Pneumoconiosis and Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review
-
Yuqing Shi
,
Chen Li
,
Shi Zhou
,
Chunyun Li
,
Fankang Meng
,
Xiaoxia Wang
,
Qing Xu
,
Henan Liu
,
Yuhua Tang
Abstract
Pneumoconiosis, an occupational lung disease that arises from the inhalation of harmful dust, often coexists with multiple chronic diseases that aggravate its prognosis and complicate treatment. These chronic diseases can include pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions, as well as cerebrovascular, renal, endocrine, and rheumatic comorbidities. The underlying pathogenesis, which involves inflammatory responses, blood vessel damage, and immune system compromise, is rooted in the persistent presence of inhaled dust particles within the pulmonary alveoli and the systemic circulation. Management emphasizes preventive measures, notably through regulatory oversight to reduce exposure, and is coupled with vigilant chronic disease monitoring and lifestyle interventions. This article reviews the mechanisms, research status, and management strategies for pneumoconiosis patients complicated by the aforementioned chronic diseases. We aimed to bridge the gap between understanding the complexities of pneumoconiosis combined with chronic conditions and translating this insight into practical and effective management strategies to enhance patient care.
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2. Hang W, Bu C, Cui Y, et al (2024). Research progress on the pathogenesis and prediction of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. Environ Geochem Health, 46 (9):319.
3. Disease GBD, Injury I, Prevalence C (2018). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet, 392 (10159):1789-1858.
4. Wang H, Ye Q, Zhang H, et al (2023). Prevention and Treatment of Pneumoconiosis in the Context of Healthy China 2030. China CDC Wkly, 5 (41):927-932.
5. Allegrante JP, Wells MT, Peterson JC (2019). Interventions to Support Behavioral Self-Management of Chronic Diseases. Annu Rev Public Health, 40:127-146.
6. Airhihenbuwa CO, Tseng TS, Sutton VD, et al (2021). Global Perspectives on Improving Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in Diverse Settings. Prev Chronic Dis, 18:E33.
7. Sun BQ, Zhao HL, Xie Y (2021). [Progress in epidemiological studies on pneumoconiosis with comorbidities]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 39 (5):389-393.
8. Sun Q, Hong X, Wold LE (2010). Cardiovascular effects of ambient particulate air pollution exposure. Circulation, 121 (25):2755-65.
9. Millerick-May ML, Schrauben S, Reilly MJ, Rosenman KD (2015). Silicosis and chronic renal disease. Am J Ind Med, 58 (7):730-6.
10. Chuang CS, Ho SC, Lin CL, et al (2016). Risk of Cerebrovascular Events in Pneumoconiosis Patients: A Population-based Study, 1996-2011. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (9):e2944.
11. Li Y, Cheng Z, Fan H, et al (2022). Epigenetic Changes and Functions in Pneumoconiosis. Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2022:2523066.
12. Su X, Kong X, Yu X, et al (2023). Incidence and influencing factors of occupational pneumoconiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 13 (3):e065114.
13. Hnizdo E, Vallyathan V (2003). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to occupational exposure to silica dust: a review of epidemiological and pathological evidence. Occup Environ Med, 60 (4):237-43.
14. Pinho RA, Bonatto F, Andrades M, et al (2004). Lung oxidative response after acute coal dust exposure. Environ Res, 96 (3):290-7.
15. Petsonk EL, Rose C, Cohen R (2013). Coal mine dust lung disease. New lessons from old exposure. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 187 (11):1178-85.
16. Cockcroft DW (2018). Environmental Causes of Asthma. Semin Respir Crit Care Med, 39 (1):12-18.
17. Hung CL, Su PL, Ou CY (2016). Prognostic effect of tuberculosis on patients with occupational lung diseases: A 13-year observational study in a nationwide cohort. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (37):e4748.
18. Katabami M, Dosaka-Akita H, Honma K, et al (2000). Pneumoconiosis-related lung cancers: preferential occurrence from diffuse interstitial fibrosis-type pneumoconiosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 162 (1):295-300.
19. Peng Y, Li X, Cai S, et al (2018). Prevalence and characteristics of COPD among pneumoconiosis patients at an occupational disease prevention institute: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med, 18 (1):22.
20. Fan Y, Xu W, Wang Y, et al (2020). Association of occupational dust exposure with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open, 10 (9):e038874.
21. Ornek T, Atalay F, Erboy F, et al (2013). Is pneumoconiosis a factor of severity in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Clin Ter, 164 (6):e473-7.
22. Wang H, Dai H, He J, et al (2022). Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis based on its social determinants and risk factors in China: a cross-sectional study from 27 provinces. Chin Med J (Engl), 135 (24):2984-2997.
23. Chiyotani K, Saito K, Okubo T, et al (1990). Lung cancer risk among pneumoconiosis patients in Japan, with special reference to silicotics. IARC Sci Publ, (97):95-104.
24. Brook RD, Rajagopalan S, Pope CA, et al (2010). Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 121 (21):2331-78.
25. Chang JH, Shen TC, Chen KW, et al (2023). Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Pneumoconiosis: Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study. Biomedicines, 11 (3): 897.
26. Mossman BT, Borm PJ, Castranova V, et al (2007). Mechanisms of action of inhaled fibers, particles and nanoparticles in lung and cardiovascular diseases. Part Fibre Toxicol, 4:4.
27. Imaizumi Y, Eguchi K, Taketomi A, et al (2014). Exaggerated blood pressure variability in patients with pneumoconiosis: a pilot study. Am J Hypertens, 27 (12):1456-63.
28. Yen CM, Lin CL, Lin MC, et al (2016). Pneumoconiosis increases the risk of congestive heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (25):e3972.
29. Hu WS, Lin CL (2020). Risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with pneumoconiosis: A nationwide study in Taiwan. Clin Cardiol, 43 (1):66-70.
30. Cheng YY, Hsu KH, Chen YH, et al (2015). Increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with pneumoconiosis. J Clin Neurosci, 22 (2):363-7.
31. Mutlu GM, Green D, Bellmeyer A, et al(2007). Ambient particulate matter accelerates coagulation via an IL-6-dependent pathway. J Clin Invest, 117 (10):2952-61.
32. Budinger GR, McKell JL, Urich D, et al (2011). Particulate matter-induced lung inflammation increases systemic levels of PAI-1 and activates coagulation through distinct mechanisms. PLoS One, 6 (4):e18525.
33. Wang H, Lyu X, Luo D, Dai H (2023). Prevalence and Types of Comorbidities in Pneumoconiosis - China, 2018-2021. China CDC Wkly, 5 (38):837-843.
34. Huang B, Liao G, Lee PMY, et al (2023). Association of circadian rhythm with mild cognitive impairment among male pneumoconiosis workers in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep, 13 (1):1650.
35. Shen CH, Lin TY, Huang WY, et al (2015). Pneumoconiosis increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease: a nationwide population-based study. Medicine (Baltimore), 94 (21):e911.
36. Chen YJ, Lin MS, Hsu KY, et al (2014). Prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease and related risk factors in younger and elderly patients in Taiwan. Angiology, 65 (5):396-401.
37. Rosenman KD, Moore-Fuller M, Reilly MJ (2000). Kidney disease and silicosis. Nephron, 85 (1):14-9.
38. Hsu CN, Tain YL (2022). Chronic Kidney Disease and Gut Microbiota: What Is Their Connection in Early Life? Int J Mol Sci, 23 (7):3954.
39. Bhattad PB, Joseph DL, Peterson E (2020). IgG4-Related Disease Manifesting as Hypocomplementemic Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep, 8:2324709620952213.
40. Lee S, Ma X, Lee W (2023). Association between exposure to external airborne agents and autoimmune disease. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 263:115334.
41. Xu W, Ma R, Wang J, et al (2023). Pneumoconiosis combined with connective tissue disease in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 13 (4):e068628.
42. Matsuoka Y, Tomita M, Yoshino I, et al (1992). [Relationship between autoimmune diseases and pneumoconiosis]. Sangyo Igaku, 34 (5):421-31.
43. Lee S, Matsuzaki H, Kumagai-Takei N, et al (2014). Silica exposure and altered regulation of autoimmunity. Environ Health Prev Med, 19 (5):322-9.
44. Pollard KM (2016). Silica, Silicosis, and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol, 7:97.
45. Zhang Z, Zhang XR, Wang J (2022). [Research progress on immune pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 40 (6):471-476.
46. Jain S, Joshi V, Rathore YS, Khippal N (2017). Erasmus Syndrome: Silicosis and Systemic Sclerosis. Indian J Occup Environ Med, 21 (2):94-96.
47. Ma WT, Gao F, Gu K, Chen DK (2019). The Role of Monocytes and Macrophages in Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Front Immunol, 10:1140.
48. Schreiber J, Koschel D, Kekow J, et al (2010). Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis (Caplan's syndrome). Eur J Intern Med, 21 (3):168-172.
49. Jp NA, Imanaka M, Suganuma N (2017). Japanese workplace health management in pneumoconiosis prevention. J Occup Health, 59 (2):91-103.
50. Rayens NT, Rayens EA, Tighe RM (2022). Co-occurrence of pneumoconiosis with COPD, pneumonia and lung cancer. Occup Med (Lond), 72 (8):527-533.
51. Maboso B, Te Water Naude J, Rees D, et al (2023). Difficulties in distinguishing silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in silica-exposed gold miners: A report of four cases. Am J Ind Med, 66 (4):339-348.
52. Li Q, Zeng J, Du J, Zhang N (2014). [Application of nutritional support therapy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in pneumoconiosis patients with respiratory failure]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 32 (4):293-5.
53. Chen SY, Li Y, Zhang XH, et al (2022). [Analysis of risk factors for readmission of pneumoconiosis patients in Hunan]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 40 (12):898-903.
2. Hang W, Bu C, Cui Y, et al (2024). Research progress on the pathogenesis and prediction of pneumoconiosis among coal miners. Environ Geochem Health, 46 (9):319.
3. Disease GBD, Injury I, Prevalence C (2018). Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet, 392 (10159):1789-1858.
4. Wang H, Ye Q, Zhang H, et al (2023). Prevention and Treatment of Pneumoconiosis in the Context of Healthy China 2030. China CDC Wkly, 5 (41):927-932.
5. Allegrante JP, Wells MT, Peterson JC (2019). Interventions to Support Behavioral Self-Management of Chronic Diseases. Annu Rev Public Health, 40:127-146.
6. Airhihenbuwa CO, Tseng TS, Sutton VD, et al (2021). Global Perspectives on Improving Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in Diverse Settings. Prev Chronic Dis, 18:E33.
7. Sun BQ, Zhao HL, Xie Y (2021). [Progress in epidemiological studies on pneumoconiosis with comorbidities]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 39 (5):389-393.
8. Sun Q, Hong X, Wold LE (2010). Cardiovascular effects of ambient particulate air pollution exposure. Circulation, 121 (25):2755-65.
9. Millerick-May ML, Schrauben S, Reilly MJ, Rosenman KD (2015). Silicosis and chronic renal disease. Am J Ind Med, 58 (7):730-6.
10. Chuang CS, Ho SC, Lin CL, et al (2016). Risk of Cerebrovascular Events in Pneumoconiosis Patients: A Population-based Study, 1996-2011. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (9):e2944.
11. Li Y, Cheng Z, Fan H, et al (2022). Epigenetic Changes and Functions in Pneumoconiosis. Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2022:2523066.
12. Su X, Kong X, Yu X, et al (2023). Incidence and influencing factors of occupational pneumoconiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 13 (3):e065114.
13. Hnizdo E, Vallyathan V (2003). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to occupational exposure to silica dust: a review of epidemiological and pathological evidence. Occup Environ Med, 60 (4):237-43.
14. Pinho RA, Bonatto F, Andrades M, et al (2004). Lung oxidative response after acute coal dust exposure. Environ Res, 96 (3):290-7.
15. Petsonk EL, Rose C, Cohen R (2013). Coal mine dust lung disease. New lessons from old exposure. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 187 (11):1178-85.
16. Cockcroft DW (2018). Environmental Causes of Asthma. Semin Respir Crit Care Med, 39 (1):12-18.
17. Hung CL, Su PL, Ou CY (2016). Prognostic effect of tuberculosis on patients with occupational lung diseases: A 13-year observational study in a nationwide cohort. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (37):e4748.
18. Katabami M, Dosaka-Akita H, Honma K, et al (2000). Pneumoconiosis-related lung cancers: preferential occurrence from diffuse interstitial fibrosis-type pneumoconiosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 162 (1):295-300.
19. Peng Y, Li X, Cai S, et al (2018). Prevalence and characteristics of COPD among pneumoconiosis patients at an occupational disease prevention institute: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med, 18 (1):22.
20. Fan Y, Xu W, Wang Y, et al (2020). Association of occupational dust exposure with combined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study in China. BMJ Open, 10 (9):e038874.
21. Ornek T, Atalay F, Erboy F, et al (2013). Is pneumoconiosis a factor of severity in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Clin Ter, 164 (6):e473-7.
22. Wang H, Dai H, He J, et al (2022). Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis based on its social determinants and risk factors in China: a cross-sectional study from 27 provinces. Chin Med J (Engl), 135 (24):2984-2997.
23. Chiyotani K, Saito K, Okubo T, et al (1990). Lung cancer risk among pneumoconiosis patients in Japan, with special reference to silicotics. IARC Sci Publ, (97):95-104.
24. Brook RD, Rajagopalan S, Pope CA, et al (2010). Particulate matter air pollution and cardiovascular disease: An update to the scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 121 (21):2331-78.
25. Chang JH, Shen TC, Chen KW, et al (2023). Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Pneumoconiosis: Results from a Retrospective Cohort Study. Biomedicines, 11 (3): 897.
26. Mossman BT, Borm PJ, Castranova V, et al (2007). Mechanisms of action of inhaled fibers, particles and nanoparticles in lung and cardiovascular diseases. Part Fibre Toxicol, 4:4.
27. Imaizumi Y, Eguchi K, Taketomi A, et al (2014). Exaggerated blood pressure variability in patients with pneumoconiosis: a pilot study. Am J Hypertens, 27 (12):1456-63.
28. Yen CM, Lin CL, Lin MC, et al (2016). Pneumoconiosis increases the risk of congestive heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore), 95 (25):e3972.
29. Hu WS, Lin CL (2020). Risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with pneumoconiosis: A nationwide study in Taiwan. Clin Cardiol, 43 (1):66-70.
30. Cheng YY, Hsu KH, Chen YH, et al (2015). Increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with pneumoconiosis. J Clin Neurosci, 22 (2):363-7.
31. Mutlu GM, Green D, Bellmeyer A, et al(2007). Ambient particulate matter accelerates coagulation via an IL-6-dependent pathway. J Clin Invest, 117 (10):2952-61.
32. Budinger GR, McKell JL, Urich D, et al (2011). Particulate matter-induced lung inflammation increases systemic levels of PAI-1 and activates coagulation through distinct mechanisms. PLoS One, 6 (4):e18525.
33. Wang H, Lyu X, Luo D, Dai H (2023). Prevalence and Types of Comorbidities in Pneumoconiosis - China, 2018-2021. China CDC Wkly, 5 (38):837-843.
34. Huang B, Liao G, Lee PMY, et al (2023). Association of circadian rhythm with mild cognitive impairment among male pneumoconiosis workers in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep, 13 (1):1650.
35. Shen CH, Lin TY, Huang WY, et al (2015). Pneumoconiosis increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease: a nationwide population-based study. Medicine (Baltimore), 94 (21):e911.
36. Chen YJ, Lin MS, Hsu KY, et al (2014). Prevalence of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease and related risk factors in younger and elderly patients in Taiwan. Angiology, 65 (5):396-401.
37. Rosenman KD, Moore-Fuller M, Reilly MJ (2000). Kidney disease and silicosis. Nephron, 85 (1):14-9.
38. Hsu CN, Tain YL (2022). Chronic Kidney Disease and Gut Microbiota: What Is Their Connection in Early Life? Int J Mol Sci, 23 (7):3954.
39. Bhattad PB, Joseph DL, Peterson E (2020). IgG4-Related Disease Manifesting as Hypocomplementemic Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep, 8:2324709620952213.
40. Lee S, Ma X, Lee W (2023). Association between exposure to external airborne agents and autoimmune disease. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 263:115334.
41. Xu W, Ma R, Wang J, et al (2023). Pneumoconiosis combined with connective tissue disease in China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 13 (4):e068628.
42. Matsuoka Y, Tomita M, Yoshino I, et al (1992). [Relationship between autoimmune diseases and pneumoconiosis]. Sangyo Igaku, 34 (5):421-31.
43. Lee S, Matsuzaki H, Kumagai-Takei N, et al (2014). Silica exposure and altered regulation of autoimmunity. Environ Health Prev Med, 19 (5):322-9.
44. Pollard KM (2016). Silica, Silicosis, and Autoimmunity. Front Immunol, 7:97.
45. Zhang Z, Zhang XR, Wang J (2022). [Research progress on immune pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 40 (6):471-476.
46. Jain S, Joshi V, Rathore YS, Khippal N (2017). Erasmus Syndrome: Silicosis and Systemic Sclerosis. Indian J Occup Environ Med, 21 (2):94-96.
47. Ma WT, Gao F, Gu K, Chen DK (2019). The Role of Monocytes and Macrophages in Autoimmune Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Front Immunol, 10:1140.
48. Schreiber J, Koschel D, Kekow J, et al (2010). Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis (Caplan's syndrome). Eur J Intern Med, 21 (3):168-172.
49. Jp NA, Imanaka M, Suganuma N (2017). Japanese workplace health management in pneumoconiosis prevention. J Occup Health, 59 (2):91-103.
50. Rayens NT, Rayens EA, Tighe RM (2022). Co-occurrence of pneumoconiosis with COPD, pneumonia and lung cancer. Occup Med (Lond), 72 (8):527-533.
51. Maboso B, Te Water Naude J, Rees D, et al (2023). Difficulties in distinguishing silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis in silica-exposed gold miners: A report of four cases. Am J Ind Med, 66 (4):339-348.
52. Li Q, Zeng J, Du J, Zhang N (2014). [Application of nutritional support therapy and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in pneumoconiosis patients with respiratory failure]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 32 (4):293-5.
53. Chen SY, Li Y, Zhang XH, et al (2022). [Analysis of risk factors for readmission of pneumoconiosis patients in Hunan]. Zhonghua Lao Dong Wei Sheng Zhi Ye Bing Za Zhi, 40 (12):898-903.
| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 54 No 3 (2025) | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Pneumoconiosis Chronic diseases Occupational lung diseases | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Shi Y, Li C, Zhou S, Li C, Meng F, Wang X, Xu Q, Liu H, Tang Y. Pneumoconiosis and Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review. Iran J Public Health. 2025;54(3):521-529.
