Some Aspects of the Problem of Individual Predisposition to Silicosis

Abstract

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Trends and Perspectives of the Biological Prophylaxis of Silicosis

“…A hypothetical mechanism of such a favorable influence of various factors of the nonspecific adaptation on host resistance to different injurious agents have already been discussed (2). In the same overview we proposed an explanation of the fact that cold acclimatization of rats, even to moderate and short-term interrnittent cooling, always enhanced silica dust retention and pulmonary silicosis development in spite of an increase of alveolar macrophage resistance to silica cytotoxicity.…”

“…The problem of nutritional factors of susceptibility to silicosis has already been discussed (2). Specifically, we referred to many experiments that had confirmed repeatedly that an excess fat load, especially with fats that have a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, enhances cytotoxicity and fibrogenicity of quartz (29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34).…”

“…Among 12 individual features that in toto permitted prediction with high reliability whether a miner would or would not contract silicosis, the 7th place in decreasing order of informativeness was the possession of a garden, a kitchen garden, and, in some cases, of a cow and/or poultry (2). It may be considered as circumstantial evidence in support of a favorable influence of sound nutrition comprising fresh farm products (milk, vegetables, fruit) in a higher-than-usual proportion.…”

“…Meanwhile, we know now that quite a number of other features can also be of great importance as factors influencing the susceptibility to silicosis (2,3). When one studies small population samples, random intergroup differences regarding these features are practically inevitable.…”

“…Wherever the multifactorial analysis was conducted (in copper mines, in silica-firebrick, or in alumosilicate-firebrick factories), the development of both simple silicosis and silicotuberculosis was found to be promoted by these two harmful habits. Moreover, one has to take into account that among other factors promoting development of simple silicosis, chronic bronchitis is one of the most important (2,3). It is well known that this condition, in its turn, depends to a large degree on smoking.…”