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Background Pneumoconiosis is a serious occupational disease worldwide, which is characterized by irreversible and diffuse lung fibrotic lesions. Laminin beta 1(LAMB1) is widely expressed in tissues and it is crucial for both lung morphogenesis and physiological function. In this study, we explored the association between LAMB1 rs4320486 and risk of pneumoconiosis in a Chinese population, as well as its mechanisms. Methods In this case-control study, 600 CWP patients and 605 controls were genotyped for the LAMB1 rs4320486 polymorphism using TaqMan methods. Luciferase reporter assay was used to assess the LAMB1 transcriptional activities. The protein levels in cells and tissues were detected by western blot, and mRNA levels were determined by qRT-PCR. Results Logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals with LAMB1 rs4320486 CT/TT genotypes had a significantly decreased risk of CWP (adjusted OR = 0.78, 95%CI = 0.64-0.94), compared with individuals with CC genotypes. Luciferase assays showed that the LAMB1 rs4320486(C > T) substitution could decrease the expression of LAMB1. Compared with normal groups, mRNA levels of LAMB1 were up-regulated in lung tissues of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, expressions of LAMB1 and α-SMA were enhanced progressively, along with the development of lung fibrosis, while E-cadherin decreased. Conclusions In this study, the functional LAMB1 rs4320486 mutation was associated with a decreased risk of CWP in a Chinese population, probably owing to the reduced activity of LAMB1 transcription. LAMB1 expression was increased in the progress of lung fibrosis, which suggests that LAMB1 may affect the initiation and progression of pneumoconiosis, or serve as a potential biomarker of pneumoconiosis for diagnosis and genetic susceptibility.

Background: There are enormous health problems associated with the use of coal as energy. Dust emitted during the mining processes is identified as a specific risk factor for Coal Worker Pneumoconiosis (CWP) and other respiratory health problems. There is little published evidence on various health measures and their effectiveness in controlling CWP. This review seeks to provide a summary of the published literature on various health measures taken to reduce CWP in coal mines. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and occupational health databases for published research articles, evaluation reports, official documents and regulations. Reference lists of relevant papers were hand-searched. We retrieved a total of 1, 049 articles out of which 17 merited criteria for inclusion. Papers presenting evidence of the prevention of CWP among coal miners were included. Results: Many technological interventions are currently available to promote primary prevention of CWP by ensuring reduction in inhalable dust. This review identified laws and regulations, surveillance, direct dust control measures, risk assessment and compensations as ways of minimizing exposure to dust among coal workers, as means of preventing CWP. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: There is little evidence on the various measures stipulated in mining regulations that are adhered to and the extent to which they have been effective. The public health strategy that combines various health measures, including training of workers on safety measures, may be effective in preventing CWP. [This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.] Copyright © 2017 Ayaaba et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.