Light chain Cast Nephropathy: The Relationship between Tamm-Horsfall Protein Immunoreactivity and Clinical...

Light chain cast nephropathy (LCCN) results from the coprecipitation of monoclonal light chains with Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) within the distal nephron, which forms obstructive casts. Although previous studies have suggested that crystalline LCCN variants may develop independently of THP, the role of THP in classic LCCN remains unclear. We investigated THP involvement in diverse LCCN variants and compared the clinicopathological profiles and outcomes of THP-positive and THP-negative cohorts.

We retrospectively analyzed 32 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma and biopsy-proven LCCN. Cases were classified as THP-positive (n = 19) or THP-negative (n = 13) based on THP immunohistochemical staining. Clinical, laboratory, and histopathological data were compared and supplemented by a proteomic analysis of cast composition using laser microdissection coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Immunoreactive-negative THP LCCN, accounting for 40.6% (13/32) of the cohort, presented with significantly lower hemoglobin, higher serum creatinine, more frequent acute kidney injury (AKI), and greater dialysis dependence than their THP-immunoreactive-positive counterparts. Immunoreactive-negative THP patients exhibited exacerbated tubular atrophy, interstitial inflammation, and acute tubular injury. Mass spectrometry further confirmed that THP was undetectable in a portion of immunoreactive-negative THP casts. No significant between-group difference was observed in survival.

Immunoreactive-negative THP LCCN correlates with severe anemia, AKI requiring dialysis, and marked tubular damage. Therefore, immunohistochemical staining for THP should be carefully evaluated in patients with LCCN. Further exploration of the mechanisms underlying LCCN pathogenesis is warranted.