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Association between a functional variant of the KLOTHO gene and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure,
Dan E Arking1, Gil Atzmon, Albert Arking
1McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md 21205, USA.
Insights
The KL-VS gene variant offers a survival advantage in heterozygotes but increases risks for cardiovascular issues and mortality in homozygotes. This genetic factor impacts longevity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Longevity Research
Background:
- The KL-VS allele, a functional variant of KLOTHO, has been linked to aging and early coronary artery disease.
- Previous studies suggested an association between KL-VS and human aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of the KL-VS allele on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
- To determine the impact of KL-VS on cardiovascular events and mortality.
- To analyze the role of KL-VS in longevity across different populations.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 525 Ashkenazi Jews (216 probands aged >=95, 309 controls aged 51-94) for the KL-VS allele.
- Multivariate regression analysis to assess cardiovascular risk factors (HDL-C, SBP).
- Logistic and Cox regression analyses to evaluate the association of KL-VS with vascular events and mortality.
Main Results:
- A heterozygous advantage for longevity was observed in individuals aged >=79 (P<0.004).
- KL-VS genotype was associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and systolic blood pressure (SBP).
- Heterozygous KL-VS individuals had lower stroke risk, while homozygous KL-VS individuals had higher stroke and mortality risk compared to wild-type.
Conclusions:
- The KL-VS allele confers a heterozygous advantage for longevity.
- A homozygous disadvantage for KL-VS is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including lower HDL-C, higher SBP, and increased stroke and mortality risk.
- The KL-VS allele plays a significant role in a genetic model influencing cardiovascular health and lifespan.
Abstract:
We previously identified a functional variant of KLOTHO, termed KL-VS, that is associated with human aging and early-onset occult coronary artery disease. Here, we determine whether the KL-VS allele influences cardiovascular disease risk factors, cardiovascular events, and ultimately, mortality. A total of 525 Ashkenazi Jews composed of 216 probands (age > or =95 years) and 309 unrelated individuals (ages 51 to 94) were genotyped for the KL-VS allele. In concordance with our previous data in Czech individuals (age > or =79; P<0.01), a heterozygous advantage for longevity was observed for individuals > or =79 years of age (P<0.004). Combined analysis indicates a 1.57-fold (95% CI, 1.23 to 1.98) increased odds ratio (OR) for 5-year survival in two independent populations (P<0.0002). Cardiovascular disease risk factors were assessed through multivariate regression analysis, demonstrating that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P<0.05) and systolic blood pressure (SBP; P<0.008) are associated with KL-VS genotype. History of vascular events was analyzed using logistic regression, indicating that after adjustment for traditional risk factors, heterozygous individuals were at significantly lower risk for stroke than wild-type individuals (OR, 5.88; 95% CI, 1.18 to 29.41), whereas homozygous KL-VS individuals had the highest risk (OR, 30.65; 95% CI, 2.55 to 368.00). Similarly, prospective analysis of mortality in probands using Cox regression indicates that wild-type individuals have a 2.15-fold (95% CI, 1.18 to 3.91) and homozygous KL-VS individuals a 4.49-fold (95% CI, 1.35 to 14.97) increase in relative risk for mortality after adjusting for potential confounders. Thus, cross-sectional and prospective studies confirm a genetic model in which the KL-VS allele confers a heterozygous advantage in conjunction with a marked homozygous disadvantage for HDL-C levels, SBP, stroke, and longevity.
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