Recently, a number of reports have been published on silicosis in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates containing high levels of crystalline silica particles (70-90%) used in the construction of kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Three cases of silicosis in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates are reported. The diagnosis was derived from both the International Labour Off...

-Silicosis, characterized by many cytokines expression, especially TNF-α and TGF-β1, is the most prevalent occupational disease world-wide. Here we examined whether quercetin can regulate expressios of TGF-β1 and TNF-α in lung of rats with silicosis. Totally 75 male Wistar rats, were randomly divided into three groups: group control, group model and group quercetin, (n=25). SiO2 powders were do...

In 1932 Kettle1 reported that where quartz particles are coated with iron their fibrogenic action is inhibited. Although initially unsuccessful, Gardner was able to confirm this inhibitory action in 1938. More recently Vorwald4 also described the inhibitory action of iron on experimental silicosis in guinea pigs. Finely divided metallic aluminum powder according to Denny et al.,#{176} and alumi...

Human macrophages and dendritic cells produce Neopterin derivates after stimulation with interferon-γ and serves as a marker of activated cell-mediated immune response. Aim: Assessment of serum neopterin levels in patients with different X-ray chances about silicosis. Methods: The serum neopterin concentrations were measured using ELISA in 60 patients with silicosis, according to conventional X...

BACKGROUND South Africa is the largest producer of platinum group metals in the world. Platinum is found in the Bushveld Complex in the north-east of the country. This volcanic intrusion contains many other minerals, including crystalline silica. Little is known about the health risks in the platinum mining industry. AIMS To explore the potential for platinum mine workers to develop silicosis...

BACKGROUND The burden of silicosis, pulmonary tuberculosis and COPD is described in 624 South African gold miners 18 months after cessation of work. METHODS This was a prevalence study. Questionnaires were administered, and spirometry, chest radiography, tuberculosis investigations, and urine HIV antibody assays were performed. RESULTS Attendance was 80.1% (624/779), mean age 49.4 years, an...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the resistance values obtained through the use of the forced oscillation technique in patients with varying degrees of airway obstruction resulting from silicosis. METHODS A total of 40 never-smoking volunteers were analyzed: 10 were healthy subjects with no history of pulmonary disease or silica exposure, and 30 had silicosis. The forced oscillation technique was used t...