Interaction Effect of Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity and Serum Klotho Level on Chronic Kidney Disease

Older individuals usually have greater arterial stiffness, lower serum Klotho levels and a greater incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The current study aimed to evaluate the interaction effect of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) and serum Klotho levels on CKD in Americans.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2007 to 2016 were used. Participants with data for the assessment of ePWV and serum Klotho and for the assessment of CKD were enrolled. The associations between ePWV and serum Klotho levels were analyzed via restricted cubic spline analysis and a linear regression model. The associations between exposure factors and CKD prevalence were assessed via a logistic regression model. Subgroup analysis was performed for each confounding factor to assess the robustness of the results.

This study enrolled 13,273 participants, 3859 of whom were CKD patients. CKD patients had higher ePWV (9.66 ± 1.75 m/s vs. 8.48 ± 1.64 m/s, p < 0.001) and lower levels of serum Klotho (816.35 ± 290.47 pg/mL vs. 869.87 ± 315.87 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A significant negative linear association was found between ePWV and serum Klotho. According to the fully adjusted model, a significant interaction effect between ePWV and serum Klotho was observed on the risk of CKD (p < 0.001). Compared with individuals with a lower ePWV and higher serum Klotho, individuals with an increased ePWV and lower serum Klotho had a significantly elevated risk of CKD (OR: 1.847, 95% confidence interval: 1.467-2.325; p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis revealed that the results were robust.

The study demonstrated significant interaction effect of ePWV and serum Klotho on the prevalence of CKD. Individuals with increased ePWV and decreased serum Klotho levels had the highest risk of CKD. The assessment of the combination of ePWV and serum Klotho for CKD management should be considered routine in clinical practice.