Determination of the Clara cell protein as a biomarker of lung toxicity in foundry workers

Purpose of the study. Foundry workers may he exposed to high concentrations Of noxious substances, such as particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, which call damage the respiratory epithelium. Measurement of the 16 kDa Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) in serum call be used to evaluate noninvasively long epithelial injury. The aim of this study was to assess the potential interest of serum CC16 determination as a peripheral biomarker of long toxicity in a population of foundry workers, in comparison with a matched control group. Material and methods. The level of CC16 was determined in serum. beta(2)-microglobulin and creatinine levels were measured as markers of renal function. Exposurre to tobacco smoke was evaluated by Urinary cotinine excretion. Lung function tests were performed in all participants. Both populations were well-matched with respect to age, body mass index and smoking habits. Results. The serum CC16 levels were significantly lower (-20%) in the exposed population, while the other parameters were not different. CC16 levels were further decreased in subjects coexposed to tobacco smoke and professional toxicants. In the absence of confounding factors, one may assume that the reduclion of CC16 in foundry, workers is related to professional exposure. No dose-effect relationship however emerged between changes in serum CC16 levels and parameters of exposure. Conclusions. Scruin CC16 levels provide a sensitive index of lung damage in foundry workers. Given the wide interindividual variability of CC16 levels in serum, the individual predictive value of the assay of CC16 in blood to detect lung damage appears very tow. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.