Effects of Glycoxidative Stress on Human Aging

Study Summary

Advanced glycation products or AGEs are a heterogeneous group of molecules formed by exposure of tissue constituents to high levels of reducing sugars, e.g. glucose. The interaction of these compounds with extra- and intra-cellular components may account in part for several conditions related to aging. It has recently been recognized that AGEs are also formed during the preparation of food by heating, are absorbed into the circulation and become largely incorporated into tissue components. Accumulation of these exogenous substances over time may, together with those generated endogenously, contribute to the clinical manifestations and complications of aging. This is an interventional-randomized study in which we are trying to determine whether a diet low in AGE can effectively reduce circulating AGE levels, with or without altering oxidation or inflammatory markers, in a subset of both young and older subjects , over a period of 4 months. If positive results are obtained, longer-term prospective studies will be designed to determine if this intervention can affect disease outcomes in older age subjects. The study design is very simple and consists initially of obtaining a dietary history, a blood sample, 24-hour urine collection and, subsequently, of determining the effects of a low-AGE diet for 4 months on the plasma levels of these compounds in a group of healthy subjects.

Interventions

• OTHER Regular Diet
• OTHER Low AGE Diet