The Relationship Between Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Klotho Protein and Low Bone Mineral Density in Middle-Aged and Elderly Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

To assess the correlation between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23)/Klotho levels and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in middle-aged and elderly patients combined with low bone mineral density (BMD). The BMD of the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck of 87 patients with ESRD was measured using a dual-energy X-ray bone densitometer during hospitalisation and the patients were divided into a normal bone mass group and a low bone mass group. Haemoglobin, albumin, urea nitrogen, uric acid, creatinine, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, blood calcium, blood phosphorus and full parathyroid hormone were detected using an automatic biochemical analyser. The levels of serum FGF-23, Klotho and activated vitamin D in the patients with ESRD were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Older age and decreased serum creatinine levels and serum Klotho levels were associated with low bone mass. There were significantly more men in normal bone mass group (n=49, 74.24%) than in low bone mass group (n=8, 38.10%). The correlation analysis showed that BMD was negatively correlated with age but positively correlated with serum Klotho. The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that old age and the decrease in serum Klotho level were independent risk factors of a low BMD (all p<0.05). In conclusion, serum Klotho is closely related to BMD changes in middle-aged and elderly patients with ESRD. A high Klotho level is a protective factor and is expected to be a marker in reducing bone mineral metabolism disorders and improving the prognosis of patients with ESRD.

Key words

end-stage renal disease - fibroblast growth factor 23 - Klotho protein - bone mineral density - chronic kidney disease-mineral - middle-aged and elderly

Publication History

Received: 18 June 2023

Accepted after revision: 30 August 2023

Article published online:
24 October 2023

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