Abstract
Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) represent aging-associated bilateral interstitial abnormalities in nondependent areas of the lung. However, the aging mechanisms associated with ILA remain uncertain. α-Klotho is an anti-aging molecule that decreases progressively with age, and abnormally low circulating levels of this protein have been revealed in several chronic-degenerative diseases. In this study, we evaluated α-Klotho serum concentrations in individuals with ILA, and examined whether its levels were associated with pulmonary function decline. α-Klotho was measured by ELISA in 50 respiratory asymptomatic adults with ILA and 150 healthy individuals over 60 years. Compared with controls, ILA subjects were predominantly older males, and showed lower lung diffusing capacity (DLCO), higher desaturation after exercise, and higher concentrations of serum matrix metalloprotease-7 (6.24 ± 4.1 versus 4.3 ± 1.7 ng/ml; p = 0.002). No differences were found in serum concentrations of α-Klotho. However, lower levels of this protein in ILA significantly correlated with lower values of forced vital capacity (Rho = 0.39; p = 0.005), forced expiratory volume in one second (Rho = 0.39; p = 0.005), and DLCO (Rho = 0.29, p = 0.04). These findings suggest that decreased concentrations of α-Klotho may be a predictive biomarker of accelerated decline of lung function in individuals with ILA.
Highlights
Compared with controls, interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) subjects were predominantly older males, and showed lower lung diffusing capacity (DLCO), higher desaturation after exercise, and higher concentrations of serum matrix metalloprotease-7 (6.24 ± 4.1 versus 4.3 ± 1.7 ng/ml; p = 0.002)
Since ILA likely represent an inflammatory response of the lung parenchyma, we examined whether the levels of α-Klotho in patients with ILA correlated with serum concentration of C-reactive protein, a known biomarker of inflammation
Our findings indicate that in individuals with ILA, the circulating levels of the anti-aging protein α-Klotho did not differ from lung-healthy older individuals but show a positive correlation with lung functional parameters including both the gas exchange and spirometry, suggesting that it may be a pathobiological predictive biomarker of functional decline
Summary
Lower levels of this protein in ILA significantly correlated with lower values of forced vital capacity (Rho = 0.39; p = 0.005), forced expiratory volume in one second (Rho = 0.39; p = 0.005), and DLCO (Rho = 0.29, p = 0.04) These findings suggest that decreased concentrations of α-Klotho may be a predictive biomarker of accelerated decline of lung function in individuals with ILA. We hypothesized that lower circulating α-Klotho could be associated with the development of interstitial lung abnormalities and/or with the decline of pulmonary function tests In this context, the aims of the present study were to find out whether α-Klotho serum concentrations distinguish individuals with ILA in an aging population, and to evaluate whether its levels are associated with some pulmonary function tests
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
