Klotho connects intermedin1-53 to suppression of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease.

Vascular calcification is one of the leading causes of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Klotho protein encoded by the anti-aging gene, Klotho, and intermedin1-53 have both been shown to protect the vasculature from calcification in CKD. The study by Chang and colleagues links Klotho and intermedin1-53 in prevention of vascular calcification in CKD by showing that intermedin1-53 increased renal, vascular, and plasma Klotho, and reduced vascular calcification in CKD rats. Intermedin1-53 may be a novel therapeutic agent for CKD.