Impact of parathyroidectomy on serum FGF23 and soluble Klotho in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism.

CONTEXT: Klotho is a transmembrane protein that functions as a coreceptor for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Klotho is cleaved and released into the circulation; however, the main site of production, physiological role, and regulation of soluble Klotho in humans are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of parathyroidectomy (PTx) on serum FGF23 and soluble Klotho levels in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

This was a prospective, single-arm trial conducted at Tokai University School of Medicine.

PATIENTS: Thirteen hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism who were candidates for PTx participated in the study.

INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent total PTx with forearm autotransplantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We evaluated changes in serum FGF23 and soluble Klotho levels for 90 days after PTx. Other biochemical parameters related to mineral and bone metabolism were also assessed.

RESULTS

At baseline, serum FGF23 levels were markedly elevated, whereas serum soluble Klotho levels were modestly decreased. PTx resulted in a marked, progressive decline in serum FGF23 levels together with significant reductions in serum calcium, phosphorus, and intact PTH levels. The serum soluble Klotho levels were reduced 13% from baseline on the day after PTx; however, these levels then increased progressively, reaching 34% above the postoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the parathyroid gland is not the major site of soluble Klotho production in patients with end-stage renal disease, and the production of Klotho by other organ(s) is affected by alterations in mineral metabolism or medications taken after PTx.