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The aging heart: exploring the role of Klotho in cardiac health/function

Nastaran Daneshgar1, Dao-Fu Dai1,2, Chad E Grueter3,4

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

The Journal of Cardiovascular Aging
|August 13, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The anti-aging protein Klotho may protect the aging heart by combating fibrosis and stiffening, offering potential therapeutic benefits for age-related heart failure and cardiovascular health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gerontology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cardiac aging involves detrimental changes like arterial stiffening, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired relaxation, leading to heart failure.
  • The anti-aging protein Klotho plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health during the aging process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac aging.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of Klotho in mitigating age-related cardiac dysfunction and heart failure.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on cardiac aging, heart failure, and the Klotho protein.
  • Analysis of Klotho's regulatory mechanisms, different forms, and protective functions in the cardiovascular system.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac aging is characterized by fibrosis, arterial stiffening, and impaired relaxation, contributing to heart failure.
  • Klotho exhibits protective effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling, preserving cardiac function.
  • Klotho's expression and function are altered with age, impacting cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

  • Klotho is a key regulator of cardiac aging and a promising therapeutic target for age-related cardiovascular diseases.
  • Enhancing Klotho levels or activity could be a viable strategy to improve cardiac function and longevity in the elderly.

Keywords:
Klothocardiac agingheart failureinflammationsenescence

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