Correlation between Klotho changes and calcium-phosphate concentration in the serum at early stages of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND: There are several studies indicating that an anti-aging protein, namely Klotho protein, participates in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. In addition, we showed that Klotho protein was involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Hence, we hypothesized that Klotho protein changes in patients with multiple sclerosis might lead to alteration of calcium and phosphate metabolism. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the alteration of calcium and phosphate levels together with the concentration of Klotho protein in the serum of patients with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: In this case-control study, 14 patients with newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) along with 14 control individuals with noninflammatory neurological disorders were enrolled. The serum concentrations of Klotho protein, calcium, and phosphate were measured in serum of participants using commercial kits. The data were analyzed at the significant level of P < 0.050. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in serum concentrations of Klotho protein, and phosphate in patients with multiple sclerosis when compared to controls. However, the serum calcium concentration was significantly lower than the control group. Regarding patients with multiple sclerosis, there was a significant positive correlation between changes in serum concentrations of Klotho protein and calcium (r = 0.604, P = 0.022), whereas the other correlations were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a positive correlation between serum concentrations of secretory Klotho protein and calcium in patients with multiple sclerosis.