Potential of Klotho as a Biomarker for Overwork: A Study of Frontline Medical Workers (February 2025)-Potential of Klotho as a Biomarker for Overwork: A Study of Frontline Medical Workers

Potential of Klotho as a Biomarker for Overwork: A Study of Frontline Medical Workers

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This study by Ling-Na Zhu and colleagues investigates the potential of serum s-αKlotho as a biomarker for overwork, particularly among frontline medical workers. The research focuses on participants from Yiling People's Hospital of Yichang, China, who typically work over 60 hours a week. A control group was similarly matched but did not endure the same work conditions.<br /><br />The study found significantly elevated serum s-αKlotho levels in overworked individuals compared to the control group, with median values at 49.99 pg/mL versus 27.88 pg/mL, respectively. The study also measured interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, another biomarker of inflammation, which were higher in the overwork group. These findings suggest that s-αKlotho could serve as a quantifiable biomarker for overwork, presenting an objective measure in workplace health management.<br /><br />The study highlights the risks associated with overwork, including an increased incidence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, often observed in karoshi (overwork-related sudden death). Klotho, traditionally linked to various metabolic processes and known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, may help mitigate some of these risks by serving as a protective mechanism against chronic stress and inflammation.<br /><br />However, the study's limitations include its single-center design, small sample size, and cross-sectional nature, which do not allow for establishing causation. Further research is needed, with longitudinal and multicenter studies suggested to examine the temporal and causal relationships between overwork and biomarkers like s-αKlotho and IL-6. Such studies could offer more definitive conclusions about the roles these biomarkers play in stress-related health conditions, potentially guiding interventions to alleviate the adverse effects of overwork.

Keywords

serum s-αKlotho

biomarker

overwork

frontline medical workers

interleukin-6

inflammation

workplace health management

cerebrovascular diseases

cardiovascular diseases

karoshi