BACKGROUND: The mutation of the mouse klotho gene leads to a syndrome resembling aging including calcification of the aorta. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between serum soluble klotho levels and abdominal aorta calcification (AAC) in subjects aged 60-79 years. METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were analyzed using logistic regression models to examine the independent association between soluble klotho tertile levels and the Kauppila AAC-24 score. RESULTS: A total of 1042 participants with a median klotho level of 796 pg/ml comprised the study sample. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 39.2% and severe AAC was seen in 15.6% subjects. Participants with klotho levels ≤ 700 pg/ml were twice as likely (OR 2.21 (95% CI 1.15-4.26) to have severe AAC than their counterparts with klotho levels ≥ 906 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble klotho levels were inversely associated with severe AAC in older adults.
The association between serum soluble klotho levels and abdominal aorta calcification in older adults