Aging-suppressor Klotho: Prospects in diagnostics and therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Gerontology
• Nephrology and Endocrinology

Background:

• The protein Klotho (KL) is linked to anti-aging, cognitive enhancement, and disease resistance.
• KL levels naturally decrease with age and are altered in various pathological conditions.
• Developing KL-based therapeutics and biomarkers requires understanding baseline KL levels across the lifespan and in disease states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review Klotho (KL) levels across different age groups in healthy individuals and those with specific health conditions.
• To establish baseline KL levels in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and tissue across the lifespan and in the presence of disease.
• To inform the development of efficacious KL-based therapeutics and biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 65 studies was conducted, primarily utilizing the PubMed database.
• Included research articles published up to April 2022.
• Statistical analysis was performed using RStudio.

Main Results:

• Blood KL levels decrease with age in healthy individuals.
• Blood KL levels show a more pronounced decline with age in individuals with renal or metabolic/endocrine conditions.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) KL levels decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients compared to age-matched controls.

Conclusions:

• Confirms that KL levels in blood decrease with age in humans, with a more significant reduction in those with renal and endocrine/metabolic illnesses.
• Provides a general understanding of baseline KL ranges in blood for different populations.
• Supports the development of KL-based treatments and screening tools for aging, renal, and metabolic/endocrine diseases.