1. Low Serum Klotho Concentration is Associated with Worse Cognition, Psychological Components of Frailty, Dependence, and Falls in Nursing Home Residents
- Author
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Enfermería, Enfermería II, Fisiología, Erizaintza, Erizaintza II, Fisiologia, Sanz Echevarría, María Begoña, Arrieta Etxeberria, Haritz, Rezola Pardo, Chloe, Fernández Atucha, Ainhoa, Garín Balerdi, Jon, Arizaga Iribarren, Nagore, Rodríguez Larrad, Ana, Irazusta Astiazaran, Jon, Enfermería, Enfermería II, Fisiología, Erizaintza, Erizaintza II, Fisiologia, Sanz Echevarría, María Begoña, Arrieta Etxeberria, Haritz, Rezola Pardo, Chloe, Fernández Atucha, Ainhoa, Garín Balerdi, Jon, Arizaga Iribarren, Nagore, Rodríguez Larrad, Ana, and Irazusta Astiazaran, Jon
- Abstract
Serum alpha-klotho (s-klotho) protein has been linked with lifespan, and low concentrations of s-klotho have been associated with worse physical and cognitive outcomes. Although its significance in aging remains unclear, s-klotho has been proposed as a molecular biomarker of frailty and dependence. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial performed in a population of 103 older individuals living in 10 nursing homes in Gipuzkoa (Spain). We aimed to elucidate associations between s-klotho (as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and body composition, physical fitness, and cognition, as well as frailty and dependence (determined using validated tests and scales). In addition, we investigated the association of s-klotho concentration with falls in the six months following the initial assessment. Low s-klotho levels were associated with a lower score in the psychological component of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, a worse score in the Coding Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and a greater dependence in activities of daily living. Moreover, participants with lower s-klotho concentrations suffered more falls during the 6 months after the assessment. Future translational research should aim to validate klotho's putative role as a biomarker that could identify the risk of aging-related adverse events in clinical practice.
- Published
- 2021