Klotho Levels are Decreased and Associated with Enhanced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Aqueous Humor in Patients with Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate anti-aging protein klotho levels in the aqueous humor and its association with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Levels of klotho, oxidative, and antioxidative stress markers, and proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in the aqueous humor from 28 patients with exudative AMD and 35 age-matched controls were measured. Results Patients with AMD had lower levels of klotho, which were negatively correlated with macular lesion size. Patients with AMD also exhibited increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2ʹ-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and interleukin (IL)-6 but not tumor necrosis factor‑α, and decreased levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and IL-10. Moreover, levels of klotho were negatively correlated with levels of 8-OHdG and IL-6, but positively correlated with levels of TSA and IL-10. Conclusion Klotho levels in the aqueous humor are decreased and associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with exudative AMD.