KLOTHO, FGF21 AND FGF23: NOVEL PATHWAYS TO MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH?
Bone mineral density, muscle mass and physical function reach their peak between the second andfourth decade of life and then decline steadily with aging. The crucial question is: what factors contribute to ormodulate this decline? The aim of this mini-review is to propose a theoretical framework for the potential role ofemerging biomarkers such as klotho, fibroblast growth factors (FGF)21 and FGF23 on musculoskeletal health,with a particular focus on decline in muscle mass and function, and calls for future research to examine thisproposed link. The identification of new physiological mechanisms underlying these declines may open apotentially important avenue for the development of novel intervention strategies aimed at preventing or reducingtheir potentially detrimental consequences.