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Mpakosi A, Cholevas V, Tzouvelekis I, Passos I, Kaliouli-Antonopoulou C, Mironidou-Tzouveleki M. Autoimmune Diseases Following Environmental Disasters: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1767. [PMID: 39273791 PMCID: PMC11395540 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12171767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental disasters are extreme environmental processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, floods, cyclones, storms, wildfires and droughts that are the consequences of the climate crisis due to human intervention in the environment. Their effects on human health have alarmed the global scientific community. Among them, autoimmune diseases, a heterogeneous group of disorders, have increased dramatically in many parts of the world, likely as a result of changes in our exposure to environmental factors. However, only a limited number of studies have attempted to discover and analyze the complex association between environmental disasters and autoimmune diseases. This narrative review has therefore tried to fill this gap. First of all, the activation pathways of autoimmunity after environmental disasters have been analyzed. It has also been shown that wildfires, earthquakes, desert dust storms and volcanic eruptions may damage human health and induce autoimmune responses to inhaled PM2.5, mainly through oxidative stress pathways, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and epithelial barrier damage. In addition, it has been shown that heat stress, in addition to increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, may also disrupt the intestinal barrier, thereby increasing its permeability to toxins and pathogens or inducing epigenetic changes. In addition, toxic volcanic elements may accelerate the progressive destruction of myelin, which may potentially trigger multiple sclerosis. The complex and diverse mechanisms by which vector-borne, water-, food-, and rodent-borne diseases that often follow environmental diseases may also trigger autoimmune responses have also been described. In addition, the association between post-disaster stress and the onset or worsening of autoimmune disease has been demonstrated. Given all of the above, the rapid restoration of post-disaster health services to mitigate the flare-up of autoimmune conditions is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mpakosi
- Department of Microbiology, General Hospital of Nikaia "Agios Panteleimon", 18454 Piraeus, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Tzouvelekis
- School of Agricultural Technology, Food Technology and Nutrition, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Passos
- Surgical Department, 219, Mobile Army, Surgical Hospital, 68300 Didymoteicho, Greece
| | | | - Maria Mironidou-Tzouveleki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Fireman EM, Fireman Klein E. Association between silicosis and autoimmune disease. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:45-50. [PMID: 38277164 PMCID: PMC10906195 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000966] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
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. RECENT FINDINGS New industries such as jewelry polishing, denim jean production, fabrication of artificial stone benchtops, glass manufacturing and glassware has led to re-emergence of silicosis around the world. Silicosis with long term exposure to dust containing crystalline silica has been examined as a possible risk factor with respect to several autoimmune diseases as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and some types of small vessel vasculitis with renal involvement. The dust may act to promote or accelerate disease development, requiring some other factors to break immune tolerance or initiate autoimmunity. Autophagy, apoptosis, or pyroptosis-related signaling pathways have also been suggested to contribute to the formation of those pathways with coordination of environmental co-exposure that can magnify autoimmune vulnerability. SUMMARY Better understanding the mechanisms that involve silica -induced autoimmune diseases may contribute to early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Miriam Fireman
- Department of Occupational Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv School of Medicine Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv
| | - Einat Fireman Klein
- Pulmonary Division, Lady Davis Carmel Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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González Fernández C, Ros Lucas JA, Molina Molina M, Rigual Bobillo J, García Montenegro RA, Fernández González R, Jaureguiza Oriol A, Abal Arca J. Autoimmune findings in patients with silicosis in Spain. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-11-1. [PMID: 38440072 PMCID: PMC10911535 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-11-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational exposure to silica is related to autoimmune diseases and features of autoimmunity, mainly autoantibodies. The study objectives were to estimate the prevalence of silicosis with associated autoimmune findings or diagnosed autoimmune diseases in Spain, and to assess the clinical and functional characteristics of affected patients. Methods This is a multicentre prospective study in patients diagnosed with silicosis. Autoantibodies analysed were antinuclear antibodies, isotypes IgA, IgM and IgG, rheumatoid factor, anticyclic citrullinated peptide, anti-Scl70, anti-Ro, and anti-LA. Pulmonary function tests were performed. Results Autoimmunity was assessed in 105 patients. Autoimmune findings were recorded in 29 (27%) patients, including antinuclear antibodies (n=21), anti-Ro (n=7), rheumatoid factor (n=5) and anti-Scl70 (n=3). Autoimmune disease was diagnosed in 16 (15%) patients, mainly rheumatoid arthritis (n=7) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n=4). Patients with silicosis and autoimmune findings had a lower mean time of exposure to silica and showed a trend toward lower values in pulmonary function tests. Conclusions Autoimmune findings and diagnosis of autoimmune diseases were frequent in patients with silicosis in Spain.
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Alp A, Ersoy M, Meteoğlu İ, Kahraman Çetin N, Akdam H, Yeniçerioğlu Y. Occupational Silica Exposure as a Potential Risk for Microscopic Polyangiitis. Wilderness Environ Med 2023; 34:543-548. [PMID: 37604751 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.06.012] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Microscopic polyangiitis is an important and common component of cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitides that can lead to serious morbidity and even death. A clear causative etiology has not been identified. Although silica is well known to produce lung damage, the negative renal effects of silica exposure should not be overlooked. We present a case of renal dysfunction associated with silica exposure, its diagnosis by renal biopsy, and the treatment method used. Environmental or occupational silica exposure can cause microscopic polyangiitis. Working in occupations with increased risk of silica exposure may result in serious medical problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alper Alp
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University, Mugla, Turkey.
| | - Melike Ersoy
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Meteoğlu
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Nesibe Kahraman Çetin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Hakan Akdam
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Yeniçerioğlu
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
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Spagnolo P, Ryerson CJ, Guler S, Feary J, Churg A, Fontenot AP, Piciucchi S, Udwadia Z, Corte TJ, Wuyts WA, Johannson KA, Cottin V. Occupational interstitial lung diseases. J Intern Med 2023; 294:798-815. [PMID: 37535448 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Millions of workers are exposed to substances known to cause occupational interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), particularly in developing countries. However, the burden of the disease is likely to be underestimated due to under-recognition, under-reporting or both. The diagnosis of occupational ILD requires a high level of suspicion and a thorough occupational history, as occupational and non-occupational ILDs may be clinically, functionally and radiologically indistinguishable, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate management. A potential occupational aetiology should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of ILD, as removal from the workplace exposure, with or without treatment, is a key therapeutic intervention and may lead to significant improvement. In this article, we provide an overview of the 'traditional' inorganic dust-related ILDs but also address idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the immunologically mediated chronic beryllium disease, sarcoidosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, with emphasis on the importance of surveillance and prevention for reducing the burden of these conditions. To this end, health-care professionals should be specifically trained about the importance of occupational exposures as a potential cause of ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory, Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christopher J Ryerson
- Department of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia and Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sabina Guler
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Feary
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Churg
- Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew P Fontenot
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sara Piciucchi
- Department of Radiology, G.B. Morgagni Hospital/University of Bologna, Forlì, Italy
| | - Zarir Udwadia
- Hinduja Hospital and Research Center, Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Tamera J Corte
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wim A Wuyts
- Unit for Interstitial Lung Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kerri A Johannson
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vincent Cottin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Reference Coordinating Centre for Rare Pulmonary Diseases, Louis Pradel Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UMR754, IVPC, Lyon, France
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Blanco-Pérez JJ, Fernández-González-Cuevas L, Cala-García J, Rosas I. The Polyhedric Reality of Silicosis. Arch Bronconeumol 2023; 59:705-706. [PMID: 37394354 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2023.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivan Rosas
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Xu W, Ma R, Wang J, Sun D, Yu S, Ye Q. Pneumoconiosis combined with connective tissue disease in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068628. [PMID: 37012009 PMCID: PMC10083820 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence, clinical features and potential risk factors of pneumoconiosis in combination with connective tissue disease (CTD) or positive autoantibodies. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A retrospective study of adults recruited in China between December 2016 and November 2021. PARTICIPANTS A total of 931 patients with pneumoconiosis at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were enrolled in this study; of these, 580 patients were included in the final analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pneumoconiosis combined with CTD or positive autoantibodies was a major adverse outcome. RESULTS In total, 13.8% (80/580) of the patients had combined pneumoconiosis with CTD, among whom the prevalence of CTD was 18.3% (46/251) in asbestosis and 11.4% (34/298) in silicosis/coal mine workers' pneumoconiosis. In comparison to the general Chinese adult population, the relative risk of various CTD in pneumoconiosis, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, primary Sjögren's syndrome, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-associated vasculitis, were 11.85, 12.12, 127.40, 4.23, 9.94 and 644.66, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.56 to 4.17) and a later stage of pneumoconiosis (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.34) were the independent risk factors for CTD in patients with pneumoconiosis (all p<0.050). CONCLUSION CTD is highly prevalent in patients with pneumoconiosis, especially in patients of asbestosis, and silicosis/coal mine workers' pneumoconiosis. Female sex and later stages of pneumoconiosis are associated with an increased risk of combined with CTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruimin Ma
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Sun
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiwen Yu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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