiosis; Occupational Diseases; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37500580
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0274 -
The New England Journal of Medicine May 2024
Review
Topics: Silicosis; Humans; Chronic Disease; Lung; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38738767
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMicm2312247 -
JAMA Internal Medicine Sep 2023Silicosis associated with inhalation of respirable crystalline silica among engineered stone countertop fabrication workers is an emerging health concern.
IMPORTANCE
Silicosis associated with inhalation of respirable crystalline silica among engineered stone countertop fabrication workers is an emerging health concern.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical, socioeconomic, and occupational characteristics of patients diagnosed with silicosis associated with engineered stone in California.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This case series included reported cases of silicosis associated with fabrication of engineered stone countertops, as identified by statewide surveillance by the California Department of Public Health (2019-2022). Data analysis was performed from October 2022 to March 2023.
EXPOSURES
Patient interviews and medical record abstractions were used to assess occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica, including duration of work tenure and preventive measures undertaken.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Demographics, clinical characteristics, health care utilization, and clinical outcomes were obtained, including vital status, hypoxia, and lung transplant.
RESULTS
This case series identified 52 male patients meeting inclusion criteria; median (IQR) age was 45 (40-49) years, and 51 were Latino immigrants. Ten (19%) were uninsured, and 20 (39%) had restricted-scope Medi-Cal; 25 (48%) presented initially to an emergency department. A delay in diagnosis occurred in 30 (58%) patients, most commonly due to alternative initial diagnoses of bacterial pneumonia (9 [30%]) or tuberculosis (8 [27%]). At diagnosis, 20 (38%) patients had advanced disease (progressive massive fibrosis) with severely or very severely reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second in 8 (18%) and 5 (11%), respectively. Of the cases, 10 (19%) were fatal; median (IQR) age at death was 46 (38-51) years, and 6 patients (12%) were alive with chronic resting hypoxia. Eleven were referred for lung transplant: 3 underwent transplant with 1 fatality; 7 were declined transplant, with 6 fatalities; and 1 died prior to listing. Median (IQR) work tenure was 15 (10-20) years; 23 (45%) reported use of water suppression for dust mitigation, and 25 (48%) continued to fabricate stone after being diagnosed with silicosis.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this case series performed in California, silicosis associated with occupational exposure to dust from engineered stone primarily occurred among young Latino immigrant men. Many patients presented with severe disease, and some cases were fatal.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quartz; Silicosis; Silicon Dioxide; Dust; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 37486642
DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3295 -
Pneumologie (Stuttgart, Germany) May 2024A 43-year-old quarry worker, after being exposed to fine quartz dust for 16 years in a German quarry, is on the waiting list for a lung transplant. The inhalation of the...
A 43-year-old quarry worker, after being exposed to fine quartz dust for 16 years in a German quarry, is on the waiting list for a lung transplant. The inhalation of the fine dust irreversibly damaged his lungs and facilitated the occurrence of fulminant mycobacterial and fungal infections, which have already led to a unilateral pneumonectomy and increasing respiratory failure. Despite regular monitoring by the occupational health and safety board, this dramatic development of silicosis could not be prevented.
PubMed: 38782000
DOI: 10.1055/a-2313-4137 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Sep 2023Silica is utilized extensively in industrial and commercial applications as a chemical raw material, increasing its exposure and hazardous potential to populations, with...
Silica is utilized extensively in industrial and commercial applications as a chemical raw material, increasing its exposure and hazardous potential to populations, with silicosis serving as an important representative. Silicosis is characterized by persistent lung inflammation and fibrosis, for which the underlying pathogenesis of silicosis is unclear. Studies have shown that the stimulating interferon gene (STING) participates in various inflammatory and fibrotic lesions. Therefore, we speculated that STING might also play a key role in silicosis. Here we found that silica particles drove the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) release to activate the STING signal pathway, contributing to alveolar macrophages (AMs) polarization by secreting diverse cytokines. Then, multiple cytokines could generate a micro-environment to exacerbate inflammation and promote the activation of lung fibroblasts, hastening fibrosis. Intriguingly, STING was also crucial for the fibrotic effects induced by lung fibroblasts. Loss of STING could effectively inhibit silica particles-induced pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects by regulating macrophages polarization and lung fibroblasts activation to alleviate silicosis. Collectively, our results have revealed a novel pathogenesis of silica particles-caused silicosis mediated by the STING signal pathway, indicating that STING may be regarded as a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of silicosis.
Topics: Humans; Silicon Dioxide; Macrophages, Alveolar; Silicosis; Fibrosis; Cytokines; Fibroblasts
PubMed: 37379600
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131907 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Silicosis is a refractory pneumoconiosis of unknown etiology that is characterized by diffuse lung fibrosis, and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is connected to...
Silicosis is a refractory pneumoconiosis of unknown etiology that is characterized by diffuse lung fibrosis, and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is connected to silicosis. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs modulate pulmonary fibrosis through autophagy; however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In agreement with miRNA microarray analysis, the qRT-PCR results showed that miR-29a-3p was significantly decreased in the pulmonary fibrosis model both in vitro and in vivo. Increased autophagosome was observed via transmission electron microscopy in lung epithelial cell models and lung tissue of silicosis mice. The expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3α/β and Beclin1 were upregulated. The results from using 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, or rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, together with TGF-β1, indicated that autophagy attenuates fibrosis by protecting lung epithelial cells. In TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells, transfection with miR-29a-3p mimics activated protective autophagy and reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen I expression. miRNA TargetScan predicted, and dual-luciferase reporter experiments identified Akt3 as a direct target of miR-29a-3p. Furthermore, Akt3 expression was significantly elevated in the silicosis mouse model and TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of the autophagy process. Silencing Akt3 inhibited the transduction of the mTOR signaling pathway and activated autophagy in TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. These results show that miR-29a-3p overexpression can partially reverse the fibrotic effects by activating autophagy of the pulmonary epithelial cells regulated by the Akt3/mTOR pathway. Therefore, targeting miR-29a-3p may provide a new therapeutic strategy for silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Autophagy; Fibrosis; Mammals; MicroRNAs; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Silicon Dioxide; Silicosis; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Humans
PubMed: 37511199
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411440 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Apr 2024As a fatal occupational disease with limited therapeutic options, molecular mechanisms underpinning silicosis are still undefined. Herein, single-cell RNA sequencing of...
As a fatal occupational disease with limited therapeutic options, molecular mechanisms underpinning silicosis are still undefined. Herein, single-cell RNA sequencing of the lung tissue of silicosis mice identified two monocyte subsets, which were characterized by Cxcl10 and Mmp14 and enriched in fibrotic mouse lungs. Both Cxcl10 and Mmp14 monocyte subsets exhibited activation of inflammatory marker genes and positive regulation of cytokine production. Another fibrosis-unique neutrophil population characterized by Ccl3 appeared to be related to the pro-fibrotic process, specifically the "inflammatory response". Meanwhile, the proportion of monocytes and neutrophils was significantly higher in the serum of silicosis patients and slices of lung tissue from patients with silicosis further validated the over-expression of Cxcl10 and Mmp14 in monocytes, also Ccl3 in neutrophils, respectively. Mechanically, receptor-ligand interaction analysis identified the crosstalk of Cxcl10/Mmp14 monocytes with Ccl3 neutrophils promoting fibrogenesis via coupling of HBEGF-CD44 and CSF1-CSF1R. In vivo, administration of clodronate liposomes, Cxcl10 or Mmp14 siRNA-loaded liposomes, Ccl3 receptor antagonist BX471, CD44 or CSF1R neutralizing antibodies significantly alleviated silica-induced lung fibrosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the newly defined Cxcl10/Mmp14 monocytes and Ccl3 neutrophils participate in the silicosis process and highlight anti-receptor-ligand pair treatment as a potentially effective therapeutic strategy in managing silicosis.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Silicon Dioxide; Monocytes; Neutrophils; Ligands; Liposomes; Silicosis; Fibrosis; Chemokine CCL3
PubMed: 38335607
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133713