High-Fat Western Diet Alters Silica-induced airway epithelium ion exchange but not airway smooth muscle reactivity

Silicosis is an irreversible occupational lung disease resulting from crystalline silica exposure. Previously, we discovered that Western diet (HFWD)-consumption increases susceptibility to silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. This study investigates the potential of HFWD to alter silica-induced effects on airway epithelial ion transport and smooth muscle reactivity.