Can We Translate Our Understanding of the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Silicosis Into a Therapeutic Plan?

Abstract

In Brief Over the last half century, there has been a sustained decline in the prevalence of silicosis in developed countries. This success has primarily been the result of an emphasis on engineering controls, with the capture of generated silica dust. This has allowed for adherence to exposure limits and the protection of the respiratory health of the worker. Yet sporadic cases continue to occur in developed countries and epidemics are still recognized in underdeveloped countries. In this review, we address data describing the pathogenesis of silicosis. Although untried, much of this research suggests that pathways associated with the development and progression of silicosis may be altered by currently available interventions. Although occupational lung diseases associated with dust inhalation are preventable, they continue to occur. When workers develop such illnesses, these fibrotic diseases have no proven therapies. A considerable amount of basic science information has been accumulated over the past 2 decades addressing pathogenic mechanisms of silicosis. Unlike other illnesses, such as the Rheumatic diseases, where such information has been used to successfully develop therapeutic regimens, there have been no such initiatives in silicosis. This review summarizes some of the important data associated with the development of silicosis.