From Basic Research to Clinical Practice: Considerations for Treatment Drugs for Silicosis

Abstract

Silicosis, characterized by irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, remains a major global public health problem. Nowadays, cumulative studies are focusing on elucidating the pathogenesis of silicosis in order to identify preventive or therapeutic antifibrotic agents. However, the existing research on the mechanism of silica-dust-induced pulmonary fibrosis is only the tip of the iceberg and lags far behind clinical needs. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), as a pulmonary fibrosis disease, also has the same problem. In this study, we examined the relationship between silicosis and IPF from the perspective of their pathogenesis and fibrotic characteristics, further discussing current drug research and limitations of clinical application in silicosis. Overall, this review provided novel insights for clinical treatment of silicosis with the hope of bridging the gap between research and practice in silicosis.

Molecular Mechanisms Responsible for the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in the Treatment of Lung Fibrosis

“…Silica dust-induced pulmonary fibrosis is an irreversible, fibroproliferative lung disease and currently, there are no effective treatments available for this disease [48]. Zhang and colleagues demonstrated that systemic infusion of bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs-Exos attenuated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis [35].…”

Advances in the Use of N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Respiratory Diseases

“…The above-mentioned changes are associated with a significant oxidative-antioxidant imbalance and GSH deficiency [ 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 ]. Oxidative stress in pulmonary fibrosis is associated mainly with the NF-κB signaling pathway, the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/Nrf2/ARE pathway, and the NADPH oxidase (NOX)4-Nrf2 signaling cascade [ 155 ]. Oxidative stress is linked to the biology of aging, influencing DNA damage responses and mitochondrial dysfunction.…”

Cellular Senescence: A Troy Horse in Pulmonary Fibrosis

“…Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive, devastating, and irreversible interstitial lung disease, with a median survival of 2 to 3 years after diagnosis [1,2]. The present comprehension of the pathogenesis of PF entails the repetitive injury of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) due to various risk factors, such as environmental exposure, viral infections, genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, and immunological factors [3,4]. This injury subsequently results in the abnormal activation of AECs and dysregulated epithelial repair processes [3,4].…”

“…The present comprehension of the pathogenesis of PF entails the repetitive injury of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) due to various risk factors, such as environmental exposure, viral infections, genetic predisposition, oxidative stress, and immunological factors [3,4]. This injury subsequently results in the abnormal activation of AECs and dysregulated epithelial repair processes [3,4]. The dysregulated epithelial cell secretes multiple cytokines and growth factors and interacts with endothelial, mesenchymal, and immune cells via multiple signaling mechanisms to trigger fibroblast and myofibroblast activation and promote extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately leading to the destruction of lung function, diminished exercise tolerance, and a decreased quality of life [4,5].…”