Role of alpha and gamma Klotho genes in the development of differentiated thyroid carcinoma on top of goiter

Abstract Background Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system. Our study is aimed to investigate the role of the α- and γ-Klotho genes in the development and progression of DTC. Methods The expression of the α- and γ-Klotho genes was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in thyroid tissues of 40 DTC patients and 40 age- and sex-matched subjects diagnosed as goiter and included as a control group. The demographic, laboratory and clinicopathological data of the subjects were reviewed to detect their association with the Klotho genes. Results The α-Klotho gene expression was statistically significantly lower in DTC tissues compared to goiter tissues ( p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between the γ-Klotho gene expression and DTC ( p = 0.643). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed the diagnostic value of the α-Klotho mRNA levels, by providing an AUC of 0.954 value (95% CI = 0.910–0.999; p < 0.001). Lower α-Klotho gene expression associated significantly with higher stages of DTC ( p = 0.026). Logistic regression analysis declared that low α-Klotho mRNA expression was demonstrated to be a significant predictor for the likelihood of DTC on top of goiter ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Our study showed the role of the α-Klotho gene as a potential novel biomarker for discrimination between DTC and goiter tissues. Low α-Klotho mRNA expression was found to be a significant predictor for the likelihood of DTC on top of goiter, as well as higher stages of this tumor.