Abstract: SA-PO0874
Uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall Protein) as a Biological Correlate of Human Physical Performance
Session Information
- Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
October 24, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
- 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism
Authors
- Shand, Meredith L., Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Liao, Ava, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- LaFavers, Kaice Arminda, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Background
Uromodulin (UMOD, Tamm-Horsfall protein) is a kidney-derived glycoprotein secreted into the urine and circulation that reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) locally and systemically through modulation of the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel. Excess ROS contributes to cellular dysfunction and tissue injury, particularly in skeletal muscle, where oxidative stress impairs protein function and motor performance. Given the role of uromodulin in suppressing oxidative stress pathways, we investigated whether circulating uromodulin is associated with physical performance in humans.
Methods
Serum samples were collected from 48 participants enrolled in the Function, Imaging, and Testing (FIT) Core of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health. Participants were spread equally across sex, performance level and age groups. Physical performance level was determined a priori using published criteria. Participants with a performance level of "high" or "low" were eligible for inclusion and were excluded if they had a kidney diagnosis. Serum uromodulin concentration was quantified by ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS.
Results
Higher serum uromodulin concentrations were correlated with increased average relative peak power (p=0.00532). Additionally, physical performance level was identified as a signficant (p = 0.029) predictor of serum uromodulin levels (Table).
Conclusion
Circulating uromodulin may serve as a biologic correlate of physical performance in humans, which is of key importance since its levels are known to decrease in chronic kidney disease (CKD), a clinical setting known to impact muscle strength and function. Ongoing studies aim to define the mechanistic relationship driving this relationship and extend our findings to models of CKD.
Generalized linear model analysis of parameter estimates for factors with significant effect on serum Uromodulin concentration
| Variable | Adjusted Regression Coefficient (B ± 2*SE) | p-value | |
| Performance | High | 0 (Reference) | 0.029 |
| Low | -70.415 ± 64.3088 | ||
| Biological Sex | Female | 0 (Reference) | 0.231 |
| Male | -41.019 ± 68.5648 | ||
| Age | -- | -0.579±1.7824 | 0.516 |
| High Blood Pressure | Yes | 0 (Reference) | 0.079 |
| No | 72.662 ± 82.7232 | ||
| Brain Disease | Yes | 0 (Reference) | 0.714 |
| No | 20.421 ± 111.298 | ||
| Other Bone or Muscle Disorders | Yes | 0 (Reference) | 0.749 |
| No | 36.094 ± 225.5682 | ||
Wald's chi-square was performed for statistical analysis
Funding
- NIDDK Support