Molecular Nutritional Study of Phosphate and Vitamin D Metabolism

Abstract

Summary : The biological phosphate regulatory system plays an important role in longevity and aging. Recent work focusing on the aging suppressor gene Klotho suggests that “ phosphate accelerates aging ” , thereby di-recting the focus toward various diseases caused by an abnormal phosphate balance mediated by the fibroblast growth factor 23 （ FGF 23） /Klotho/Vitamin D axis. In the present study, using knock-out mice and cultured cells, we revealed that the FGF 23 /Klotho/Vitamin D axis mediates mineral homeostasis from early develop-ment to late adulthood. Our findings suggest that the biological vitamin D status in chronic diseases can control aging. Analysis of methods to suppress aging by modifying phosphate and vitamin D metabolism in association with the prevention or improvement of progressive chronic kidney disease or cerebral dysfunction could help to promote a healthy life and slow the aging process through a nutritional approach.