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Advanced Glycation End Products and Mobility Decline: A Novel Perspective on Aging
Hyeong Jun Park1, Moon Jin Lee2,3, Jiyoun Kim2
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Higher levels of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF), are linked to reduced mobility in older adults. This suggests SAF can help predict declines in strength, gait speed, and balance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Physiology
Background:
- Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are formed via non-enzymatic sugar reactions.
- AGE accumulation is implicated in aging and various chronic conditions.
- The link between AGEs and mobility decline in older adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between AGE accumulation and mobility in community-dwelling older adults.
- To assess the relationship between skin autofluorescence (SAF) and lower-limb muscle strength, gait speed, and balance.
- To determine if SAF can serve as a screening tool for mobility decline.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional correlational study of 552 older adults.
- AGEs measured by skin autofluorescence (SAF) using an AGE reader.
- Mobility assessed via sit-to-stand (STS), gait speed, single-leg stance (SLS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests.
Main Results:
- Higher SAF values correlated with decreased performance in STS, gait speed, SLS, and TUG.
- Individuals with the highest SAF levels showed significantly poorer mobility outcomes.
- Logistic regression indicated higher odds of mobility decline with increased SAF accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Elevated skin autofluorescence (indicating higher AGEs) is associated with reduced lower-limb strength, gait speed, and balance.
- SAF shows potential as a non-invasive screening tool for identifying older adults at risk of mobility decline.
- These findings highlight the role of AGEs in age-related mobility impairments.
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