Clara cell protein in nasal lavage fluid and nasal nitric oxide - biomarkers with anti-inflammatory properties in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

BackgroundClara cell protein (CC16) is ascribed a protective and anti-inflammatory role in airway inflammation. Lower levels have been observed in asthmatic subjects as well as in subjects with intermittent allergic rhinitis than in healthy controls. Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) is present in high concentrations in the upper airways, and considered a biomarker with beneficial effects, due to inhibition of bacteria and viruses along with stimulation of ciliary motility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presumed anti-inflammatory effects of nasal CC16 and nNO in subjects with allergic rhinitis.MethodsThe levels of CC16 in nasal lavage fluids, achieved from subjects with persistent allergic rhinitis (n = 13), intermittent allergic rhinitis in an allergen free interval (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 7), were analyzed by Western blot. The levels of nNO were measured by the subtraction method using NIOX®. The occurrences of effector cells in allergic inflammation, i.e. metachromatic cells (MC, mast cells and basophiles) and eosinophils (Eos) were analyzed by light microscopy in samples achieved by nasal brushing.ResultsThe levels of CC16 correlated with nNO levels (r2 = 0.37; p = 0.02) in allergic subjects.The levels of both biomarkers showed inverse relationships with MC occurrence, as higher levels of CC16 (p = 0.03) and nNO (p = 0.05) were found in allergic subjects with no demonstrable MC compared to the levels in subjects with demonstrable MC. Similar relationships, but not reaching significance, were observed between the CC16 and nNO levels and Eos occurrence. The levels of CC16 and nNO did not differ between the allergic and the control groups.ConclusionsThe correlation between nasal CC16 and nNO levels in patients with allergic rhinitis, along with an inverse relationship between their levels and the occurrences of MC in allergic inflammation, may indicate that both biomarkers have anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of cell recruitment. The mechanisms behind these observations warrant further analyses.

Eosinophil Chemokines and Clara Cell Protein 16 Production in Nasal Mucosa of Patients with Persistent Allergic Rhinitis

“…The results of one study concerning the role of CC16 in nasal inflammation in patients with PAR showed a positive correlation between the nasal fluid concentrations of CC16 and nasal production of nitric oxide (NO) [15]. This study also demonstrated a negative correlation between these biomarker concentrations in nasal secretions and the levels of mucosal infiltration by mast cells [15].…”

Label-free LC-MS/MS shotgun proteomics to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of rCC16

“…Therefore, reducing the inflammatory response is regarded as the primary interference measure for COPD patients. It is well-known that CC16 is a secretory protein with anti-inflammatory characteristics (21). Reduced levels of CC16 in the bronchial epithelium or sputum supernatants of COPD patients may be a contributing factor in airway inflammations (4,22).…”

Biomarcadores Na Rinite Alérgica: Qual a Importância E Potencial Diagnóstico?

“…A CC16 é um biomarcador de alto interesse nas doenças das vias aéreas e pode difundir passivamente do trato respiratório para o sangue, sendo inclusive excretada pelo trato urinário. CC16 está atribuída a um papel protetor contra o estresse oxidativo e inflamação do trato respiratório (IRANDER et al, 2012).…”