Association between Serum α-Klotho Levels and Behcet Disease

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has a well-known role in promoting vascular inflammation in Behcet disease (BD). alpha-klotho is involved in regulation of endothelial function, and its reduction has been reported to be associated with ED.Objective: To assess serum alpha-klotho in patients with BD, compared with healthy control individuals.Methods:In a cross-sectional study, 55 patients with BD and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled, and their serum levels of alpha-klotho were measured.Results:Common clinical symptoms in patients with BD were oral aphthous ulcers, uveitis, and genital ulcers. Median (IQR) serum alpha-klotho levels in the BD and control groups were 0.30 (0.20-0.70) and 1.00 (0.70-2.52) ng/mL, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = .005). No significant correlation was observed between serum alpha-klotho and age (r = 0.194; P = .14). Serum alpha-klotho levels in patients with uveitis were significantly lower.Conclusion:alpha-klotho may have a role in the pathogenesis of ED and is a potential biomarker for uveitis in BD.