Interleukin 1α and 1β gene variations are associated with tuberculosis in silica exposed subjects.

Introduction: Silicosis is a fibrotic lung disease resulting from the inhalation of crystalline silica and can be classified as simple or complicated according to the International Labour Organization criteria. Furthermore, individuals exposed to crystalline silica also have a higher risk for the development of tuberculosis (Tb). The contribution of inflammatory cytokines to the risk of silicosis and Tb in different populations has previously been reported.

Lipoid pneumonia in a gas station attendant.

The exogenous lipoid pneumonia, uncommon in adults, is the result of the inhalation and/or aspiration of lipid material into the tracheobronchial tree. This is often confused with bacterial pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis due to a nonspecific clinical and radiologic picture. It presents acutely or chronically and may result in pulmonary fibrosis.

Progressive massive fibrosis in silica-exposed workers. High-resolution computed tomography findings.

Objective: To evaluate the radiological characteristics of conglomerate masses using high-resolution computed tomography of the chest.

Methods: From among the patients treated between 1986 and 2004 at the Antonio Pedro University Hospital, 75 patients with silicosis and massive fibrosis, most working in the field of sandblasting, were selected for study. These patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, chest X-ray and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest.

Interferon gamma response to combinations 38 kDa/CFP-10, 38 kDa/MPT-64, ESAT-6/MPT-64 and ESAT-6/CFP-10, each related to a single recombinant protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in individuals from tuberculosis endemic areas.

Several antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been identified and specificity to one or multiple antigens could determine the distinction between protective and pathogenic host reaction. Therefore T cell immune response to combinations 38 kDa/CFP-10, 38 kDa/MPT-64, ESAT-6/MPT-64 and ESAT-6/CFP-10 (each related to a single protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in individuals from tuberculosis endemic areas have been examined. ELISA was used to detect IFN-gamma production in PBMC priming with single proteins and combinations in a panel of 105 individuals: 38 tuberculosis patients (6 untreated and 32 treated) and 67 healthy controls with tuberculin skin test positive or negative (TST).

Cell proliferation and interferon-gamma response to recombinant MBP-3, NarL, MT-10.3, and 16 kDa Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens in Brazilian tuberculosis patients.

Human pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health problem. In resistant individuals, control of the infection mainly requires development of a Th1 cell immune response with production of cytokines, of which interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)plays an important role. Several antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has been described for use in vaccine development or for diagnostic purposes, however little evaluation has been done in endemic area for TB.

The role of bronchoalveolar lavage in quantifying inhaled particles in silicosis.

Silicosis is a disease caused by inhalation and deposition of crystalline silica that produces a fibrous tissue reaction. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a noninvasive technique that allows identifying particles, thus characterizing exposure to mineral dust. The aim of this work was to study bronchoalveolar lavage as a mean of estimating the amount of alveolar particles in different forms of silicosis.

[Comparative study of high resolution computer-assisted tomography with chest radiograph in silicosis].

The diagnosis of silicosis is based on the history of exposure to silica dust associated with the radiological alterations compatible with the disease. With the main objective of comparing the alterations found in the chest radiography to those of high resolution computed tomography 49 patients with silicosis were selected. These imaging methods were evaluated separately by three readers and the results summarized through the median of the readings.