Klotho, the Gene that Extends Lifespan and Increases IQ Return to Homepage

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The Klotho Gene Part #2. The ultimate Treasure map to Discovering the Secrets of Longevity.

I mention in my book  Secrets to Creating Money Effortlessly using Lucid Dreaming , (currently undergoing a 2018 revision as of April 15th, 2018) the Terman study which is also known as the study of gifted people. This study is the oldest and longest-running longitudinal study in the field of psychology and was started by Lewis Terman at Stanford University during 1921 to track the lives of gifted children.  In 1990, a similar study was taken up by Dr. Friedman and Leslie Martin ( Conscientiousness, Career Success, and Longevity: A Lifespan Analysis . et al. May 2009), ( A follow-up of subjects scoring above 180 IQ in Terman's genetic studies of genius . Feldman, D. H.. 1984).

Their study concluded that conscientiousness and career success predicted longevity.  Other studies found the best childhood personality predictor of longevity was also conscientiousness ( Conscientiousness and longevity: an examination of possible mediators . Hill PL et al. Sept 2011). ie; qualities of a well-organized, prudent and persistent person, much like a scientist-professor, somewhat obsessive and not at all carefree. Also conscientious people do not smoke and strive to live healthy lifestyles. The studies conducted  by Dr. Friedman found that genes constitute approximately one-third of the factors that lead to a long life. Hence, if your granddad lived to be 90, that does not say you will also live to 90.  Another study concluded that conscientious people have lower IQ'son average ( Why is Conscientiousness negatively correlated with intelligence?Author links open overlay panel . Joanna Moutafi, et al. Oct 2004). \

This finding has since been confirmed by other studies

(A meta-analysis of the five-factor model of personality and academic performance". Psychological Bulletin. Poropat, A. (2009).  (Moutafi, J.; Furnham, A.; Crump, J. (2003). "Demographic and personality predictors of intelligence: A study using the NEO Personality Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator". European Journal of Personality. 17: 79–94. doi:10.1002/per.471), (Moutafi, J.; Furnham, A.; Crump, J. (2003). "Demographic and personality predictors of intelligence: A study using the NEO Personality Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator". European Journal of Personality. 17: 79–94. doi:10.1002/per.471.), (Moutafi, J.; Furnham, A.; Crump, J. (2006). "What facets of openness and conscientiousness predict fluid intelligence score?". Learning and Individual Differences. 16: 31–42. doi:10.1016/j.lindif.2005.06.003).

It is also important to point out here that there also exist a few studies showing higher IQ is linked to conscientiousness. More studies are needed to find the exact mechanisms for this relationship.
Reference
Intelligence and personality. Wikipedia.

Question
If conscientious people live longer, but have lower IQ's on average, what if there was a substance, herb, food or supplement that could do both?  IE: Lenghten lifespan and increase IQ at the same time?

A specific gene known as the Klotho gene enhances lifespan and may be able to answer this question.

Studies show that by stimulating this gene, that not only does it allow one to live longer, but it also increases a person's IQ in the process.

References
Article - Genes and intelligence. The 3% solution. The Economist. May 10th, 2014.

NIH Study - ( Life extension factor klotho enhances cognition et al. Dena B. Dubal al. May 2014)

This is a very rare finding among numerous anti-aging formulas, as most will enhance mental alertness and preserve cognition, but not enhance IQ at the same time. Also many anti-aging substances, if taken in excess, increase one's chances of contracting cancer. Klotho, on the other hand exibits  anti-cancer properties ( Klotho acts as a tumor suppressor in cancers . B. Xie et al. Oct 2013), ( The Anti-Aging and Tumor Suppressor Protein Klotho .  Ci-Di Chen et al. June 2014).

Klotho enhances Superoxide Dismutase
I have written extensively in almost all of my anti-aging books that higher levels of superoxide dismutase and reduced levels of oxidative stress are 2 of the most potent methods to extend lifespan. Klotho has been shown to enhance manganese superoxide dismutase and reduce oxidative stress ( Klotho enhances FoxO3-mediated manganese superoxide dismutase expression by negatively regulating PI3K/AKT pathway during tacrolimus-induced oxidative stress . Lim SW et al. August 2017). 

What is Superoxide Dismutase?
To put it in simple terms, superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant to prevent damage caused by aging.  It is mostly generated by moderate exercise and exists in abundance when you are young.

What is Manganese superoxide dismutase?
Manganese superoxide dismutase transforms toxic superoxide into hydrogen peroxide and diatomic oxygen. ( SOD2 superoxide dismutase 2 [ Homo sapiens (human) ]. Feb 2018). To put it simply, Managense superoxide dismutase, is a powerful toxin remover.

What is Klotho?
In humans, Klotho is also an enzyme that is encoded by the KL gene that was discovered in 1997 and it supresses several ageing phenotypes.  The name comes from Clotho in Greek mythology due to its relationship to the thread of life. The gene expresses itself  in organs and cells, such as the brain choroid and renal tubular cells. It is interesting to note that at the very start of many kidney diseases, disorders in the renal tubule will manifest .  Klotho activity varies with age.  From 0 to 10 years of age serum levels are low.  However from 21 to 40 years, it reaches a peak. After  a person reaches 40 years of age, the activity of their Klotho gene begins to decline ( Role of Klotho in Aging, Phosphate Metabolism, and CKD. George B. John et al. April 2011) . When scientists removed Klotho from mice it resulted in the development of disorders associated with decreased longevity and human aging ( Identification of novel small molecules that elevate Klotho expression . Gwendalyn D. King et al. June 2013).

The Klotho gene directly suppresses the gene responsible for aging ( Molecular Basis of Klotho: From Gene to Function in Aging . Yuechi Xu and Zhongjie Sun. Feb 2015). Its effects are greatest in the kidney ( Establishment of a cell-based assay to screen regulators for Klotho gene promoter . Zhi-liang XU.  et al. Sept 2004). It is interesting to note that the Tao states that the Kidneys are the region in the body that store what's known as 'Jing' which is recharged by practicing QI Gong type exercises.  This 'Jing' is strongest, or more in abundance in the body's kidneys, during the season of fall every year where it peaks in energy.  Ayurvedic medicine states that fall / autumn is governed by Pitta and late fall / autumn into winter is governed by Vata. We shall discuss the role Vata plays in greater detail later on.

Klotho Prevents Muscle Loss
Klotho has also been found to be important in the prevention of osteopenia, muscle atrophy and cardiovascular disease ( Skeletal muscle as a regulator of the longevity protein , Klotho. Keith G. Avin et al. June 2014) and it enhances cognitive abilities, especially in women ( KLOTHO genotype and cognitive ability in childhood and old age in the same individuals . IJ Deary et al. April 2005).

Klotho helps regenerate muscle - Quote from study - ' Moreover, we propose that Klotho may participate in the skeletal muscle regenerative cascade and that age-related declines in Klotho levels may contribute to the decreased ability of aged skeletal muscle to heal after injury '
Reference 
Skeletal muscle as a regulator of the longevity protein, Klotho . Keith G. Avin et al. June 2014.

The herb Fenugreek also builds muscle mass ( The effects of a commercially available botanical supplement on strength, body composition, power output, and hormonal profiles in resistance-trained males . Chris Poole et al. Oct 2010).

Further Reading
Effects of Combined Creatine Plus Fenugreek Extract vs. Creatine Plus Carbohydrate Supplementation on Resistance Training Adaptations . Lem Taylor et al. June 2011.

Additional facts about Klotho -
Klotho likes to conregate in the body's fluids. Hence it can be obtained from the body's cerebro-spinal fluid, blood and urine ( Association between Decreased Klotho Blood Levels and Organic Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children with Growth Impairment . Ido Wolf et al. Sept 2014).

Klotho increases intelligence by as much as 3% or 6 points . This was proven in a study led by Dena Dubal of the University of California and Lennart Mucke of the Gladstone Institutes  in San Francisco. Besides reducing heart disease, they found that when the Klotho gene was stimulated, that it boosed the cognitive faculties in both the young and old by the equivalent of about six IQ points.

References
Article - Genes and intelligence. The 3% solution. The Economist. May 10th, 2014.

NIH Study - ( Life extension factor klotho enhances cognition et al. Dena B. Dubal al. May 2014)

Further Reading
Life Extension Factor Klotho Prevents Mortality and Enhances Cognition in hAPP Transgenic Mice . Dena B. Dubal et al. Feb 2015

The Mind and the Body
After writing thousands of pages about anti-aging and numerous anti-aging books over the years, and having developed numerous anti-aging formulas, which I have published in these books, and published some of the best in my report titled: Anti-Aging Longevity and Memory Enhancement Nutraceutical Herbal Combinations,  the latest available research is showing that herbs, extracts, pharmaceuticals and substances that strengthen the mind , many of which relieve depression, happen to be some of the most powerful anti-aging substances.  My own very latest research has found that research studies are now showing that certain coherence exercises such as HeartMath, when done properly have more profound effects upon the body then the herbs themselves.  This I shall write about in an upcoming article.  But the underlying theme is that the mind has the power to heal the body and more-so when it is in coherence with the heart (HeartMath).

Astragalus and its Protective Cognition Properties
As just discussed, Klotho has been shown to enhance the brain's cognitive abilities. Another substance that helps protect the brain's cognitive abilities is the chinese herb Astragalus. A research study found that a combination of dexamethasone with Astragalus significantly improved learning and memory in mice ( Protective effect of extract of Astragalus on learning and memory impairments and neurons' apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids in 12-month-old male mice . Li WZ et al. June 2010). Another study found that the components  Epimedium, Astragalus and Radix Puerariae reduced cognitive deficits, reversed Aß burden,  inhibited Aß plaque accumulation and reduced the brain iron load in mice ( Neuroprotective effect of the active components of three Chinese herbs on brain iron load in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s diseaseXIAN-HUI DONG ) et al. Jan 2015. 

A common herbal alternative to the prescription only substance dexamethasone is liquorice root and astragalus, which when used together have been found to boost superoxide dismutase levels in yellow perch ( Feeding Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) and Astragalus membranaceus (AM) alters innate immune and physiological responses in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) .Elabd H et al. July 2016). Another alternative is Boswellia papyrifera ( Better the Devil you Know? ‘Boswellia serrata’ as an alternative to ‘Dexamethasone’ to treat peritumoural oedema . Kylie Wright, Liverpool Hospital, NSW. Australia), which has been shown to help treat cognitive impairment in people who have multiple sclerosis ( Effect of Boswellia papyrifera on cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis. Behnaz Sedighi et al.  July 2014)

Further Reading

Temporary anti-cancer & anti-pain effects of mechanical stimulation of any one of 3 front teeth (1st incisor, 2nd incisor, & canine) of right & left side of upper & lower jaws and their possible mechanism, & relatively long term disappearance of pain & cancer parameters by one optimal dose of DHEA, Astragalus, Boswellia Serrata , Acupunct Electrother Res. 2009;34(3-4):175–203. Y, Horiuchi N, Jones MK, Lu DP, Shimotsuura Y, Duvvi H, et al

Promotion of axonal maturation and prevention of memory loss in mice by extracts of Astragalus mongholicus .Tohda C et al. Nov 2006.

Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic . Ping Liu et al. Dec 2017

How does one 'turn on' their Klotho Gene?
This can be accomplished by taking substances proven to activate the Klotho Gene. These substances include the following -

KLOTHO Activators

Ursolic acid and Klotho
Ursolic acid. This substance has been shown to enhance Klotho ( Ursolic acid regulates aging process through enhancing of metabolic sensor proteins level. Bahrami SA and Bakhtiari N. Aug 2016) as well as enhance the SIRT 1 Gene, a major gene related to anti-aging ( Ursolic Acid Mediates Hepatic Protection through Enhancing of anti-aging Biomarkers . Gharibi S et al. May 2017) .Another study found that Ursolic acid was able to regenerate injured nerve myelin sheaths, which are a component of the human nervous system ( Ursolic acid induces neural regeneration after sciatic nerve injury. Biao Liu et al. Sept 2013). The neuro-cognitive enhancing herb Berberine also enhances the repair of myelin sheaths ( Berberine Promotes Axonal Regeneration in Injured Nerves of the Peripheral Nervous System . Ah Mi Han, et al. April 2012).  And so does lithium ( Lithium enhances remyelination of peripheral nerves . Joelle Makoukji, et al. Feb 2012).

Ursolic acid has also been shown to protect the kidneys ( Nephroprotective Effect of Ursolic Acid in a Murine Model of Gentamicin-Induced Renal Damage . Preethi G. Pai et al. 2012)

Prunella vulgaris.  Prunella vulgaris  contains ursolic acid  ( Ursolic acid enhances pentobarbital-induced sleeping behaviors via GABAergic neurotransmission in mice . Se Jin Jeon et al. June 2015) and has been found to induce deep sleep. Speaking from personal experience I have found that by stimulating the koltho gene through natural foods that I sleep much more better and that my nervous system seems much calmer. The effects being very similar to taking an extract of rhodioa rosea which also “resets” the nervous system. ( Adaptogenic and central nervous system effects of single doses of 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside. Rhodiola rosea L. extract in mice . Perfumi M and  Mattioli L. Jan 2007).

What is also interesting is klotho protects the brain's dopamineric neurons against damage ( Klotho Protects Dopaminergic Neuron Oxidant-Induced Degeneration by Modulating ASK1 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways . Reynolds K. Brobey, et al. Oct 2015) and dopamine enhances sleep ( The involvement of dopamine in the modulation of sleep and waking . Monti JM and Monti D. April 2007).

Previous studies have demonstrated that worms experience a decline in dopamine and serotonin levels with age.

Quote from the study 'Here we report that serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) level decrease with age in C. elegans.'

Reference
Longevity manipulations differentially affect serotonin/dopamine level and behavioral deterioration in aging Caenorhabditis elegans. Yin JA et al. March 2014. Hence, it is no surprise why herbs that enhance dopamine levels such as Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean)
( Dopamine mediated antidepressant effect of Mucuna pruriens seeds in various experimental models of depression . Digvijay G. Rana and Varsha J. Galani. March 2014) have been shown to significantly extended  the lifespan in longevity studies conducted on fruit flies ( Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) Rescues Motor, Olfactory, Mitochondrial and Synaptic Impairment in PINK1B9 Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Model of Parkinsons. Simone Poddighe et al. October 2014).


Dopamine Reduces Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms that contributes to aging. It is also interesting to note here that a large scale study that looked at 33 compounds that increased oxidative stress resistance in C. elegans that contained lifespan-extending compounds. The