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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 18-12-2023 | Original Article

Club cell protein (CC16) in serum as an effect marker for small airway epithelial damage caused by diesel exhaust and blasting fumes in potash mining

Authors: Savo Neumann, Swaantje Casjens, Frank Hoffmeyer, Katrin Rühle, Lisa Gamrad-Streubel, Lisa-Marie Haase, Katharina K. Rudolph, Jörg Giesen, Volker Neumann, Dirk Taeger, Dirk Pallapies, Thomas Birk, Thomas Brüning, Jürgen Bünger

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Objective

The effect marker club cell protein (CC16) is secreted by the epithelium of the small respiratory tract into its lumen and passes into the blood. Increased amounts of CC16 in serum are observed during acute epithelial lung injury due to air pollutants. CC16 in serum was determined as part of this cross-sectional study in underground potash miners on acute and chronic health effects from exposures to diesel exhaust and blasting fumes.

Methods

Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and diesel particulate matter were measured in 672 workers at a German potash mining site on a person-by-person basis over an early shift or midday shift, together with CC16 serum concentrations before and after the respective shift. CC16 concentrations and CC16 shift-differences were evaluated with respect to personal exposure measurements and other quantitative variables by Spearman rank correlation coefficients. CC16 shift-differences were modeled using multiple linear regression. Above-ground workers as reference group were compared to the exposed underground workers.

Results

Serum concentrations of CC16 were influenced by personal characteristics such as age, smoking status, and renal function. Moreover, they showed a circadian rhythm. While no statistically significant effects of work-related exposure on CC16 concentrations were seen in never smokers, such effects were evident in current smokers.

Conclusion

The small airways of current smokers appeared to be vulnerable to the combination of measured work-related exposures and individual exposure to smoking. Therefore, as health protection of smokers exposed to diesel exhaust and blasting fumes, smoking cessation is strongly recommended.

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Title: Club cell protein (CC16) in serum as an effect marker for small airway epithelial damage caused by diesel exhaust and blasting fumes in potash mining
Authors: Savo Neumann
Swaantje Casjens
Frank Hoffmeyer
Katrin Rühle
Lisa Gamrad-Streubel
Lisa-Marie Haase
Katharina K. Rudolph
Jörg Giesen
Volker Neumann
Dirk Taeger
Dirk Pallapies
Thomas Birk
Thomas Brüning
Jürgen Bünger
Publication date: 18-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-02035-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Club cell protein (CC16) in serum as an effect marker for small airway epithelial damage caused by diesel exhaust and blasting fumes in potash mining

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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