An overview of the role of mineral solubility in silicosis and asbestosis.
Asbestosis and silicosis are fibrotic diseases initiated by the inhalation of silica-containing dusts, asbestos and quartz. There are various approaches for explaining the causes of these diseases. At present, our knowledge on the matter indicates that silicic acid dissolved from these minerals, contact between macrophages and minerals, highly reactive and oxidative species formed on the mineral surface, and lysosomal enzymes released upon engulfment of particulate mineral of appropriate size all contribute to various extents to the initiation of fibrosis. Among these mineral solubility seems to have a substantial contribution as a causative factor.
Erdogdu
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Higher Education Council of Turkey, Bilkent, Ankara.
Hasirci
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D001195:Asbestosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000502:physiology; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010316:Particle Size; D011791:Quartz / Q000009:adverse effects; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D012829:Silicosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012995:Solubility
D005609:Free Radicals; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D011791:Quartz; D012822:Silicon Dioxide