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Tamm-horsfall protein protects against urinary tract infection by proteus mirabilis

Hajamohideen S Raffi1, James M Bates, Zoltan Laszik

  • 1Department of Medicine/Nephrology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104, USA.

The Journal of Urology
|March 24, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) protects against Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infections. Mice lacking THP showed increased bacteria, cystitis, and pyelonephritis, indicating THP

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis frequently causes urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is a key urinary glycoprotein with potential host defense functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of THP as a host defense mechanism against P. mirabilis-induced cystitis and pyelonephritis.
  • To elucidate the impact of THP deficiency on the severity of P. mirabilis UTI.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of THP gene knockout (THP(-/-)) and wild-type (THP(+/+)) mice.
  • Transurethral inoculation of P. mirabilis into mouse bladders.
  • Quantification of bacteriuria and histomorphometric analysis of bladder and kidney inflammation.

Main Results:

  • THP(-/-) mice exhibited significantly higher bacteriuria and cystitis severity compared to THP(+/+) mice.
  • A greater incidence of pyelonephritic abscesses was observed in THP(-/-) mice.
  • Histological analysis suggested increased pyelonephritis severity in THP(-/-) mice, though not statistically significant (p=0.053).

Conclusions:

  • Tamm-Horsfall protein functions as a crucial host defense factor against P. mirabilis-induced UTIs.
  • THP deficiency exacerbates bacterial load and inflammatory responses in the urinary tract.

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