Serum soluble α-Klotho levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Background The study aimed to determine the variability in the stages of diabetic nephropathy by examining specific biochemical functions associated with the target organ. As a result, various biochemical parameters were assessed in all of the groups under investigation. Material and methods These parameters encompassed soluble alpha-Klotho and serum insulin, which were determined through ELISA. Additionally, spectrophotometric methods were employed to assess other parameters such as blood levels of urea in all groups. Instead of using HPLC method, HbA1c levels were determined. Blood and urine samples were obtained from a total of 90 participants, who were aged between 37 and 70 years. A total of 70 patients were categorized into three groups according to their ACR. The first group consisted of patients with an ACR value of less than 30 mg/g. The second group included patients with an ACR value ranging from 30 to 300 mg/g. The third group comprised patients with an ACR value greater than 300 mg. Additionally, the study also involved 20 healthy individuals. Result The serum soluble alpha-Klotho in the patient group was significantly lower than that of the healthy subjects. There were strong negative correlations between serum soluble alpha-Klotho and both ACR and HOMA-IR. The AUC value was excellent, measuring at 0.93 with a p < 0.0001. Conclusions Soluble alpha-Klotho levels in the sera of diabetic patients were shown to be lower and significantly linked to patients with diabetic nephropathy. This implies that klotho levels may be influenced by ACR in addition to playing a significant role in insulin resistance.