Differential Expression of Klotho in the Brain and Spinal Cord is Associated with Total Antioxidant Capacity in Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Recently, we reported a positive correlation between Klotho, as an anti-aging protein, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, there is no information about the Klotho and TAC changes within the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, the current study aimed to employ an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model in C57BL/6 mice using MOG_35–55 peptide to examine the relationship between Klotho and TAC within the CNS. To this end, the brain and spinal cord were obtained at the onset and peak stages of EAE as well as non-EAE mice (sham/control groups). The Klotho expression was assessed in the brain and spinal cord of different experimental groups at mRNA (qPCR) and protein (ELISA) levels. Also, TAC level was determined in the tissues of different experimental groups. The results showed that Klotho expression in the brain at the onset and peak stages of EAE were significantly lower than that in non-EAE mice. Conversely, Klotho expression in the spinal cord at the onset of EAE was significantly higher than that of non-EAE mice, while Klotho was comparable at the peak stage of EAE and non-EAE mice. The pattern of TAC alteration in the brain and spinal cord of EAE mice was similar to that of Klotho expression. In conclusion, for the first time, this study demonstrated a significant positive correlation between Klotho and TAC changes during the pathogenesis of EAE. It is suggested that Klotho may have neuroprotective activity through the regulation of redox system.