Lemmy.World

Purpose of review

There is a well established association between silica inhalational exposure and autoimmune disease, particularly in the context of intense exposure. We will provide in this article an update overview of new sources of silica dust exposure, with evidences of mechanisms from human and animal studies for association between silica and autoimmune diseases, their early detection of silicosis and new options for treatment.

The association between silica exposure and autoimmune disease was first described by Bramwell in 1914, who observed scleroderma among stone masons .

Fifty years later, Erasmus found an increased incidence of systemic sclerosis (SSc) among South African gold miners, later referred to as Erasmus syndrome .

In 1952, Caplan described the occurrence of multiple lung nodules in coal miners who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comorbidity known as Caplan's syndrome or rheumatoid pneumoconiosis.

Significant risk of developing SSc, RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis/polymyositis and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis has been linked to silica exposure and a study demonstrates that male patients with SSc have a high prevalence of occupational exposure to silica or solvents.

Early detection of silicosis and autoimmune diseases should prioritize mitigating the risk of silica exposure, which serves as the initial trigger for the immunological cascade. This cascade first leads to silicosis and subsequently increases the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases 

Autoimmune diseases and silicosis share common pathways involving the dysregulation of autophagy, apoptosis, or pyroptosis. Numerous studies have indicated that NLRP3 a cytosolic multiprotein complex plays a central role in the autophagy, apoptosis, or pyroptosis pathways.

In this context, the regulation of NLERP3 is a promising target for the treatment of both silicosis and silica induced autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune disorders are induced by various environmental and occupational substances. Silica exposure is recognized as a causative factor for autoimmune disorders, with well established connections to conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis), rheumatoid arthritis (Caplan's syndrome), systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ANCA-related vasculitis/nephritis.

Understanding a person's occupational history to silica is an essential aspect for evaluating potential environmental factors that may contribute to autoimmune diseases. This information can inform preventive measures and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to managing and treating these complex conditions.

Occupational health assessments may be conducted to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace. Individuals with autoimmune diseases should receive guidance on strategies to minimize exposure to specific triggers.

There is a well established association between silica inhalational exposure and autoimmune disease, particularly in the context of intense exposure. 

Silicosis increases susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The newer industries of sand-blasting denim and engineered stone have been associated with alarmingly high rates of silicosis

A multinational registry has documented diagnostic details related to autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, autoimmune myositis, mixed connective tissue disease, psoriasis, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis among individuals with silicosis.

There is a well established association between silica inhalational exposure and autoimmune disease, particularly in the context of intense exposure. 

Silicosis increases susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The newer industries of sand-blasting denim and engineered stone have been associated with alarmingly high rates of silicosis

A multinational registry has documented diagnostic details related to autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, autoimmune myositis, mixed connective tissue disease, psoriasis, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis among individuals with silicosis. 

Autoimmune disorders are induced by various environmental and occupational substances. Silica exposure is recognized as a causative factor for autoimmune disorders, with well established connections to conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis), rheumatoid arthritis (Caplan's syndrome), systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ANCA-related vasculitis/nephritis.

Understanding a person's occupational history to silica is an essential aspect for evaluating potential environmental factors that may contribute to autoimmune diseases.