The axis of local cardiac endogenous Klotho-TGF-β1-Wnt signaling mediates cardiac fibrosis in human

•Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major causes of death in USA and among the global burden of diseases•About 50% of the CKD-related mortality has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD)•Both endogenous Klotho gene and protein are indeed expressed in human heart, and exert effects locally•The axis of local cardiac endogenous Klotho-TGF-β1-Wnt signaling mediates cardiac fibrosis in CKD patients•Upregulation of endogenous Klotho may offer a novel strategy for prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis in CKD patients