Low KLOTHO level related to aging is associated with diminished ovarian reserve.

Objective: To explore the relationship between KLOTHO expression and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

Design: A case-control study.

Setting: Reproductive medicine center.

Patient(s): A total of 157 patients with DOR and 159 control women were recruited from the Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital.

Intervention(s): None.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The granulosa cells were isolated from follicular fluid after oocyte retrieval, and the KLOTHO level of granulosa cell was measured using a modified quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. The serum KLOTHO level was measured by solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Result(s): In both granulosa cells and serum derived from women with DOR, KLOTHO expressions were significantly lower compared with normal ovarian reserve controls. Moreover, KLOTHO expression diminished with advancing age.

Conclusion(s): Diminished KLOTHO expression was associated with DOR. Further longitudinal studies in a similar population accompanying disease progression and mechanism exploration are needed to substantiate the rules of KLOTHO in reproductive aging.