Gender-specific concentrations of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP): biomedical study to explore THP differences during the search of THP-inductors by nature

Tamm-Horsfall Protein (THP) is a highly mannosylated glycoprotein, expressed in the kidney. THP binds to the mannose sensitive adhesin FimH of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and thus prevents FimH-mediated adhesion of UPEC to host cells. Natural substances as inducers of THP formation offer potential for innovative therapeutic strategies against urinary tract infections (UTI). Recently it has been shown that THP secretion is significantly stimulated by extracts from cranberry fruits (Vaccinium macrocarpon), resulting in increased anti adhesive properties against UPEC [1]. Surprisingly, this THP-stimulating effect turned out to be gender dependent, with men benefiting more than women regarding THP. For this, the following study aimed to quantitate basal THP levels without any intervention in human female and male urine samples to monitor gender-specific differences, this also within the fact, that the prevalence of UTI is significantly higher in women than in men [2].

For THP quantitation a specific ELISA was established and validated [3]. Within a biomedical study, urine was collected from 179 volunteers and THP was quantified. Subgroup analysis indicated significant lower average log₁₀(THP/Crea) concentration in male urine compared to women (∅ 0.73 vs.1.05, p < 0.05). Female subjects without intake of hormonal contraceptives have a significantly higher THP secretion compared to men (∅ 1.15 vs. 0.73, p < 0.01). Urine from women, treated with hormonal contraceptives showed a tendency towards reduced log10(THP/Crea) ratios (∅ 0.94).

Further research (e.g., glycosyslation pattern, efficiency of binding pathogen) is needed to establish a correlation between THP fine structure and the prevalence of UTI.

Fig. 1 Log₁₀ (THP [µg]/Crea [mg]) of study population (subgroups: male; female; F/C – female without contraceptives; F+C – female with additional intake of hormonal contraceptives) depicted in a box-plot chart (10 – 90 percentile). + represents mean value. Data were processed with nonparametric ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis). Subsequently, post-hoc test was conducted with Dunnʼs multiple comparison. Statistical significance could thus be assessed (* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01).

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022

• References

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