Klotho And Calcium Regulation

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Forbes reports on the results of futher study of the klotho gene; you may recall the work linking klotho and aging, as well as some doubts as to whether anything significant had in fact been demonstrated. From the article: "Using a heretofore unknown mechanism, klotho, which is found in cerebrospinal fluid, urine and blood, helps to control blood calcium concentrations by regulating the amount of calcium that is allowed to enter cells ... Previous studies showed that aging is associated with calcium imbalances. ... As we age, it is more difficult to absorb calcium. So this might be due to the fact that these people have less klotho. The finding of the activation of the calcium channel by klotho may form the link between the negative calcium balance observed in the elderly."

Link: http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/10/20/hscout528622.html