Circular RNAs—a missing piece in pulmonary macrophage activation in silica-induced inflammation

Silicosis is a progressive, fibrotic pulmonary disease caused by inhalation and deposition of silica particles (SiO2) into lung cells. It occurs most commonly as an industrial disease of people working in the quarrying, manufacturing and building construction. Unfortunately, the disease develops slowly and latently, therefore manifestation of first symptoms occurs even couple years after exposure. Moreover, despite the either changes in place of residence or employment, the patient’ disease subsequently progresses. According to recent studies, silicosis is a significant risk factor and seems to be highly related to development of various pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and tuberculosis. Possibility to develop mentioned pulmonary diseases is about 4-fold higher in silicosis patients compared to general population. In some populations over 50% cases of tuberculosis were related to previous lung silicosis (1-5)