Klotho: A Promising Biomarker Closely Related to Kidney Transplant

Organ shortage has long been an obstacle to transplant procedures. As acceptance of aging kidneys from expanded criteria donors increases, the long-term outcomes of renal allografts could be unsatisfactory. The klotho gene, which is known as an antiaging gene that is highly expressed in kidneys, is closely associated with chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Results from existing literature have shown a tendency to support Klotho as a renal protective protein owing to its pleiotropic effects. However, few data are available on Klotho in renal transplant. Whether Klotho serves the same purposes in the renal allograft is still a matter of controversy. This review summarizes new findings from clinical and animal studies reflecting associations between Klotho and renal transplant. A better understanding of the potential effects of Klotho on renal transplant may offer novel insights into ameliorating renal allograft injury.