The aging heart: exploring the role of Klotho in cardiac health/function

Abstract

This review discusses the pathophysiological changes associated with cardiac aging and the potential therapeutic role of the anti-aging protein Klotho. It highlights key contributors to heart failure, such as arterial stiffening, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired cardiac relaxation, all of which lead to the declining function of the aging heart. This review also explores the regulation of Klotho expression, its various forms, and its impact on cardiac health, emphasizing its protective roles against oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling. Klotho's potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating cardiac aging and improving cardiovascular health in the elderly is a central theme, making it a promising candidate for future interventions aimed at enhancing cardiac function and longevity.