Hypervitaminosis D and premature aging: lessons learned from Fgf23 and Klotho mutant mice

Trends Mol Med. 2006 Jul;12(7):298-305. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2006.05.002. Epub 2006 May 30.

Abstract

The essential role of low levels of vitamin D during aging is well documented. However, possible effects of high levels of vitamin D on the aging process are not yet clear. Recent in vivo genetic-manipulation studies have shown increased serum level of vitamin D and altered mineral-ion homeostasis in mice that lack either fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23) or klotho (Kl) genes. These mice develop identical phenotypes consistent with premature aging. Elimination or reduction of vitamin-D activity from Fgf23 and Kl mutant mice, either by dietary restriction or genetic manipulation could rescue premature aging-like features and ectopic calcifications, resulting in prolonged survival of both mutants. Such in vivo experimental studies indicated that excessive vitamin-D activity and altered mineral-ion homeostasis could accelerate the aging process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology
  • Aging, Premature / physiopathology*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / genetics
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Glucuronidase / genetics
  • Glucuronidase / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Mice
  • Phosphates / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Vitamin D / physiology*

Substances

  • FGF23 protein, human
  • Fgf23 protein, mouse
  • Phosphates
  • Vitamin D
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor-23
  • Glucuronidase
  • Klotho Proteins
  • Calcium