Serum club cell protein (CC16), zinc, and urinary cadmium in Upper Egypt.

Background CC16, or club cell protein, is a microprotein secreted by Clara cells that has many roles, including host defense and immune response, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. It plays a role against cadmium-induced damage. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in protection against cadmium toxicity. Objectives This study was aimed to test the hypothesis that Cd from smoking is associated with club cell damage and intravascular leakage of CC16.and examine the role of zinc protection against it. Methodology : This study is a case-control study: we measure serum CC16, urinary Cd, and serum zinc in two groups of smokers and in non-smokers (control group). Result The serum levels of CC16 are significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers (p > 0.0001). Also, there is a significant increase in the levels of urinary Cd in smokers compared to non-smokers (p = 0.0013). The levels of serum zinc are significantly lower in smokers compared to non-smokers (p = 0.0186). There is a significant positive correlation between serum zinc and urinary Cad (r = 0.3037 and p = 0.032). Conclusion Clara cell protein (CC16) is a valuable early marker for Cd inhaled toxin-induced cell damage, zinc can protect against the damage caused by Cd or modulate the damage caused by Cd on the respiratory tract.