Klotho gene expression decreases in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

we recently showed that a hypothesized anti-aging and anti-inflammatory protein, namely Klotho, may contribute to the etiology and/or pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, Klotho function and its gene expression are dependent on inflammatory pathways. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the Klotho gene expression within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with MS. Altogether, 30 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) along with 30 age and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were obtained from all participants and then PBMCs were isolated. The quantitative Real-Time PCR was carried out for Klotho mRNA derived from PBMCs. The results showed that klotho gene expression in the PBMCs of patients with RRMS is nearly 2.5-fold less than healthy individuals (P=0.0006). This is the first study demonstrating a possible role of Klotho in the PBMCs of MS patients. •Klotho mRNA is detectable in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).•Klotho mRNA is decreased in the PBMCs of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).•We, for the first time, found a link between Klotho expression within PBMCs and MS.