Low protein level ups decline of kidney function in elderly

A study has found that low blood levels of a circulating protein in the blood, especially in older adults, is linked to an increase in chances of experiencing kidney function decline.

According to researchers from Tufts Medical Center in the US, higher blood levels of a protein called Soluble Klotho that is circulating in the blood - have anti-aging properties -- may help preserve kidney function.

The results indicate that each twofold higher level of klotho is linked with a15-20 percent lower likelihood of experiencing kidney function decline during follow-up, after adjusting for various factors such as demographics, comorbidities and kidney disease risk factors.

The study, published in the journal of the American Society of Nephrology, depicts that the protein has been shown to influence multiple cellular and endocrine pathways.

"We found a strong association between low soluble klotho and decline in kidney function, independent of many known risk factors for kidney function decline," said study author Dr David Drew.

"This suggests that klotho could play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease, although additional research will need to confirm this. This also raises the possibility that klotho could be an important therapeutic target for future clinical trials."

The kidney has the highest levels of klotho expression and is likely the major source of soluble klotho.

The research included a diverse group of 2,496 elderly well-functioning adults with measures of soluble serum klotho and repeated measures of kidney function over 10 years of follow up.

Although additional studies are needed, the findings point to a potential target for preventing and treating kidney disease, the researchers stated.