Klotho connects intermedin1–53 to suppression of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease

Vascular calcification is one of the leading causes of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Klotho protein encoded by the anti-aging gene, Klotho, and intermedin1-53 have both been shown to protect the vasculature from calcification in CKD. The study by Chang and colleagues links Klotho and intermedin1-53 in prevention of vascular calcification in CKD by showing that intermedin1-53 increased renal, vascular, and plasma Klotho, and reduced vascular calcification in CKD rats. Intermedin1-53 may be a novel therapeutic agent for CKD.