Silica Animal Model for Autoimmune Disease and The Potential Use of Myrrh Compared with The Conventional Treatment

Autoimmune diseases (AD) result from the breakdown of self-tolerance and immune system attacking self-antigen leading to multiple organ failure. It affects animals and humans. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors influence the development of AD. For understanding disease pathogenesis and developing immunotherapeutic strategies, several animal models have been developed. Animal models of autoimmune diseases consist mainly of two groups, spontaneous and induced models. The Induced autoimmune models involved the use of experimental infections, drugs, chemicals, Metals, and environmental substances. From the environmental substances that raise a concern and act as a potential candidate for use in an autoimmune animal model is the silica. The relation between silica and autoimmune disease is discussed in this review. Furthermore, various treatment options are reviewed which include available medications and possible natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Nowadays, the use of natural compounds is gaining wide popularity since it’s a safer and cheaper source of drugs. Myrrh as a natural medicine possessing anti-inflammatory properties makes it a possible conjunctive treatment to autoimmune diseases.