Decreased urinary concentration of Tamm-Horsfall protein is associated with development of renal failure and cardiovascular death within 20 years in type 1 but not in type 2 diabetic patients.

Objective: The first changes in the diabetic kidney are glycogen deposits in the epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle. These cells produce Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP). Is low excretion of THP associated with the development of renal insufficiency or cardiovascular disease?

Material And Methods: Urine samples were collected at baseline in patients with type 1 (n = 131) and type 2 (n = 108) diabetes who were followed for a mean of 14 years (range 1-20 years) and 4.