FAS and systemic lupus erythematosus: To prevent not only respiratory diseases but also immunological disorders in silicosis patients, further study into the role of Fas-mediated apoptosis in these patients is required.[48] It seems that imbalance between apoptotic and proapoptotic factors could be responsible not only for immunologic disturbances and inflammation but also for internal organ involvement in the course of systematic sclerosis as well, just like in SLE.