Objectives: Endurance runners are exposed to respiratory damages due to extreme endurance exercises. Increasing CC16 and SP-D in the bloodstream is a sign of respiratory tract damage. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of physical preparedness levels on serum CC16 and SP-D levels and lung function. Equipment and methods: Ten healthy male elite runners and ten healthy male recreational runners were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Lung permeability [Surfactant protein D (SP-D), the Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) in serum and CC16/SP-D ratio] and lung function (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio) were measured before and after endurance session of running with an intensity of 80% to 85% maximum heart rate for 30 minutes. Comparisons were performed by RM-ANCOVA. Results: Serum CC-16 and SP-D levels, and CC16/SP-D ratio increased significantly with time (P = < 0.001). Also, the interaction of group × time and between group changes was not significant for serum CC-16 and SP-D levels, and CC16/SP-D ratio (P > 0.05). However, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio decreased significantly with time (P = 0.05). Also, the interaction of group × time and between group changes was not significant for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio (P > 0.05). Based on the results of this study, physical preparedness levels have no effect on the release of CC16, SP-D, CC16/SP-D ratio and lung function. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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