Scientists have reviewed the mechanism of development of silicosis
The cells lining the respiratory tract may play a key role in triggering inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis, not just immune cells, as previously thought. This was reported on July 6 in the journal Medical Xpress.
Silicosis is a severe and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. Previously, it was more often associated with years of work in the mining industry and quarries, but the spread of artificial stone for kitchen and bathroom countertops has led to more aggressive cases of illness among young workers.
According to scientists, from 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of silicosis in the world increased by 91.4%, and the annual incidence increased by 64.6%. Unlike chronic silicosis after prolonged exposure to low doses of dust, high concentrations of artificial stone dust can lead to severe illness within a few months.
The researchers found that lung epithelial cells are the first to react to silica particles. These cells contain the NLRP3 protein, which acts as an alarm signal during cellular stress. When silica particles enter the lungs and are captured by epithelial cells, they trigger NLRP3 and a strong inflammatory response.
"This study fundamentally changes our understanding of silicosis. For many years, it was believed that immune cells were the main culprits. But our work shows that the epithelium of the respiratory tract is actually a key driver of inflammation and fibrosis," said Maggie Lam, first author of the study.
To test the significance of this pathway, the scientists removed NLRP3 specifically from epithelial cells in experimental models. This led to a dramatic reduction in early inflammation, blocking the recruitment of a stable profibrotic population of immune cells, and a significant reduction in long-term lung damage and scarring.
"This is the first study to show that removing NLRP3 from epithelial cells alone is sufficient to limit the chronic inflammation and fibrosis caused by silica," said senior author Michelle Tate.
According to Lam, the discovery provides a clear therapeutic strategy. If it is possible to develop drugs that block the activation of epithelial NLRP3, silicosis can be stopped at an early stage.
Tate called this approach an example of precision medicine: instead of widespread suppression of the immune system, therapy will be able to intervene exactly where the disease begins.
Medical Xpress warned on May 6 about the dangers of ignoring sleep apnea. Neuroscientists stressed that if left untreated, this disorder can increase the risk of dementia and lead to a number of cardiovascular diseases.
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