Effect of chronic stress on serum and tissue levels of klotho and tnf-α

Objective: Chronic stress is recognized as a factor that affects almost all organs and tissues and disrupts homeostasis. Stress also directly impacts the inflammatory process. In addition, klotho is a protein associated with lifespan. This study investigates the relationship that chronic stress has with klotho and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which is a key protein in the proinflammatory process. Materials and Methods: The study involves 16 Wistar albino rats divided into control and stress groups. The study applies the protocol for the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model and uses the enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to measure the TNF-α and Klotho levels in the serum, heart, aorta, and liver tissues. Results: The serum samples obtained from the stress group were found to have a significant decrease in klotho levels (p=0.013) and high TNF-α levels (p=0.042). However, no significant difference was observed in the TNF-α or klotho levels in the heart, aorta, and liver tissues between groups. Conclusion: Under chronic stress, a significant increase is observed in TNF- α, one of the main cytokines of inflammation, as well as a decrease in klotho hormone. This research endeavors to contribute to the existing body of knowledge concerning the interplay among stress, inflammation, and longevity.