Description
Human Club cell protein (CC16, CC10, uteroglobin, urinary protein 1 or Clara cell secretory protein) is a member of the secretoglobin family of proteins and is a secreted product of nonciliated bronchiolar Club cells. Its function remains to be fully elucidated but there is convincing data suggesting its role as an immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory agent. Club cell protein inhibits phospholipase A2 activity as well as interferon gamma signaling and Th1 vs. Th2 lymphocyte regulation. Club cell protein concentrations have been determined in serum, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in numerous studies since 1994. In serum, its increase is associated with age and asbestos, nitrogen chloride and ozone exposure. Higher levels of CC16 were demonstrated in patients with sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis and high PEEP ventilation. Decreased serum CC16 levels are found after pulmonary resection in smokers and in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma or silica exposure. Decreased CC16 concentrations were also found in the amniotic fluid of fetuses suffering from pulmonary hypoplasia caused by various mechanisms (diaphragmatic hernia, diabetic fetopathy, Turner and Down syndrome). In pleural effusions, the CC16 concentration appears to be associated with its diffusion from the lung as evidenced by high CC16 levels in cardiac pleural congestion. Based on the above reports Club cell protein might be perspective useful diagnostic marker of pulmonary diseases and injuries