Significantly increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-12p70 (the latter only with Ludox stimulation) was observed in silicosis patients, compared to controls, while significantly lower levels of TNF-α, GM-CSF, IL-13 and IL-17A (the latter two only with NM-200 stimulation) were found in patients compared to controls. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and silicosis.