Inflammatory biomarkers in workers exposed to silica dust: integrative review.

Introduction: Silicosis is a severe, progressive, fibrosing lung disease caused by the inhalation of free crystalline silica dust; it is the most prevalent pneumoconiosis worldwide. It is associated with a chronic inflammatory process triggered by silica particles in the pulmonary alveoli. Alveolar macrophages play a key role in the pathogenesis of silicosis, with additional contributions from polymorphonuclear cells, epithelial cells, and the release of inflammatory mediators. Objectives: To compile updated information on key inflammatory biomarkers in workers exposed to silica. Methods: Integrative review to discuss the state of the art regarding major biomarkers used in the early diagnosis and search for treatments for workers exposed to silica. The SciELO and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2022. Results: The search strategy retrieved 111 articles, of which 29 were duplicates across the two databases. Of the 82 remaining articles, 67 were excluded after screening of abstracts (review articles, articles on polymorphisms/genetics, and animal studies). Fifteen articles were read in full; of these, two were eliminated as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 13 articles retained for analysis, 12 were cross-sectional and only 1 was a prospective observational study. Conclusions: This integrative review identified the importance of cytokines in silica-related illness. This can help encourage future research and guide the development of new therapies and interventions for silicosis.