α-Klotho in Pregnancy Toxemia in Goats: A New Biomarker Candidate?

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of serum α-Klotho as a biomarker in pregnancy toxemia. The study included 45 Damascus goats that had given birth at least once and were between 120 and 150 days of gestation, brought to the Animal Hospital of Harran University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The goats were divided into three groups based on β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration in jugular vein blood samples. The control group (Control, n=15) consisted of goats with BHBA concentrations <0.8 mmol/L, the subclinical pregnancy toxemia group (Group 1, n=15) included goats with BHBA concentrations between 0.8-1.6 mmol/L, and the clinical pregnancy toxemia group (Group 2, n=15) comprised goats with BHBA concentrations between 1.6-5 mmol/L. Serum α-Klotho and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the study groups were measured using commercial kits. Significant differences were observed in α-Klotho, BHBA, and NEFA concentrations among the groups (p<0.001). α-Klotho concentrations were lowest in the Group 2 and highest in the control group (p<0.001). In contrast, BHBA and NEFA concentrations were lowest in the control group and highest in the Group 2 (p<0.001). Strong correlations were identified among α-Klotho, BHBA, and NEFA concentrations (p<0.01). A significant negative correlation was observed between α-Klotho and BHBA (r=-0.887, p<0.01) and α-Klotho and NEFA (r=-0.951, p<0.01). The significant changes in α-Klotho concentration observed in both the clinical and subclinical forms of pregnancy toxemia suggest that it may be a potential biomarker candidate for the diagnosis of the disease.