Role of sialic acid in urinary cytoprotective activity of Tamm-Horsfall protein.

Objectives: Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) from normal urine has been shown to protect against the cytotoxic effects of toxic urinary cations (TFs) in vivo and in vitro. This study investigated the effect of desialylation on the cytoprotective activity of THP.

Methods: From pooled 24-hour urine specimens from healthy individuals, both TFs and THP were obtained.