α-Klotho and catalase expression in essential hypertension

α-Klotho, an anti-aging gene, has emerged as novel inhibitor of oxidative stress at cellular level. α-Klotho inhibits oxidative stress by inhibiting IGF-1/InsulinFOXO (Forkhead box-O transcription factors) dependent deactivation of the antioxidative enzymes. The present study aimed at determining α-Klotho and Catalase gene expressions and Catalase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of essential hypertensive patients as compared to normotensive healthy controls in Indian population. Forty-eight hypertensives and 48 age, BMI-matched controls were recruited. Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Catalase enzyme activity in PBMCs and soluble α-Klotho levels in serum were detected using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Gene expressions for α-Klotho and FOXO1 were significantly low (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) in patients as compared to controls. Catalase expression was also low in hypertensive patients but did not reach statistical significance. However, there was strong positive correlation between ΔCt-based gene expression of α-Klotho and Catalase in patients (p<0.001) as well as controls (p=0.008). Positive correlation was also observed between gene expression of FOXO1 and that of α-Klotho (p=0.006) and Catalase (p=0.001) in hypertensives. Catalase activity in patients were significantly low (p<0.001) as compared to controls and positively correlated with soluble α-Klotho levels (rs=0.32, p=0.027), which were also 30.2% lower (p<0.001) in the patient group. Present study demonstrates low soluble levels and gene expression of anti-aging protein α-Klotho in hypertensive patients. α-Klotho may influence Catalase expression in essential hypertension through its effect on FOXO1 expression.