Elmira Mostafidi, Akbar Moeen, Hamid Nasri, Amir Ghorbani Hagjo, Mohammadreza Ardalan
Author Information
Elmira Mostafidi: Department of Pathology, Imam Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran; Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
Akbar Moeen: Faculty of Sport Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IR Iran.
Hamid Nasri: Department of Nephrology, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IR Iran.
Amir Ghorbani Hagjo: Department of Biochemistery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
Mohammadreza Ardalan: Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran.
BACKGROUND: Klotho is an anti-aging protein that is predominantly secreted by the kidneys. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to measure and compare the circulating Klotho levels in the serum of trained athletes and in healthy, non-athlete controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty trained football players were enrolled and their serum Klotho levels were measured the morning after their last evening exercise training. RESULTS: The plasma free Klotho concentration was significantly higher in the athlete group (3.375 ± 1.48 ng/mL) compared to the non-athletes (1.39 ± 0.43 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, and phosphorus were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Regular aerobic exercise could increase plasma Klotho levels, and this could be an explanation for exercise-related anti-aging effects.
