Investigating the relationship between skin AGE, HbA1C & Periodontitis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the relationship between Advanced Glycation Endproducts, measured using skin autoflorescence, Hba1c levels and Periodontitis
IRAS ID
123428
Contact name
Iain L.C. Chapple
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance and Ethics Manager, University of Birmingham
Research summary
There is little scientific evidence showing the association between advance glycation end products (AGE) and HbA1c levels. This study proposes to investigate the relationship of these two molecules within the body, using skin florescence and blood tests respectively, to determine whether they correlate and if so, how strongly. it will also determine whether there is an association between periodontilis (gum disease) and AGE using a novel technique.
The study includes 3 groups of patients. The control population containing 20 healthy volunteers with periodontis and a third sample of 10 patients with diabetes. Blood samples of about 7ml will be collected from the each of the volunteers and these samples will be processes to plasma and then tested for their HbA1C levels. Non-invasive AGE readings will also be taken from the patient through the use of skin auto-fluorescence. We will assess the skin accumulation of AGE using an AGE reader. UV light is shone onto the patient’s forearm exciting functional groups on proteins within the skin which will emit fluorescence, producing a reading. The patients will also be asked to fill out a feedback form on the AGE reader, as we wish to gauge how patients may feel having general medical tests within a dental care setting.
This study aims to improve our understanding of the relationship of HBA1C and AGE in all patients. If a positive correlation is found this information may lead to larger studies and if correlations are verified, ultimately it may lead to non-invasive screening for diabetes in a primary dental care setting, using skin AGE readings as a surrogate measure of HBA1C
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0200
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion