Serum Levels of α-Klotho Are Correlated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels and Predict Measures of Cognitive Function

J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;86(3):1471-1481. doi: 10.3233/JAD-215719.

Abstract

Background: α-klotho might play a role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective: To determine levels of α-klotho and apoE in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples and their relationship with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

Methods: All subjects were between age 39 to 83+ (n = 94). CDR and MMSE were administered to all participants. CSF was collected in the early afternoon by lumbar puncture.

Results: Serum and CSF levels of α-klotho are positively correlated and both predict scores on the MMSE and CDR, regardless of sex or apoE4 status.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that α-klotho may be an important biomarker of cognitive health and neurodegeneration, and that relatively non-invasive sampling of α-klotho from serum is likely highly reflective of CSF levels.

Keywords: Clinical Dementia Rating; Mini-Mental State Examination; apoE; cerebrospinal fluid; serum; α-klotho.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cognition
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Klotho Proteins* / blood
  • Mental Status and Dementia Tests

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Biomarkers
  • KL protein, human
  • Klotho Proteins