Sílica e tabagismo: associação na produção de dano pulmonar / Silica dust and tobacco smoking: association in lung damage

Introdução: A relação entre a sílica e o tabaco como potencializadores na geração de fibrose pulmonar não foi ainda bem estabelecida, embora tenham sido postulados alguns mecanismos fisiopatológicos para embasá-la. É necessário reconhecer o papel das diversas células envolvidas na resposta inflamatória, assim como as diversas vias biológicas que participam na gênese. Esses fatores nos motivaram a desenvolver a presente revisão descritiva. Resultados: Cada vez mais evidências sugerem que a inflamação local produzida por exposição à sílica e à fumaça do tabaco pode ser modulada por fatores genéticos, mecanismos epigenéticos, reações autoimunes e hipóxia local, levando à transição epitélio-mesênquima e ao acúmulo de material necrótico no pulmão, o que contribui à perpetuação da inflamação e a uma resposta imunológica inata exagerada nos trabalhadores com silicose fumantes. Conclusão: Comparações diretas de diferentes estudos de mensuração de biomarcadores inflamatórios associados à silicose e ao tabagismo devem ser realizadas com cautela, devido a uma série de possíveis fatores de confusão, como compartimentalização ou interação com as diversas vias biológicas e tipos celulares envolvidos. Convém destacar que para se evitar a ocorrência de dano pulmonar nos trabalhadores expostos à sílica, devem-se melhorar os sistemas de ventilação e reduzir sua exposição. No contexto da cessação do tabagismo, é necessário o uso de componentes psicoterapêuticos, com o fim de evitar o dano pulmonar precocemente

Background: The relationship between silica dust and tobacco smoking as enhancers of pulmonary fibrosis development has not yet been well established. Some pathophysiological mechanisms which might support this relationship were postulated. The role of different cells involved in the inflammatory response, and of different biological pathways needs to be recognized. These facts encouraged us to perform the present descriptive review. Results: Growing evidence suggests that local inflammation induced by exposure to silica dust and tobacco smoking might be modulated by genetic factors, epigenetic mechanisms, autoimmune reactions and local hypoxia, giving rise to the epithelial­mesenchymal transition. These phenomena lead to accumulation of necrotic material in the lungs, which contributes to inflammation's perpetuation and to an exaggerated innate immunological response among workers with silicosis who smoke. Conclusion: Direct comparisons of different measurement studies of inflammatory biomarkers associated with silicosis and tobacco smoking should be performed cautiously due to several possible confounding factors, such as compartmentalization or interaction among the various biological pathways and cell types involved. Ventilation systems should be improved and exposure reduced to prevent lung damage in workers exposed to silica. In regard to smoking cessation, psychotherapy approaches are needed for early prevention of lung damage

The Experience of Miners Relocated to Alternative Positions due to Silicosis in the Andean of CODELCO, Chile, 2010

OBJECTIVES: To understand the personal experiences of mine workers that have experienced job relocation due to silicosis at the Andina Division of Corporacion Nacional del Cobre (CODELCO), Chile. The purpose of the study was to provide useful information for the development of new local, business and public policies for the care of workers with silicosis. METHODS: A qualitative study based on a practical case study of 5 workers. The information was collected by means of structured individual interviews. The method of analysis was phenomenology. RESULTS: The corporal axis was the most commented upon. It included awareness of the illness, body pains, fatigue, and antagonistic mood disorders (sadness, or the difficulty in finding meaning in life). As far as personal relationships, there was evidence of strong relationships with family, coworkers and friends, as well as extended family. Over all, the experience of relocation was positive with periods of impatience and uncertainty. The job reassignment provided a new and pleasant context for the relocated workers and in the process improved their perception of their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary team should attend mine workers relocated because of silicosis by addressing the mental and physical aspects of their disease, along with the integral participation of close family members. It is suggested that this investigation be maintain over time to record the personal experiences in the medium-term, adding new cases with the intention of shedding more light on the phenomenon being studied. As a preventive measure, continual workshops are needed on the proper use of respiratory protection in addition, a group of monitors is required.