Mediterranean diet adherence and cardiovascular risk: exploring the role of advanced glycation end-products via skin autofluorescence analysis

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Introduction: Introduction: advanced glycation end-products contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes. Objectives: the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular risk, focusing on the influence of advanced glycation end-products assessed through skin autofluorescence analysis. Methods: anthropometric measurements including waist circumference, hip circumference, height, and body weight were recorded for 200 healthy individuals. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were calculated based on these measurements. Levels of advanced glycation end-products were assessed using the AGE Reader, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale. Results: a significant negative correlation was found between high adherence to the Mediterranean diet and levels of advanced glycation end-products (p < 0.05). Conversely, advanced glycation end-product levels showed significant positive correlations with age, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (p < 0.05). Conclusion: this study demonstrates that individuals who adhere closely to the Mediterranean diet exhibit lower levels of advanced glycation end-products, which are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.