A protein called klotho which circulates in our body represents a good indicator of our state of health, our healthy longevity, and even our biological age.
According to a team from the VITAM Sustainable Health Research Center at Laval University, measuring the quantity of this molecule would make it possible to detect people in the process of developing chronic diseases, and thus to practice preventive medicine based on biological data. These researchers propose integrating such an approach into the clinic in an article published in the scientific journal Metabolites.
Klotho protein is produced mainly by the kidneys, but also in smaller quantities by the brain, by certain blood cells and by vascular tissues. It is therefore found in the form of a hormone in the urine, in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the blood, where its presence can be measured by a simple sample.
Since its discovery, several studies have highlighted its protective effects against various chronic diseases and pathologies, such as cancer, cardiac atherosclerosis, physical decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Klotho protein is believed to exert its benefits by inhibiting various circuits linked to aging and activating others that have an antioxidant effect.
“The expression of this hormone decreases as we age. But the speed of this decline varies from person to person. Some individuals will maintain high klotho concentrations, while others will see their levels decrease rapidly. However, the literature review that we have carried out suggests that levels that are too low [définis comme une déficience en klotho] are associated with pathological aging, including an increased risk of chronic age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as a shorter lifespan. , specifies the Dr Jean-Sébastien Paquette, doctor and researcher at GMF-U du Nord de Lanaudière and VITAM at Laval University.
Klotho levels higher than normal are associated with greater longevity and better general health, the article states.
In addition, people carrying a mutation in the gene responsible for klotho production would be at risk of suffering from cardiovascular problems very early in their lives. And mice with this same gene are defective age twice as quickly as those with a normal gene, in addition to presenting several characteristics of accelerated aging, including atrophy of the skin and organs, atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, decreased muscle mass and strength, impaired glucose metabolism, and cognitive deficits.
Ages of the body
Klotho levels measured in a person would make it possible to estimate their biological age, “which can be very different from their chronological age [le nombre d’années qu’elle a vécues] », adds the Dr Paquette. Biological age would explain why a 60-year-old person can “break out”, while another, also in their 60s, but handicapped by various health problems, “is dragging their feet”.
But what particularly interested the study’s researchers, specialists in preventive medicine, is the fact that “the six major pillars of this new discipline that is lifestyle medicine (lifestyle medicine)” can influence or even modify klotho levels. “These six pillars of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, social connections and avoidance of risky substances — such as alcohol and drugs — are factors that have a lot of impact. “impact on maintaining good health”, recalls the Dr Paquette.
Studies have in fact shown that interventions targeting diet, more particularly the adoption of the Mediterranean diet, increase “klotho function”. An analysis of a dozen studies revealed that “klotho levels invariably rise after physical activity,” both after aerobic and resistance exercise programs.
There is also evidence that interventions that have been shown to reduce stress, such as practicing yoga, increase klotho production. And a positive correlation was found between good sleep habits and high klotho levels.
Studies carried out in elderly people also indicate that low levels of klotho are associated with frailty and a risk of falls.
A tool to quantify
Taking into account all these observations, the researchers consider that the klotho protein could be used in the clinic to closely monitor the health status of patients, to evaluate “their potential to age well” and to prevent the appearance of chronic diseases likely to occur. to accelerate aging.
“Measuring the quantity of klotho in a blood sample is a simple procedure which would allow us to identify patients at risk, or even those who are in the process of developing chronic diseases, and then offer them interventions targeting the six pillars”, explains the Dr Paquette. “Then, monitoring klotho levels would allow us to check whether patients are implementing the interventions prescribed to them, and also to see if our interventions are working. »
“And for patients, seeing that their klotho levels are low, meaning they are on the path to developing chronic diseases, will likely motivate them to work on the six pillars of lifestyle,” says it is worth.
“We already knew that a good lifestyle is beneficial for health, but now, with klotho protein, we can quantify these benefits. So, someone who takes charge will see their klotho levels increase, and this will motivate them to continue, because it will be a concrete and visible sign that they are improving,” adds the doctor, who insists on the importance of now adopting “a preventive approach in medicine rather than simply treating health problems that appear”.