The association between various smoking behaviors, cotinine biomarkers and skin autofluorescence, a marker for advanced glycation end product accumulation

Abstract

BackgroundSkin autofluorescence, a biomarker for advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, has been shown to predict diabetes-related cardiovascular complications and is associated with several environmental and lifestyle factors. In the present study, we examined the association between various smoking behaviors and skin autofluorescence, as well as the association between several cotinine biomarkers and skin autofluorescence, using both epidemiological and metabolomics data.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we evaluated participants from the LifeLines Cohort Study and the Qatar Metabolomics Study on Diabetes (QMDiab). In the LifeLines Cohort Study smoking behavior and secondhand smoking were assessed in 8,905 individuals including 309 individuals (3.5%) with type 2 diabetes. In QMDiab, cotinine biomarkers were measured in saliva, plasma and urine in 364 individuals of whom 188 (51%) had type 2 diabetes. Skin autofluorescence was measured non-invasively in all participants using the AGE Reader.ResultsSkin autofluorescence levels increased with a higher number of hours being exposed to secondhand smoking. Skin autofluorescence levels of former smokers approached levels of never smokers after around 15 years of smoking cessation. Urinary cotinine N-oxide, a biomarker of nicotine exposure, was found to be positively associated with skin autofluorescence in the QMDiab study (p = 0.03).ConclusionsIn the present study, we have demonstrated that secondhand smoking is associated with higher skin autofluorescence levels whereas smoking cessation has a beneficial effect on skin autofluorescence. Finally, urinary cotinine N-oxide might be used as an alternative way for questionnaires to examine the effect of (environmental) tobacco smoking on skin autofluorescence.

Comparison of skin autofluorescence, a marker of tissue advanced glycation end‐products in peritoneal dialysis patients using standard and biocompatible glucose containing peritoneal dialysates

“…As if the production of AGEs is matched by the additional removal of AGEs with convective clearance during haemodialfiltration, then levels would not be expected to increase, whereas depending upon the dialyzer membrane pore size, then AGE could accumulate in haemodialysis patients, once residual renal function had been lost . Although some previous reports have demonstrated an association between smoking status and SAF, we were unable to demonstrate an association.…”

Association of advanced glycation end products, evaluated by skin autofluorescence, with lifestyle habits in a general Japanese population

“…The present results extend previous findings from studies in the Netherlands and China that had relatively small numbers of subjects. 22 , 23 However, the age-specific mean SAF values were moderately different among those studies ( Table 2 ). Among individuals aged <60 years, the mean SAF values tended to be higher in our study than among those previously reported.…”

“…34 In previous studies, SAF levels were shown to be elevated among cigarette smokers, although in a small number of subjects. 22 , 23 , 35 Additionally, a smoking history may have an impact on SAF, with ex-smokers having higher levels than those who have never smoked. 36 , 37 Consistent with these previous findings, we found that a longer smoking history was correlated with increases in SAF.…”

“…However, very few studies have investigated SAF in the general population, with most involving a limited population size or number of lifestyle habits evaluated. 22 – 25 Therefore, we conducted a survey among an exceptionally large number of apparently healthy adult volunteers in Japan to more thoroughly analyze the correlation among age, lifestyle habits, and SAF of the dominant volar forearm.…”

Insights into the pathogenesis of nicotine addiction. Could a salivary biosensor be useful in Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

“…The accumulation of tobacco-sourced AGEs in the skin can be assessed by using the autofluorescence (SAF) technique. Waateringe et al used the AGE Reader to assess skin AGEs derived from active and secondhand cigarette smoke exposure, along with smoking withdrawal, in healthy individuals and diabetic patients (45). High SAF levels were correlated with diabetic active smokers and SAF intensity was correlated with the hours of cigarette smoke exposure.…”