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Birk T, Mundt KA, Crawford L, Driesel P. Results of 15 years of extended follow-up of the German porcelain workers cohort study: lung cancer and silicosis. Front Public Health 2025; 13:1552687. [PMID: 40171434 PMCID: PMC11959091 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1552687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2025] [Indexed: 04/03/2025] Open
Abstract
Objectives To quantify, after extending follow-up 15 years, the relationship between occupational respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and risk of silicosis diagnosis and lung cancer mortality in the German Porcelain Workers Cohort Study, and to estimate possible exposure thresholds for these. Methods Porcelain workers enrolled between January 1, 1985, and December 31, 1987, in a mandatory medical surveillance program including triennial chest x-rays and alive at the end of the previous study follow-up (2005) were followed through December 2020, for lung cancer mortality and silicosis incidence. Cause of death was determined from death certificates. Silicosis cases were identified by re-reading x-rays of individuals remaining in the medical surveillance program or filing insurance claims for silicosis. RCS exposure was estimated for each cohort member using a job exposure matrix (JEM) based on about 8,000 historical industrial hygiene RCS measurements. Cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and Cox proportional hazards ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by cumulative and average exposure groups, controlling for age, sex, smoking status and employment duration. Exposure-response analyses were performed to identify possible exposure thresholds for lung cancer and silicosis risk. Results Total deaths increased from 1,610 (9.1%) to 4,586 (26%) over 537,129 total person-years at risk. All-cause mortality was elevated among men (SMR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14); however, a deficit was seen among women (SMR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98). No statistically significantly increased mortality was seen due to lung cancer, renal cancer, or non-malignant renal disease - conditions reportedly associated with RCS exposure. Lung cancer mortality was unrelated to RCS exposure level. However, for silicosis cases classified using International Labor Organization (ILO) categories ≥1/1 or 1/0, risk was strongly associated with estimated average exposure >0.10 mg/m3 and 0.15 mg/m3, and cumulative exposure >3.0 mg/m3-years and > 1.0 mg/m3-years, respectively. Conclusion Despite the large number (n = 284) of lung cancer deaths and high historical RCS exposures, no excess risk and no relationship with exposure level were seen. However, RCS exposure was strongly associated with silicosis risk, with clear exposure thresholds. This study further confirms the lack of increased lung cancer risk at RCS levels historically prevalent in the German porcelain industry and that exposures exceeding estimated thresholds clearly increased silicosis risk. Occupational exposure levels in the German porcelain industry in recent decades have remained well below these thresholds; therefore, few additional silicosis cases are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Birk
- Exposure Assessment, Risk Assessment & Risk Management, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kenneth A. Mundt
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Lori Crawford
- Health Sciences, Ramboll, Arlington, VA, United States
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Goodman JE, Rhomberg LR, Cohen SM, Mundt KA, Case B, Burstyn I, Becich MJ, Gibbs G. Challenges in defining thresholds for health effects: some considerations for asbestos and silica. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2025; 5:1557023. [PMID: 40166649 PMCID: PMC11955591 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2025.1557023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2025] [Accepted: 02/28/2025] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
This paper summarizes several presentations in the Thresholds in Epidemiology and Risk Assessment session at the Monticello III conference. These presentations described evidence regarding thresholds for particles, including asbestos and silica, and cancer (e.g., mesothelioma) and noncancer (e.g., silicosis) endpoints. In the case of exposure to various types of particles and malignancy, it is clear that even though a linear non-threshold model has often been assumed, experimental and theoretical support for thresholds exist (e.g., through particle clearance, repair mechanisms, and various other aspects of the carcinogenic process). For mesothelioma and exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs), there remains controversy concerning the epidemiological demonstration of thresholds. However, using data from the Québec mining cohort studies, it was shown that a "practical" threshold exists for chrysotile exposure and mesothelioma. It was also noted that, in such evaluations, measurement error in diagnosis and exposure assessment needs to be incorporated into risk analyses. Researchers were also encouraged to use biobanks that collect specimens and data on mesothelioma to more precisely define cases of mesothelioma and possible variants for cases of all ages, and trends that may help define background rates and distinguish those mesotheliomas related to EMP exposures from those that are not, as well as other factors that support or define thresholds. New statistical approaches have been developed for identifying and quantifying exposure thresholds, an example of which is described for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and silicosis risk. Finally, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to considering the multiple factors influencing risk and thresholds may prove useful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samuel M. Cohen
- Havlik-Wall Professor of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, and the Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | | | | | - Igor Burstyn
- Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael J. Becich
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Graham Gibbs
- Private Consultant in Epidemiology and Occupational Health, Eastbourne, United Kingdom
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Mundt KA, Thompson WJ, Dhawan G, Checkoway H, Boffetta P. Systematic review of the epidemiological evidence of associations between quantified occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica and the risk of silicosis and lung cancer. Front Public Health 2025; 13:1554006. [PMID: 40093725 PMCID: PMC11906704 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1554006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Introduction Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) has been associated with both silicosis and lung cancer, but no systematic review (SR) specifically focused on exposure-response relationships has been published for these diseases. Methods We conducted this SR in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed searches, supplemented with Web of Science and Google Scholar searches, identified 1,007 potentially relevant articles. After applying selection criteria and removing duplicates, 65 publications were reviewed and evaluated, 20 of which presented at least semi-quantitative exposure-response results for lung cancer (n = 12) and/or silicosis (n = 10). Results Cumulative RCS exposure was most commonly reported. Increasing silicosis risk with increasing cumulative RCS exposure was reported in all studies, with exposure thresholds indicated, but at different cumulative exposures. For most studies defining silicosis as International Labor Organization (ILO) score ≥ 1/0, substantially increased risks were clear at or above 1 mg-/m3-yr. For lung cancer, exposure-response estimates were mixed with 4 studies reporting no statistically significantly increased relative risk of lung cancer at any cumulative RCS exposure. Three studies reported statistically significant increased risks but only for high cumulative RCS exposures. Residual confounding by smoking was not explicitly discussed in most studies. One case-control study presented an exposure-response analysis for silica and lung cancer limited to never-smokers with substantial silica exposure; risk was increased only among those in the highest RCS exposure category. Studies with more detailed smoking information generally reported risks close to background levels except at the highest cumulative RCS exposure categories. Conclusion Silicosis risk clearly and consistently was increased above cumulative exposure thresholds of roughly 1 mg/m3-years across most studies. However, for lung cancer, results were heterogeneous with potential residual confounding by smoking complicating interpretation. Results suggest that lung cancer risk may not be increased at cumulative RCS exposures below the reported exposure thresholds for silicosis risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Mundt
- Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | | | - Gaurav Dhawan
- Sri Guru Ram Das (SGRD), University of Health Sciences, Amritsar, India
- Independent Consultant, Hartford, CT, United States
| | - Harvey Checkoway
- Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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Rey-Brandariz J, Martínez C, Candal-Pedreira C, Pérez-Ríos M, Varela-Lema L, Ruano-Ravina A. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica and lung cancer: a systematic review of cut-off points. Environ Health 2023; 22:82. [PMID: 38031062 PMCID: PMC10687911 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is associated with the development of lung cancer. However, there is uncertainty around the exposure threshold at which exposure to RCS may pose a clear risk for the development of lung cancer. The objective of this study was to review the cut-off points at which the risk of mortality or incidence of lung cancer due to occupational exposure to RCS becomes evident through a systematic review. METHODS We conducted a search in PubMed, including cohort and case-control studies which assessed various categories of RCS exposure. A search was also conducted on the webpages of institutional organizations. A qualitative data synthesis was performed. RESULTS Twenty studies were included. Studies that assessed lung cancer mortality and incidence displayed wide variability both in RCS exposure categories and related risks. Although most studies found no significant association for RCS exposure categories, it appears to be a low risk of lung cancer for mean concentrations of less than 0.07mg/m3. Regulatory agencies set annual RCS exposure limits ranging from 0.025mg/m3 through 0.1mg/m3. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide degree of heterogeneity in RCS exposure categories, with most studies observing no significant risk of lung cancer for the lowest exposure categories. Cut-off points differ between agencies but are nonetheless very similar and do not exceed 0.1mg/m3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rey-Brandariz
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez
- Asturias Clinical Hospital, Oviedo, Spain
- Principality of Asturias Health Research Institute (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias-ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Cristina Candal-Pedreira
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mónica Pérez-Ríos
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Leonor Varela-Lema
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto Ruano-Ravina
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, C/ San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain.
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública- CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela-IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Mundt KA, Santamaria AB, Thompson WJ, Bates CA, Boles C, Dotson GS, Yong M. Carcinogenicity of Poorly Soluble Low Toxicity Particles: Commentary on Epidemiology as a Risk Assessment “Reality Check”. Front Public Health 2022; 10:920032. [PMID: 35903380 PMCID: PMC9315308 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.920032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhaled particles that are poorly soluble or insoluble and of low toxicity (“poorly soluble low toxicity” or “PSLT” particles), can accumulate in the lung and at lung overload levels induce lung cancers in rats. The question of whether PSLT particles increase lung cancer risk in humans is complicated by large differences between rats and humans and the relatively large particle doses administered in animal studies even when compared with heavy human occupational exposures. We review the findings of epidemiological studies on occupational exposure to each of three different PSLT particles (carbon black, talc and taconite). The epidemiological evidence indicates that at even very high occupational exposure levels at which non-malignant respiratory diseases including pneumoconiosis and even talcosis are observed, lung cancer risks appear not to be elevated. Although positive human cancer risks might be predicted based on extrapolation from overload doses in rats to relevant exposures in humans, the epidemiological “reality check” based on the three examples indicates that these PSLT particles are unlikely to increase lung cancer risk in humans even at high occupational levels of exposure. Therefore, we propose that careful evaluation of the epidemiological evidence can serve as a “reality check” for human risk assessment and help balance the risk evaluation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Mundt
- Cardno ChemRisk now Stantec, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kenneth A. Mundt
| | | | | | | | - Corey Boles
- Cardno ChemRisk now Stantec, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - G. Scott Dotson
- Cardno ChemRisk now Stantec, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mei Yong
- MY EpiConsulting, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Sustainability-Based Characteristics of Abrasives in Blasting Industry. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13158130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The abrasive blasting industry is identified as the most unsafe operation in terms of potential exposure to airborne crystalline silica. This is due to the free silica content in the common abrasives that are used for blasting activities. This paper will identify a sustainability-based or green blasting media to replace free silica content abrasives for blasting activities. The characteristics of sustainability-based abrasives are determined based on systematic review procedure. The combination keywords of “Abrasive blasting”, “Garnet’’, “Free Silica Media”, “Sustainable blasting”, “Eco-friendly blasting”, “Glass Bead blasting” and “Green blasting” were used to collect the existing studies on abrasive blasting operations. Six characteristics of green abrasives were identified: (1) zero content of free silica, (2) high efficiency and productivity, (3) low consumption media (4) low amount of waste generation and emission potentials (5) high recyclability and (6) environmentally friendly in line with sustainable development goals SDG3, SDG12, SDG13, SDG14 and SDG15. The application of green abrasives as substitution to free silica media is therefore important not only for safety and health reasons, but also for the environmental protection and sustainable business operations.
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Wang D, Yang M, Ma J, Zhou M, Wang B, Shi T, Chen W. Association of silica dust exposure with mortality among never smokers: A 44-year cohort study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 236:113793. [PMID: 34198202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The association of silica dust exposure with mortality among never smokers has not been well established. We aimed to evaluate the association of silica dust exposure with mortality among never smokers. We studied 17,130 workers employed for at least 1 year between January 1, 1960 and December 31, 1974, with follow-up until the end of 2013. Cumulative respirable silica dust exposure (CDE) was estimated by linking a job-exposure matrix to personal work history. We observed 3937 deaths during 589,357.26 person-years of follow-up. Significant positive exposure-response relationships were found between CDE and mortality from all cause (HR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.01-1.02), respiratory tuberculosis (HR = 1.04, 95%CI = 1.02-1.06), CVDs (HR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.02-1.04), and diseases of the respiratory system (HR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.04-1.07). We found higher standardized mortality ratios for respiratory tuberculosis (2.62, 2.32-2.95), CVDs (1.43, 1.32-1.54), and pneumoconiosis (77.75, 68.21-88.25) among silica dust exposed workers. In addition, we estimated that 4.19%, 20.69%, 7.48% and 34.06% of deaths for all cause, respiratory tuberculosis, CVDs, and diseases of the respiratory system among Chinese workers were attributed to silica, after adjusting for other covariates. With regard to lung cancer, compared with unexposed group, the HRs and 95% CI were 0.94 (0.52-1.71), 1.86 (1.15-3.00), 1.65 (0.95-2.86) for low, medium, and high exposed workers, respectively. Long-term silica dust exposure is associated with increased mortality in the absence of cigarette smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongming Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Jixuan Ma
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tingming Shi
- Division of Human Resources, Science and Education, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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Manno M, Levy L, Johanson G, Cocco P. Silica, silicosis and lung cancer: what level of exposure is acceptable? LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2018; 109:478-480. [PMID: 30556538 PMCID: PMC7682183 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v109i6.7928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Manno
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
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Yong M. Comment on Tomaskova et al. Mortality in Miners with Coal-Workers' Pneumoconiosis in the Czech Republic in the Period 1992-2013. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2017, 14, 269. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E276. [PMID: 29415464 PMCID: PMC5858345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With interest, I read the recent analysis by Tomaskova and co-workers (2017) about mortality from coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). The research question remains unclear whether coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) resulting from exposure to respirable coal dust containing crystalline silica accelerates the development of lung cancer or whether it is an intermediate stage in the pathway. I made several points of considerations with respect to (1) qualified data; (2) alternate measures for excessive risks; and (3) methodological flaws that should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yong
- Institute for Occupational Epidemiology and Risk Assessment (IERA), Evonik Industries AG, Rellinghauser Straße 1-11, 45128 Essen, Germany.
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Chen J, Yao Y, Su X, Shi Y, Song X, Xie L, You J, Tian L, Yang L, Fang A, Xiong J. Comparative RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis on silica induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice silicosis model. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:773-782. [PMID: 29341224 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a long-established public health issue in developing countries due to increasingly serious air pollution and poorly implemented occupational safety regulation. Inhalation of silica triggers cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, pulmonary inflammation and eventually silicosis. Current understanding in the pathogenesis and mechanism of silicosis is limited, and no effective cure is clinically available once silicosis is developed. A number of studies were conducted to investigate silica-induced alternate gene expressions in pulmonary cells. However, transcriptome analysis in a silicosis animal model is needed. This study was performed to evaluate the transcriptional alternations in silicotic mice using comparative RNA-Seq. A silicosis mice model was established by intratracheal instillation of silica suspensions, and validated by histological examinations. High-throughput sequencing and differential gene expression analysis revealed 749 upregulated genes and 70 downregulated genes in the silicosis model. Genes related to immune cell interactions, immune cell responses and inflammation were significantly enriched. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and downstream JAK-STAT signaling pathways were the most significantly enriched KEGG pathways. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to validate further the differential expression patterns of representative genes. The reported results in this study provide the basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms for silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, and support the prevention and treatment of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Chen
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuejiao Song
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Linshen Xie
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jia You
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liantian Tian
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Luo Yang
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Aiping Fang
- Research Center for Occupational Respiratory Diseases, No.4 West China Teaching Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jingyuan Xiong
- Research Center for Public Health and Preventive Medicine, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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11
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RNA-Seq revealed ATF3-regulated inflammation induced by silica. Toxicology 2017; 393:34-41. [PMID: 29102675 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of workers are exposed to dust containing silica. Chronic and over-exposure to silica will lead to silicosis, which is an irreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease. The disordered physiological processes of silicosis consist of accumulation of silica particles in the alveoli of the lung. Then, the ingestion of the silica particles by macrophages was followed by an inflammatory response. Up till now, the chest radiographs remain the key tool in diagnosing and assessing the extent of silicosis. However, concerns exist regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the technique. Therefore, there is still a need to develop a biomarker for silicosis for early detection of silicosis. METHOD In this study, RNA-Seq was applied to detect the gene expression changes when silica was exposed to macrophages at different time intervals. RNA-Seq provides a broader dynamic range, increased specificity and sensitivity, and easier detection of rare and low-abundance transcripts. Bioinformatics tools such as the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Gene Functional Classification Tool and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) were applied for data analysis. Quantitative PCR was used to validate the results. RESULTS Our results showed that regulation of transcription factors was the dominant activated pathway in early exposure of silica to macrophages, followed by inflammatory responses which were the main mechanisms in silicosis. One of the findings was the upregulation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) during silica exposure. When ATF3 expression was inhibited by siRNA, the production of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF was further increased. CONCLUSION This indicated that ATF3 may be a potential early diagnostic biomarker for silicosis and ATF3 acts as a repressor in inflammatory responses induced by silica.
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Mundt KA, Boffetta P. Extended follow-up of lung cancer and non-malignant respiratory disease mortality among California diatomaceous earth workers. Occup Environ Med 2015; 73:71-2. [PMID: 26561505 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Boffetta
- Tisch Cancer Institute and Institute for Translational Epidemiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Chen X, Zhouhua W, Jie Z, Xinlu F, Jinqiang L, Yuwen Q, Zhiying H. Renal interstitial fibrosis induced by high-dose mesoporous silica nanoparticles via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 10:1-22. [PMID: 25565800 PMCID: PMC4275059 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s73538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the nephrotoxicity induced by mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) is closely related to inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a common rapid transcription factor associated with inflammation, plays an important role in the process of many kidney diseases. Acute toxicity assessment with a high-dose exposure is critical for the development of nanoparticle, as a part of standardized procedures for the evaluation of their toxicity. The present study was undertaken to observe the acute toxicity, predict the potential target organs of MSNs injury, and test the hypothesis that the NF-κB pathway plays a role in mediating the acute kidney injury and renal interstitial fibrosis in mice induced by MSNs. Balb/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with MSNs at concentrations of 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg. All of the animals were euthanized 2 and 12 days after exposure, and the blood and kidney tissues were collected for further studies. In vitro, the cytotoxicity, fibrosis markers, and NF-κB pathway were measured in a normal rat kidney cell line (NRK-52E). Acute kidney injury was induced by MSNs in mice after 2 days, some renal tubules regenerated and renal interstitial fibrosis was also observed. The expression of fibrosis markers and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the kidney homogenates increased after exposure to MSNs. The in vitro study showed that MSNs cause cytotoxicity in NRK-52E cells and increased the expression of fibrosis markers. In addition, the NF-κB pathway could be induced, and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway could alleviate the fibrosis caused by MSNs. We conclude that inflammation is a major effector of the acute kidney toxicity induced by MSNs and results in renal interstitial fibrosis, which is mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Pharmaceutical Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Zhouhua
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Jie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Fu Xinlu
- Center of Laboratory Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Jinqiang
- Center of Laboratory Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu Yuwen
- Center of Laboratory Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huang Zhiying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China ; Center of Laboratory Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Healthy-Worker Effect Led to an Overestimation of the Concentration Threshold Value for Respirable Quartz. J Occup Environ Med 2014; 56:e102-3. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Is the Reported Estimate for the Concentration Threshold Value for Respirable Quartz Really Plausible? J Occup Environ Med 2014; 56:122-3. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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Threshold Value Estimation for Respirable Quartz Dust Exposure and Silicosis Incidence Among Workers in the German Porcelain Industry. J Occup Environ Med 2013; 55:1027-34. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e318297327a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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17
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Hochgatterer K, Moshammer H, Haluza D. Dust is in the air: effects of occupational exposure to mineral dust on lung function in a 9-year study. Lung 2013; 191:257-63. [PMID: 23568145 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-013-9463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational mineral dust exposure is a well-known risk factor for numerous respiratory and systemic diseases. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to assess the influence of work-associated dust exposure on spirometric results. Furthermore, the impact of implementation of stricter limit values for occupational contact with quartz dust on lung function was evaluated. METHODS Anthropometric data (age, gender, BMI), smoking behavior, and lung function parameters (FVC, FEV1, MEF50) from 7,204 medical examinations of 3,229 female and male workers during the years 2002-2010 were examined following Austrian standards for occupational medicine and the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society. Analysis of data was performed using models of multiple linear regression. RESULTS Lung function decrease over time was associated with smoking habits and duration of occupational dust exposure. Specifically, occupational quartz exposure negatively influenced the annual lung function parameters (FVC, -6.68 ml; FEV1, -6.71 ml; and MEF50, -16.15 ml/s, all p < 0.001). Thus, an overadditive effect of smoking and work-related contact with quartz was found regarding decline in MEF50 (p < 0.05). Implementation of stricter occupational limit values for dust exposure resulted in a highly significant deceleration of the annual decrease in respiratory function (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Individual smoking habits and occupational dust exposure had a negative impact on lung function. To reduce the risk of loss of respiratory capacity, smoking cessation is especially recommended to workers exposed to quartz dust. Moreover, stricter limit values could prevent chronic occupational damage to the respiratory system.
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Sellamuthu R, Umbright C, Roberts JR, Chapman R, Young SH, Richardson D, Cumpston J, McKinney W, Chen BT, Frazer D, Li S, Kashon M, Joseph P. Transcriptomics analysis of lungs and peripheral blood of crystalline silica-exposed rats. Inhal Toxicol 2012; 24:570-9. [PMID: 22861000 DOI: 10.3109/08958378.2012.697926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Minimally invasive approaches to detect/predict target organ toxicity have significant practical applications in occupational toxicology. The potential application of peripheral blood transcriptomics as a practical approach to study the mechanisms of silica-induced pulmonary toxicity was investigated. Rats were exposed by inhalation to crystalline silica (15 mg/m(3), 6 h/day, 5 days) and pulmonary toxicity and global gene expression profiles of lungs and peripheral blood were determined at 32 weeks following termination of exposure. A significant elevation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lactate dehydrogenase activity and moderate histological changes in the lungs, including type II pneumocyte hyperplasia and fibrosis, indicated pulmonary toxicity in the rats. Similarly, significant infiltration of neutrophils and elevated monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels in the lungs showed pulmonary inflammation in the rats. Microarray analysis of global gene expression profiles identified significant differential expression [>1.5-fold change and false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.01] of 520 and 537 genes, respectively, in the lungs and blood of the exposed rats. Bioinformatics analysis of the differentially expressed genes demonstrated significant similarity in the biological processes, molecular networks, and canonical pathways enriched by silica exposure in the lungs and blood of the rats. Several genes involved in functions relevant to silica-induced pulmonary toxicity such as inflammation, respiratory diseases, cancer, cellular movement, fibrosis, etc, were found significantly differentially expressed in the lungs and blood of the silica-exposed rats. The results of this study suggested the potential application of peripheral blood gene expression profiling as a toxicologically relevant and minimally invasive surrogate approach to study the mechanisms underlying silica-induced pulmonary toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Sellamuthu
- Toxicology and Molecular Biology Branch, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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Respirable Crystalline Silica Exposure–Response Evaluation of Silicosis Morbidity and Lung Cancer Mortality in the German Porcelain Industry Cohort. J Occup Environ Med 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31826e2816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Sogl M, Taeger D, Pallapies D, Brüning T, Dufey F, Schnelzer M, Straif K, Walsh L, Kreuzer M. Quantitative relationship between silica exposure and lung cancer mortality in German uranium miners, 1946-2003. Br J Cancer 2012; 107:1188-94. [PMID: 22929885 PMCID: PMC3461166 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In 1996 and 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified silica as carcinogenic to humans. The exposure–response relationship between silica and lung cancer risk, however, is still debated. Data from the German uranium miner cohort study were used to further investigate this relationship. Methods: The cohort includes 58 677 workers with individual information on occupational exposure to crystalline silica in mg m−3-years and the potential confounders radon and arsenic based on a detailed job-exposure matrix. In the follow-up period 1946–2003, 2995 miners died from lung cancer. Internal Poisson regression with stratification by age and calendar year was used to estimate the excess relative risk (ERR) per dust-year. Several models including linear, linear quadratic and spline functions were applied. Detailed adjustment for cumulative radon and arsenic exposure was performed. Results: A piecewise linear spline function with a knot at 10 mg m−3-years provided the best model fit. After full adjustment for radon and arsenic no increase in risk <10 mg m−3-years was observed. Fixing the parameter estimate of the ERR in this range at 0 provided the best model fit with an ERR of 0.061 (95% confidence interval: 0.039, 0.083) >10 mg m−3-years. Conclusion: The study confirms a positive exposure–response relationship between silica and lung cancer, particularly for high exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sogl
- Department of Radiation Protection and Health, BfS, Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Neuherberg 85764, Germany.
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Perkins TN, Shukla A, Peeters PM, Steinbacher JL, Landry CC, Lathrop SA, Steele C, Reynaert NL, Wouters EFM, Mossman BT. Differences in gene expression and cytokine production by crystalline vs. amorphous silica in human lung epithelial cells. Part Fibre Toxicol 2012; 9:6. [PMID: 22300531 PMCID: PMC3337246 DOI: 10.1186/1743-8977-9-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exposure to respirable crystalline silica particles, as opposed to amorphous silica, is associated with lung inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis (silicosis), and potentially with lung cancer. We used Affymetrix/GeneSifter microarray analysis to determine whether gene expression profiles differed in a human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS 2B) exposed to cristobalite vs. amorphous silica particles at non-toxic and equal surface areas (75 and 150 × 106μm2/cm2). Bio-Plex analysis was also used to determine profiles of secreted cytokines and chemokines in response to both particles. Finally, primary human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were used to comparatively assess silica particle-induced alterations in gene expression. Results Microarray analysis at 24 hours in BEAS 2B revealed 333 and 631 significant alterations in gene expression induced by cristobalite at low (75) and high (150 × 106μm2/cm2) amounts, respectively (p < 0.05/cut off ≥ 2.0-fold change). Exposure to amorphous silica micro-particles at high amounts (150 × 106μm2/cm2) induced 108 significant gene changes. Bio-Plex analysis of 27 human cytokines and chemokines revealed 9 secreted mediators (p < 0.05) induced by crystalline silica, but none were induced by amorphous silica. QRT-PCR revealed that cristobalite selectively up-regulated stress-related genes and cytokines (FOS, ATF3, IL6 and IL8) early and over time (2, 4, 8, and 24 h). Patterns of gene expression in NHBE cells were similar overall to BEAS 2B cells. At 75 × 106μm2/cm2, there were 339 significant alterations in gene expression induced by cristobalite and 42 by amorphous silica. Comparison of genes in response to cristobalite (75 × 106μm2/cm2) revealed 60 common, significant gene alterations in NHBE and BEAS 2B cells. Conclusions Cristobalite silica, as compared to synthetic amorphous silica particles at equal surface area concentrations, had comparable effects on the viability of human bronchial epithelial cells. However, effects on gene expression, as well as secretion of cytokines and chemokines, drastically differed, as the crystalline silica induced more intense responses. Our studies indicate that toxicological testing of particulates by surveying viability and/or metabolic activity is insufficient to predict their pathogenicity. Moreover, they show that acute responses of the lung epithelium, including up-regulation of genes linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and proliferation, as well as secretion of inflammatory and proliferative mediators, can be indicative of pathologic potential using either immortalized lines (BEAS 2B) or primary cells (NHBE). Assessment of the degree and magnitude of these responses in vitro are suggested as predictive in determining the pathogenicity of potentially harmful particulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy N Perkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Liu T, Li L, Fu C, Liu H, Chen D, Tang F. Pathological mechanisms of liver injury caused by continuous intraperitoneal injection of silica nanoparticles. Biomaterials 2011; 33:2399-407. [PMID: 22182752 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Crystalline silica is well known to induce chronic lung inflammation by inhalation that can progress to silicosis. Recently, we reported that silica nanoparticles (SN) cause more damage to liver instead of lung when they enter the body by intravenous injection. However, this mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, liver damages caused by mesoporous hollow silica nanoparticles (MHSNs) were demonstrated after continuous intraperitoneal injection into mice twice a week for 6 weeks. The administration of MHSNs at 50 mg/kg increased liver injury markers in serum, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Histological analysis revealed lymphocytic infiltration and silicotic nodular like lesions in liver. Collagen fibers were observed around the silicotic nodular like lesion, and hydroxyproline level in liver was also increased dramatically. We also found that activated kupffer cells (KCs) played a key role in the liver damage caused by SNs similar to alveolar macrophage in the process of silicosis. These suggest that the mechanism of liver damage caused by SNs is in consonance with the occurrence of silicosis. These findings may provide useful information for the further toxicity and bioapplication research of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Liu
- Laboratory of Controllable Preparation and Application of Nanomaterials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.29, East Road, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, PR China
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