Soluble Klotho and Brain Atrophy in Alcoholism

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and α-Klotho (Klotho) are implicated in inflammatory conditions.
• Klotho plays a neuroprotective role and influences cognition.
• The relationship between FGF-23, Klotho, and alcohol-induced brain atrophy is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of FGF-23 and Klotho levels with brain atrophy in alcoholic patients.
• To explore potential differences in these markers between alcoholics and controls, and within subgroups of alcoholics.

Main Methods:

• Study included 131 alcoholic patients (54 with cirrhosis) and 41 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Brain computed tomography (CT) was performed on all participants to assess brain atrophy.
• Serum levels of FGF-23 and Klotho were measured and correlated with CT findings and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• Alcoholic patients exhibited significant brain atrophy compared to controls.
• Patients showed elevated FGF-23 and reduced Klotho levels; however, cirrhotics had higher Klotho.
• Klotho levels were inversely correlated with brain atrophy indices (e.g., ventricular index), especially in cirrhotics, and associated with TNF-alpha and TGF-β.

Conclusions:

• Klotho levels are inversely associated with brain atrophy in alcoholics, particularly those with cirrhosis.
• FGF-23 levels were elevated but not directly associated with brain atrophy.
• Inflammatory markers like TGF-β may play a role in alcohol-related brain atrophy.