Skin Autofluorescence as Marker of Tissue Advanced Glycation End-Products Accumulation in Formerly Preeclamptic Women

Abstract

Condensation. In women with a history of preeclampsia skin autofluorescence as marker of tissue AGEs accumulation is increased, supporting a common causal metabolic or vascular link between preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases. Objective. To investigate whether skin autofluorescence (AF), as marker of tissue accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), is elevated in women with a 4-year history of severe preeclampsia. Methods. About 17 formerly preeclamptic women and 16 controls were included. Skin AF and several traditional cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Results. In comparison to controls, formerly preeclamptic women had higher skin AF of the legs, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), HbA1C, and triglycerides in serum. Conclusion. Skin AF as well as cardiovascular risk factors is elevated in formerly preeclamptic women. These results suggest a common causal vascular link between preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords:

• Advanced glycation end-products
• Preeclampsia
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Skin autofluorescence

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Graaff R MSc, PhD and AJ Smit MD, PhD are founders of DiagnOptics, the Netherlands, who manufacture the AGE readers (http://www.diagnoptics.com).

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.