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Fibroblast growth factor 23 and Klotho serum levels in healthy children

Despoina Gkentzi1, Alexandra Efthymiadou2, Dimitra Kritikou2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Greece.

Bone
|June 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho levels in children are linked to phosphate homeostasis and growth. Girls and pubertal children showed higher FGF23 and Klotho levels, indicating potential roles in development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Mineral Metabolism
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Limited data exists on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and Klotho in healthy children.
  • Understanding FGF23 and Klotho is crucial for pediatric mineral and bone metabolism.
  • Investigating factors influencing FGF23 and Klotho levels in children is necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between FGF23 and Klotho with age and TmP/GFR in healthy children.
  • To evaluate parameters affecting FGF23 and Klotho serum levels.
  • To provide simultaneous data on intact FGF23 (iFGF23), C-terminal FGF23 (cFGF23), and Klotho in children.

Main Methods:

  • Serum levels of iFGF23, cFGF23, and Klotho were measured using ELISA in 159 healthy children.
  • Data analysis included correlations with age, pubertal status, sex, serum phosphate, TmP/GFR, IGF-I, and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D.
  • Statistical significance was determined using appropriate methods (p-values provided).

Main Results:

  • Neither FGF23 nor Klotho showed significant association with age.
  • Pubertal children had higher Klotho; girls had higher cFGF23 and Klotho than boys.
  • Serum phosphate and TmP/GFR were positively associated with both FGF23 (cFGF23, iFGF23) and Klotho.
  • Klotho positively correlated with IGF-I and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D.

Conclusions:

  • FGF23 and Klotho are positively associated with serum phosphate and TmP/GFR, suggesting a counterregulatory role in phosphate homeostasis.
  • The strong association of Klotho with IGF-I suggests a potential role in linear growth.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of Klotho in pediatric linear growth and phosphate regulation.

Keywords:
ChildrenFibroblast growth factor 23KlothoPhosphate

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