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Published on: June 8, 2022
Alpha-Klotho protein in systemic lupus erythematosus
Candelaria Martín-González1, Fuensanta Gómez-Bernal2, Juan Carlos Quevedo-Abeledo3
1Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, and Department of Internal Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
Serum alpha-Klotho levels do not differ between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and controls. However, SLE patients on prednisone or with musculoskeletal issues show higher alpha-Klotho levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Alpha-Klotho (α-Klotho) is crucial for metabolic regulation and implicated in aging and various diseases.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune condition with widespread pathophysiological effects.
- Understanding biomarkers in SLE is vital for disease management and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum α-Klotho levels in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls.
- To explore the association between α-Klotho levels and clinical/laboratory features of SLE.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 364 women (195 SLE patients, 169 controls).
- Analysis of circulating α-Klotho levels.
- Multivariable analysis to assess differences and relationships with SLE characteristics.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in serum α-Klotho levels between SLE patients and controls.
- SLE duration, disease activity, severity, and autoantibodies were not associated with α-Klotho levels.
- Higher α-Klotho levels were observed in SLE patients using prednisone and those with musculoskeletal manifestations.
Conclusions:
- Serum α-Klotho levels are not a distinguishing biomarker between SLE patients and controls.
- Prednisone use and musculoskeletal involvement in SLE are linked to elevated circulating α-Klotho.
- Further research may clarify the role of α-Klotho in specific SLE patient subgroups.
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