title: Silica-associated systemic lupus erythematosus in an elderly man.
abstract: The predominantly young woman-orientated systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease that involves an extremely complicated and multifactorial interaction of various genetic and environmental factors. Crystalline silica (Si) may act as an immunoadjuvant to increase secretions of inflammatory endogenous substances and antibody production. In addition, previous studies have suggested that exposure to Si may induce SLE. Although the biologic mechanism of Si in SLE is unclear, defective apoptosis leading to the prolonged survival of pathogenic lymphocytes was thought to be one of mechanisms of Si-associated SLE (sSLE). In the present study, a rare case of an elderly man suffering from sSLE responded well to glucocorticoid therapy. The present findings were reviewed with reference to previous literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Nagano Municipal Hospital. seiichi_yamazaki@hospital.nagano.nagano.jp
authors.forename: Seiichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamazaki
authors.forename: Fumiaki
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yoshiike
authors.forename: Kazuya
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hirai
authors.forename: Tetsuji
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kakegawa
authors.forename: Michiyo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: Atsuo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nagata
authors.forename: Gaku
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishimura
authors.forename: Noriko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hosaka
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ehara
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011859:Radiography; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012829:Silicosis / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone