Correlation of Klotho Protein with Troponin-I as a Marker of Myocardial Damage in Iraqi Beta-Thalassemia Major Patients.

Background: Beta thalassemia is a hereditary blood condition characterized by a decrease or absence in the production of the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin. Patients with beta-thalassemia major often require regular blood transfusions and are at an increased risk of developing complications such as iron overload and cardiac injury. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in Klotho protein as a multifunctional protein known for its anti-aging and cardio-protective properties. Several studies have revealed a potential correlation between Troponin, a protein released into the circulation as a result of heart muscle damage, and the level of Klotho protein.

Methods: This study included thirty Beta-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) patients and thirty control healthy subjects. Levels of Klotho protein and Troponin-I were determined using the ELISA technique and measured for all participants.

Results: Serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I levels were significantly elevated in β-TM patients compared to healthy control subjects (P< 0.001). A positive correlation was found between serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I in the β-TM patients' group.

Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between serum Klotho protein and Troponin-I in the β-TM patients, which may highlight a relationship between Klotho and cardiac damage.