Association Between the Anti-Aging Gene Klotho and Selected Rheumatologic Autoimmune Diseases

Am J Med Sci. 2021 Feb;361(2):169-175. doi: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.10.021. Epub 2020 Oct 25.

Abstract

Klotho long recognized for its role in anti-aging, is potentially implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Aging of the immune system coincides with the inability of the body to recognize self-antigens, which often leads to autoimmune responses. The role of Klotho in these autoimmune diseases should be of high interest; however, few articles have been published exploring the role of Klotho in the pathogenesis, organ involvement, or clinical manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Herein, we discuss information gathered from peer-reviewed publications to describe the emerging role of Kl in these select rheumatologic autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Klotho; Rheumatoid arthritis; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Systemic sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics*
  • Glucuronidase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Rheumatic Diseases / genetics*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / genetics

Substances

  • Glucuronidase
  • Klotho Proteins