The association of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms with disease severity and latency period in patients with silicosis

Hasan Dogan; Metin Akgun; Omer Araz; Elif Yilmazel Ucar; Ozgur Yoruk; Eda Diyarbakir; Omer Atis; Fatih Akdemir; Hamit Acemoglu4; Ibrahim Pirim

doi:10.4081/mrm.2014.418

The association of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms with disease severity and latency period in patients with silicosis

Authors

Hasan Dogan Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Metin Akgun Chest Diseases Department and Pulmonary Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Omer Araz Chest Diseases Department and Pulmonary Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Elif Yilmazel Ucar Chest Diseases Department and Pulmonary Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Ozgur Yoruk Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Eda Diyarbakir Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Omer Atis Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Fatih Akdemir Medical Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Hamit Acemoglu4 Medical Education Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum
Ibrahim Pirim Medical Biology and Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Katip Celebi University, Izmir

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2014.418

Keywords:

HLA polymorphism, Immunity, Latency, Severity, Silicosis

Abstract

Background: Denim sandblasting may cause silicosis as a result of free crystalline silica inhalation. Its pathogenesis remains unclear, but autoimmunity may play a role in the development of silicosis. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the severity and latency period of silicosis.

Methods: 48 silicotic patients in the Eastern part of Turkey were classified according to their latency period and disease severity. The distribution of HLAs according to disease severity and latency period was assessed.

Results: A23 (7.5%), B49 (7.5%), and B51 (25%) were more common in the mild group than in the severe group, and B55 (8.9%) and DR4 (17.9%) were more common in the severe group than in the mild one. Only B51 was significantly more common in the mild group than in the severe one (25%, n = 10 vs. 7.1%, n = 4; p = 0.016).

Conclusions: This study suggests that HLA antigens may play a particular role in the severity of silica-induced lung disease, but there was no association between HLA and progression time of the disease.