Laboratory studies on silica induced toxicity and relationship to carcinogenicity

A review of published laboratory studies was undertaken to provide insight into the biologic basis for silica induced lung toxicity. Experimental animals exhibit markers of silica induced toxicity similar to those exhibited by humans and may also provide a model for resistant populations. Cell culture studies are useful to discern the roles of specific lung cell types and cell mediators in the development of silica induced fibrotic events. The biochemical relationships between silica induced fibrosis and carcinogenesis have not been fully established. Temporal and dose-response relationships for events linking the two endpoints are unknown. Research in this area will provide a more complete understanding of the relationship between the two disease states and hence of the role of silica exposure in human disease.