The association between metabolic syndrome and the anti-aging humoral factor klotho in middle-aged and older adults

Abstract

Background and aimsThe goal of the present study was to determine the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and serum klotho levels (pg/ml) in middle-aged and older adults. Material and methodsThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from the cycles 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 were used to examine serum klotho levels in subjects with MetS and its components defined according to the 2009 Harmonizing Joint Scientific Statement. Sex-specific general linear models adjusted for potential confounders were assembled to compare mean log klotho levels between subjects with MetS and their healthy counterparts. ResultsOf 5069 participants aged 40–79 years, the prevalence of MetS was 44.8% in men and 45.1% in women. Overall, older adults, men, non-Hispanic whites, smokers, alcohol users, and subjects with decreased renal function were characteristics associated with lower klotho levels. Notably, serum klotho levels in women progressively decreased as the number of MetS components increased. Multivariate models demonstrated that women with MetS had significantly lower mean log klotho levels (6.65 vs. 6.70; P < .05) than those who did not. Likewise, abdominal obesity (6.5 vs. 6.68; P < .05) and elevated triglycerides levels (6.64 vs 6.68; P < .05) were the MetS components independently correlated with lower klotho levels. ConclusionsMetS in middle-aged and older adults was significantly and inversely associated with serum klotho levels. This association was particularly seen in women, and subjects with abdominal obesity or elevated triglycerides.