Author(s): NAKAJIMA, S., YAMADA, N., Institution: KYORITSU WOMEN'S JUNIOR COLLEGE , Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 1311

INTRODUCTION:
Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are harmful compounds formed through an excess of protein and sugar in the human body. Excessive accumulation of AGEs has been reported to accelerate the aging process and contribute to diseases such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes. According to an age-specific survey of Japanese men and women, aging, unhealthy eating, and lifestyle habits can increase the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the skin. However, most of these results were reported in middle and older age groups. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether exercising reduces skin AGE levels in young women who do not exercise previously.
METHODS:
We measured skin AGE values on the forearm of the dominant arm using AGE Scanner Mini (Diagnoptics). In addition, participants’ blood sugar and HbA1c levels and body composition (body fat percentage) were measured. Simultaneously, we conducted a survey on dietary intake. For exercise activity, we set the exercise intensity based on the maximum oxygen uptake and used the heart rate as a guide. Participants were asked to cycle for 60 min using an ergometer once a week for 10 weeks. Thereafter, measurements were conducted at week 0, 5, and 10 after completion of the exercise.
RESULTS:
The characteristics of the participants were as follows: age 20.3 ± 2.6 years, height 160.3 ± 3.4 cm, weight 50.6 ± 7.5 kg, and body fat percentage 25.3 ± 6.4%. The mean estimated maximum oxygen uptake was 39.5 ± 5.2 mL/min/kg. The fasting blood glucose levels were 101.8 ± 9.8, 89.9 ± 9.3, and 87.5 ± 8.3 mg/dL at week 0, 5, and 10, respectively. The fasting blood glucose levels were significantly lower at week 5 and 10 than those at week 0. Meanwhile, the HbA1c values were 47.9 ± 3.7, 30.4 ± 8.1, and 27.1 ± 1.8 nmol/mol at week 0, 5, and 10, respectively. No significant difference was observed in HbA1c at week 5 compared with that at week 0, and the value was significantly lower at week 10. However, the mean skin AGE values were 169.1 ± 25.2, 171.8 ± 25.51, and 171.5 ± 23.2 IU at week 0, 5, and 10, respectively. No significant difference was observed among the three measurements.
CONCLUSION:
HbA1c reflects blood sugar status over the past 1–2 months and takes about 3 months before it is reflected in skin AGE levels. Thus, it needs to be continuously monitored and observed in the long term.