Commentary: Use of BACTRAC Proteomic Database-Uromodulin Protein Expression During Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• Uromodulin (UMOD) is a kidney-expressed glycoprotein linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
• The Blood and Clot Thrombectomy Registry and Collaboration (BACTRAC) provides a unique dataset for studying stroke-related biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between serum uromodulin levels, age, high BMI, and hypertension in patients.
• To explore the relationship between uromodulin and stroke in the context of these factors.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from patients during thrombectomy procedures via the BACTRAC protocol.
• Uromodulin expression was quantified using Olink's proximity extension assay.
• Statistical analyses included two-tailed T-tests and linear regressions.

Main Results:

• Serum uromodulin decreased significantly with advancing age (p<0.0001) and in patients with hypertension (p=0.018).
• Uromodulin levels were significantly higher in patients with a BMI > 25 (p=0.014).
• Intracranial uromodulin also decreased with age and hypertension.

Conclusions:

• Uromodulin expression is modulated by age, BMI, and hypertension in patients experiencing stroke.
• Increased uromodulin in overweight individuals may indicate a protective kidney response.
• Decreased uromodulin in older adults and hypertensive patients could reflect age-related kidney decline and reduced kidney function, respectively.