Changes in and the Relationships between Alpha-Klotho, Oxidative Stress, and Systemic Inflammation in Cigarette Smokers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Although smoking is known to accelerate aging, the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been fully clarified. Serum-soluble α-Klotho (sαKl), antiaging, anti-inflammatory, and developing resistance to oxidative stress properties are known. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between cigarette smoking, saKl (antiaging hormone), inflammation, and oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Participants included in the study were divided into smoking and nonsmoking groups. sαKl, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were assessed and compared in the study participants. Results: There were one hundred and forty-six study participants comprising 47 (32.2%) females and 99 (67.8%) males. There were 79 (54.1%) in the nonsmoking group and 67 (45.9%) in the smoking group. A significant difference was found between the groups in respect of TAS (P < 0.001), OSI (P = 0.017), sαKl (P = 0.013), and hsCRP (P = 0.024) values. A significant negative correlation was found between the sαKl values of the smoking group and the years of smoking (r = -0.271, P = 0.038) and pack-years (r = -0.299, P = 0.021). Among the smoking group, a lower median sαKl value of <3.84 pg/ml was significantly associated with years of smoking (P = 0.028) and pack-years (P = 0.012). Conclusions: This study found that sαKl, OSI, and hsCRP were elevated in those who smoke cigarette. Large prospective studies are needed to further elucidate this area of research.