2009 Volume 26 Pages 74-78
Background - Zinc (Zn) is critical for the functional and structural integrity of cells, in which it participates in a number of processes, including gene expression. Zn deficiency has effects that resemble the symptoms of human aging, including low immunity, dermatitis, delayed wound healing, and impaired taste. In this study, we examined the effect of Zn deficiency on the expression of the aging-related gene Klotho in rats. In mice, Klotho is involved in a murine developmental syndrome that resembles human aging.
Methods - Male Sprague-Dawley rats (161162 g) were fed a diet deficient in Zn or containing 0.01 % Zn for 4 weeks. Kidneys were removed after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, and the expression of Klotho mRNA was determined using real-time polymerase chain reactions.
Results - Data were analyzed using the comparative threshold (CT) method. The mean ∆∆CT values for renal Klotho mRNA expression were much lower in the Zn-deficient rats than in the control rats. In the Zn-deficient group, values of ∆∆CT were 1.15 0.46 at 2 weeks, 1.69 0.33 at 3 weeks, and 2.08 0.53 at 4 weeks.
Conclusion - Zn deficiency was associated with decreased Klotho gene expression, suggesting that Zn deficiency might accelerate aging by inhibiting the expression of Klotho.
