Lower serum Klotho level and higher systemic immune-inflammation index: an inverse correlation

Objectives Klotho, an anti-aging protein, has been identified to control tissue inflammatory responses. The objective of this research is to determine the linkage between soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) level and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Methods Eligible participants with complete information of S-Klotho level and SII were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Subsequently, weighted multivariate linear regression and subgroup analysis were carried out to evaluate the association. Results Totally, 11,108 adults with complete data on S-Klotho level, SII and other important covariates were included in final analysis. Multivariate liner regression revealed that high level of S-Klotho was associated with low level of SII after multivariate adjustments (beta=-0.08, 95%CI:-0.10- -0.05, P < 0.01). When classifying S-Klotho into tertiles, participants in S-Klotho tertile 3 (Q3) showed a decrease in SII level compared with those in the lowest tertile (Q1) (beta=-45.44, 95%CI:-64.41- -26.47, P < 0.01). The negative associations remained significant regardless of age and gender, and varied depending on smoking status and BMI subgroups. Conclusion S-Klotho level was negatively related to SII after controlling for covariates. Further studies need to validate current findings and explore the fundamental mechanisms.