July - September 2022, Volume 18, Issue 3

Arslan S, Kiragi D, Kadayifcilar S, Samur G

Increased Dietary Intake and Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products (Ages) are Associated With Diabetic Macular Edema

Acta Endo (Buc) 2022, 18 (3): 278-287
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2022.278

Aim. Diabetic macular oedema (DME) can develop at all stages of diabetic retinopathy, causing visual impairment and blindness. Modern diets are high in advanced glycation end products (dAGEs), derived from processing methods, exerting a pivotal role in promoting diabetic retinopathy risk. In present study, we investigate the relationship between dietary and serum levels of AGEs and DME in type 2 diabetic subjects. Methods. This case-control study was conducted between July 2018 and February 2019 on 50 case subjects with DME and 40 healthy controls without DM without DME. The sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, and anthropometric measurements were evaluated. The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptor for AGEs (sRAGE) levels in serum were analysed. Results. The AGEs levels of the DME group were higher than in the control group (p <0.05). sRAGE levels were higher in the DME group, but not statistically significant (p >0.05). The dietary intake of AGEs was higher in the DME group (p <0.05). It was found that an increase in neck circumference increased the risk of DME (p <0.001). Conclusion. A positive correlation was found between DME and AGEs, dAGE, neck circumference, and waist circumference. For the validity of these results, studies, including controlled nutrition interventions, are needed.

Keywords: diabetic macular edema, dietary advanced glycation end products, nutrition, sRAGE, AGEs

Correspondence: Sedat Arslan Ph.D., Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University, Yeni Mahalle Sehit Astsubay Mustafa Soner Varlik Caddesi No:77, 10200 Bandirma/Balikesir, Bandirma, 10200, Turkey, E-mail: sarslan@bandirma.edu.tr