| Objective To analyze the correlation between serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and Klotho protein levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in uremia patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods From January 2017 to June 2018, 130 MHD patients in our hospital were enrolled. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to examine BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine in MHD patients. The patients were divided into three groups, normal bone mass group, osteopenia group, and osteoporosis group. Levels of serum FGF-23, Klotho protein, and 1,25(OH)2VitD3 were measured with ELISA method. Other parameters, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and parathyroid hormone, were also measured. Results Of the 130 patients with MHD, 49.60% had osteoporosis and 32.80% had osteopenia. The serum FGF-23 level was highest in the osteoporosis group. However, there was no significant difference in serum FGF-23 levels among the three groups divided by BMD (P>0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that there was no correlation between serum FGF-23 levels and BMD. Among the three groups, there were significant differences in serum Klotho protein levels and BMD (P< 0.05). Serum Klotho protein levels in the osteoporosis group were clearly lower than in the normal bone mass group and osteopenia group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between serum Klotho protein levels and BMD and T values of the femoral neck and lumbar spine. The results of a multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the serum Klotho protein level was one of the main factors affecting BMD in MHD patients. Conclusion The serum level of FGF-23 is not correlated with a change in BMD in MHD patients, whereas the serum Klotho protein level is associated with BMD. |