Jean C. Pfau , Brett McLaurin , Brenda J. Buck , Frederick W. Miller
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
A growing body of evidence supports an association between systemic autoimmune disease and exposure to amphibole asbestos, a form of asbestos typically with straight, stiff, needle-like fibers that are easily inhaled. While the bulk of this evidence comes from the population exposed occupationally and environmentally to Libby Amphibole (LA) due to the mining of contaminated vermiculite in Montana, studies from Italy and Australia are broadening the evidence to other sites of amphibole exposures. What these investigations have done, that most historical studies have not, is to evaluate amphibole asbestos separately from chrysotile, the most common commercial asbestos in the United States. Here we review the current and historical evidence summarizing amphibole asbestos exposure as a risk factor for autoimmune disease. In both mice and humans, amphibole asbestos, but not chrysotile, drives production of both antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) associated with lupus-like pathologies and pathogenic autoantibodies against mesothelial cells that appear to contribute to a severe and progressive pleural fibrosis. A growing public health concern has emerged with revelations that a) unregulated asbestos minerals can be just as pathogenic as commercial (regulated) asbestos, and b) bedrock and soil occurrences of asbestos are far more widespread than previously thought. While occupational exposures may be decreasing, environmental exposures are on the rise for many reasons, including those due to the creation of windborne asbestos-containing dusts from urban development and climate change, making this topic an urgent challenge for public and heath provider education, health screening and environmental regulations.
期刊介绍:
Autoimmunity Reviews is a publication that features up-to-date, structured reviews on various topics in the field of autoimmunity. These reviews are written by renowned experts and include demonstrative illustrations and tables. Each article will have a clear "take-home" message for readers.
The selection of articles is primarily done by the Editors-in-Chief, based on recommendations from the international Editorial Board. The topics covered in the articles span all areas of autoimmunology, aiming to bridge the gap between basic and clinical sciences.
In terms of content, the contributions in basic sciences delve into the pathophysiology and mechanisms of autoimmune disorders, as well as genomics and proteomics. On the other hand, clinical contributions focus on diseases related to autoimmunity, novel therapies, and clinical associations.
Autoimmunity Reviews is internationally recognized, and its articles are indexed and abstracted in prestigious databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science Citation Index Expanded, Biosciences Information Services, and Chemical Abstracts.