S-Klotho level and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy adult men

Abstract

S-Klotho is perceived as a biomarker of healthy aging that has been shown to be inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk in elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to test if s-Klotho level is associated with cardiometabolic risk markers in younger healthy men in order to verify the possible role of s-Klotho level as an early marker of cardiometabolic risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 healthy men (Mage=35.33, SDage=3.47) from a Western urban population. Serum basal levels of s-Klotho, lipid profile, homocysteine, glycemia markers, C-reactive protein, liver transaminases and creatinine were evaluated. Also, blood pressure was measured and cardiometabolic risk score and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Testosterone and cortisol levels, self-reported psychological stress, physical activity, smoking in the past, alcohol use and body adiposity were controlled for. We found no relationship between levels of s-Klotho and physiological markers of cardiometabolic risk in the studied population. The results were similar when controlled for adiposity, testosterone level, physical activity, alcohol use and smoking in the past. We suggest that s-Klotho level is not an early marker of cardiometabolic risk in younger middle-aged healthy men.

Association between Serum Soluble α-Klotho and Urinary Albumin Excretion in Middle-Aged and Older US Adults: NHANES 2007–2016

“…We found that age strongly modified the negative association between α-Klotho and ACR, and this negative association was more pronounced in those aged ≥ 60 years than in those aged 40–59 years. This concurs with other findings indicating weaker effects of Klotho on relatively young individuals [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. It is undeniable that most studies have focused on mid- to end-of-life applications, and data from early-life interventions are sparse and require a more robust evaluation.…”

“…The enhanced senescence of renal tubules and vascular cells leads to endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasculogenesis [ 61 ], suggesting the presence of complex physiologically relevant feedback loops. It cannot be excluded that genetic polymorphisms of the Klotho gene also contribute to such physical states [ 62 , 63 ], even in relatively young and healthy individuals [ 58 ]. Gender and BMI were not significant modifiers in our study, which has also been demonstrated in several human studies [ 8 , 64 ], as well as animal studies [ 65 ].…”

Birth size and the pace of aging in men

“…This is in line with other research showing no relationship between s-Klotho level and health outcomes [114][115][116]. It is possible that the role of s-Klotho as a marker of biological age may depend on age and may be more valid in older individuals [113,117]. Also, other research suggested sex differences in the relationship between the s-Klotho level and health components [118] that might be explained by different pro les of sex hormones and the interaction between s-Klotho and testosterone or estradiol levels [119][120].…”

“…The procedure was described in detail previously [113]. In short, a fasting blood sample was taken between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. for blood biochemical and hormone analyses.…”

Association between testosterone and serum soluble α-klotho in U.S. males: a cross-sectional study

“…One previous study demonstrated that testosterone can upregulate the expression of the klotho gene, and an additional study with a specific cohort revealed a positive relationship between testosterone and S-klotho in healthy sedentary middle-aged adults [ 23 , 24 ]. Another recent study assessed the relationship between testosterone levels and klotho in young males and also showed a positive correlation [ 25 ]. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been conducted to study the relationship between testosterone and S-klotho levels in males using a nationally representative population.…”