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Plasma soluble α-klotho protein levels in premature and term neonates: correlations with growth and metabolic

Tania Siahanidou1, Maria Garatzioti, Christina Lazaropoulou

  • 1First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece. siahan@med.uoa.gr

European Journal of Endocrinology
|June 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Soluble alpha-Klotho (α-KL) levels are lower in preterm infants and increase with age. Higher α-KL concentrations correlate with better growth, vitamin D levels, and reduced oxidative stress in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Alpha-Klotho (α-KL) is an antiaging protein involved in mineral metabolism, oxidative stress resistance, and insulin signaling.
  • Neonates, particularly preterm infants, are susceptible to metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress.
  • The role and levels of α-KL in newborns remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure circulating soluble α-KL concentrations in preterm and full-term neonates.
  • To investigate correlations between α-KL levels and neonatal growth, metabolic parameters, and oxidative stress markers.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 50 healthy neonates (25 preterm, 25 full-term).
  • Plasma-soluble α-KL levels were quantified using ELISA at days 14 and 28 of life.
  • Statistical analyses examined associations between α-KL and anthropometric, metabolic, and oxidative stress parameters.

Main Results:

  • Full-term neonates exhibited significantly higher α-KL levels than preterm infants at both 14 and 28 days.
  • α-KL levels increased significantly from day 14 to 28 in both groups.
  • α-KL concentrations correlated positively with gestational age, body weight, body length, 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D, and malondialdehyde levels.

Conclusions:

  • Soluble α-KL levels increase with advancing gestational age and postnatal age in neonates.
  • α-KL may play a role in vitamin D metabolism and modulating oxidative stress in infants.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the role of α-KL in regulating infant growth.
Abstract

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