Abstract

 
 
 
 Background: Denim sandblasting may cause silicosis as a result of free crystalline silica inhalation. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but autoimmunity may play a role in the development of silicosis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the severity and latency period of silicosis.
 Methods: 48 silicotic patients in the Eastern part of Turkey were classified according to their latency period and disease severity. The distribution of HLAs according to disease severity and latency period was assessed.
 Results: A23 (7.5%), B49 (7.5%), and B51 (25%) were more common in the mild group than in the severe group, and B55 (8.9%) and DR4 (17.9%) were more common in the severe group than in the mild one. Only B51 was significantly more common in the mild group than in the severe one (25%, n = 10 vs. 7.1%, n = 4; p = 0.016).
 Conclusions: This study suggests that HLA antigens may play a particular role in the severity of silica-induced lung disease, but there was no association between HLA and progression time of the disease.
 
 
 
Highlights
Denim sandblasting may cause silicosis as a result of free crystalline silica inhalation
There is a variation in the latency period and severity of the disease among people working with sandblast silica-containing materials such as sifted sea sand
A23 and B49 antigens were not seen in the severe group, and three (7.5%) were seen in the mild group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.069)
Summary
Denim sandblasting may cause silicosis as a result of free crystalline silica inhalation. But autoimmunity may play a role in the development of silicosis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the severity and latency period of silicosis. Silicosis is an ancient and well-known occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of free crystalline silica. Sandblasting is one of the most dangerous forms of exposure to silicosis, and it causes immediate and severe disease development [1,2]. There is a variation in the latency period and severity of the disease among people working with sandblast silica-containing materials such as sifted sea sand. Many factors may play a role in the development of the disease as well as in its latency period and
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