The association between serum soluble α-Klotho and thyroid profile among adults from NHANES 2007–2012

Abstract

Abstract Background Thyroid hormone is the key endocrine regulator of growth, development, metabolism, and other bodily functions. α-Klotho has been involved in the aging process and acts as an endocrine factor involved in the regulation of various metabolic processes in humans. However, the relationship between α-Klotho and thyroid profile has not been uniformly recognize. Objective To determine the relationship between α-Klotho and thyroid profile in adult individuals. Methods Population data of 4614 adult individuals were obtained from the NHANES database during the period of 2007–2012. Weighted multivariable regression analysis was performed using a general linear model with serum α-Klotho as the independent variable and thyroid profile as the dependent variables, respectively. The generalized additive model was used for smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect analysis. Results α-Klotho was associated with a slightly higher FT3, TT3 and TT4 level in unadjusted and adjusted regression models. However, a higher α-Klotho level was associated with a lower TSH level. After α-Klotho was grouped as quantiles with reference (Q1), α-Klotho still showed a statistically significant positive correlation with FT3 and TT3 levels in Q2, Q3 and Q4. In addition, α-Klotho was positively corrected with TT4, but negatively associated with TSH in Q4. Conclusions Serum soluble α-Klotho was positively associated with FT3, TT3 and TT4, but negatively correlated with TSH. The significant effect of α-Klotho on thyroid profile suggests its potential as a predictive marker of thyroid functions, indicating its possible involvement in the regulation of thyroid hormone secretion.

Keywords

• α-Klotho
• Thyroid profile
• TSH
• NHANES