REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES - THEIR RELATION TO PNEUMOCONIOSIS AND CARCINOGENESIS

Occupational exposures to mineral particles cause pneumoconiosis and o ther diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have suggested that re active oxygen species (ROS) may play a key role in the mechanisms of d isease initiation and progression following exposure to these particle s. ROS-induced primary stimuli result in the increased secretion of pr oinflammatory cytokines and other mediators, promoting events that app ear to be important in the progression of cell injury and pulmonary di sease. We have provided evidence supporting the hypothesis that inhala tion of insoluble particles such as asbestos, agricultural dusts, coal , crystalline silica, and inorganic dust can be involved in facilitati ng multiple pathways for persistent generation of ROS, which may lead to a continuum of inflammation leading to progression of disease. This article briefly summarizes some of the recent findings from our labor atories with emphasis on the molecular events by which ROS are involve d in promoting pneumoconiosis and carcinogenesis.