Klotho protein is a naturally occurring protein that was discovered in 1997. Since then, it has been the focus of numerous studies regarding its role in human health and in aging. In fact, researchers are studying the use of Klotho protein as a potential method for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease, also called heart disease, is a term that refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels and, as a result, inhibit the heart’s ability to function normally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Common diseases that affect the cardiovascular system include:
- Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the arteries)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
What is the Cause of Cardiovascular Disease?
The cause of cardiovascular disease varies based on the type of condition diagnosed. The most common reasons heart disease develops include:
A Family History of Cardiovascular Disease
Individuals who have a parent or sibling that has been diagnosed with the cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of developing heart disease. However, it’s important to note that if you are genetically prone to heart disease, this does not mean that you will definitely develop a condition of the heart or the blood vessels. Lifestyle and environmental factors play a very significant role in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Being Overweight or Obese
When an individual is overweight or obese, his/her blood pressure increases. When blood pressure is consistently high over a long period of time, this places stress on the arteries, limiting the amount of blood that they can carry throughout the body. High blood pressure is the number one cause of stroke.
Smoking
Individuals who smoke are more likely to have a heart attack compared to individuals who do not smoke. This is because smoking damages the arteries, allowing fatty material to build up and block the passage of blood.
Chronic Health Conditions
Chronic health conditions, when not properly managed or when left untreated, can cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system. For example, diabetes, a condition characterized by consistently high levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream, can lead to damage to the nerves that control the blood vessels. This damage can significantly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Klotho Protein Deficiency
Scientists have observed that lower levels of a naturally occurring protein, called Klotho protein, are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.1 Studies have shown that Klotho protein can protect the vascular system (blood vessels) against changes associated with diseases of aging, like diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).
Could Klotho Therapy Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?
Researchers continue to investigate the use of Klotho protein as a potential new treatment to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Scientists have made great discoveries regarding the role of Klotho protein in various biological systems, and continue to research ways in which this knowledge can help extend human life. A Klotho therapy has not yet been developed for human treatment, but scientists and companies like Klotho Therapeutics are working towards making this a possibility.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
