Secreted klotho from exosomes alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a potentially lethal disorder characterized by inflammation and apoptosis of parenchymal cells. Repeated acute pancreatitis results in chronic pancreatitis and is the major risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Current therapeutic approaches focus on anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic. However, the molecular mechanisms that lead to apoptosis and pathogenesis in acute pancreatitis remain unclear. Here, in the current study, we developed a novel approach that using exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells that overexpress Klotho reversed apoptosis, nuclear factor-kB activation in caerulein-stimulated AR42J cells. Klotho attenuated the severity of pancreatic inflammation after caerulein treatment. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that Klotho is a potential therapeutic target for clinical interventions towards acute pancreatitis.