Association Between Tissue Accumulation of Skin Autofluorescence, Disease, and Exercise Capacity in Older Korean Adults

Abstract

Abstract As a noninvasive marker of the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. This study aimed to address existing gaps by exploring the associations of SAF levels with diseases, body composition, and physical function in older Korean adults. This study included 565 older participants (129 men; 436 women) from Incheon, South Korea. Participants registered across 12 institutions participated in the study over 3 months. SAF, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body composition, and fitness factors were measured. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. We confirmed that SAF levels were affected by age (> 3.4, p < 0.001), disease (> 3.4, p = 0.038), and fitness factors (> 3.4, p =0.035). Fitness factors, which also represent a major indicator of sarcopenia, were found to have a particularly pronounced effect. This study demonstrated the relationship between SAF, disease, and fitness factors. We also confirmed that SAF could be involved in the expression and measurement of sarcopenia. However, further studies are warranted to validate these results in other populations and establish a clear baseline value for SAF in South Korea.