Klotho is a renal protein antioxidant found in mammals that was first identified in 1997. When there was a defect in expression of the gene for Klotho, lab animals aged quickly and died prematurely. Overexpression of the Klotho gene resulted in lab animals living unexpectedly long lives. Destruction of the Klotho gene in mice resulted in accelerated aging and premature death.1 In addition to the shortened lifespan, it was also observed that Klotho-deficient mice fail to grow and had changes in multiple organs of the body, ectopic calcification, arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, and atrophy of the skin. Although Klotho is most highly expressed in the kidneys and brain, it affects multiple organs in the body. Klotho deficiency is associated with multiple diseases of aging, and therapies to increase Klotho levels provide a new strategy for addressing the problems of an aging population.2
This protein of longevity was named for one of the three Fates in Greek mythology. The first Fate, Klotho, spun the web of life for each person, while the second Fate decided on the length of life and the third Fate cut the web of life. The Klotho protein is most noted for its effect on lifespan and kidney health but has far reaching consequences, including cardiovascular health, bone health, and blood sugar regulation, as well as cognition.2
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Klotho: The Super-Antioxidant You’ve Never Heard of