Association of advanced glycation end products with ear lobe crease: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Several studies have demonstrated a significant association between the presence of the ear lobe crease (ELC) and cardiovascular disease. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) can affect the structures and functions of proteins and contribute to the development of diabetic complications. However, few studies have reported the relationship between AGEs and ELC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of skin autofluorescence (SAF)-AGE_age (SAF-AGEs × age/100) with ELC.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 6500 eligible participants from two communities in Beijing. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) was used to measure skin AGEs (SAF-AGEs). SAF-AGE_age was defined as AGEs × age/100. Binary logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis nested in logistic models were applied to test outcomes.

Results: The overall prevalence of ELC with an average age of 62.7 years participants was 57.1% (n = 3714). Age, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and lipoprotein cholesterol were all greater in participants with ELC. ELC-positive participants had higher prevalence of coronary heart disease. Logistic analysis showed a significantly positive relationship between quartiles of SAF-AGE_age and ELC (odds ratio [OR] 1.526, 95% CI 1.324-1.759; OR 2.072, CI 1.791-2.396; and OR 2.983, CI 2.551-3.489) for the multivariate-adjusted models, respectively. Stratified research revealed that those with a history of diabetes, hypertension, or coronary heart disease experienced the connection between SAF-AGE_age and ELC.

Conclusion: ELC is associated with coronary heart disease, and the SAF-AGE has a potential role in ELC development in elder people.

Keywords: advanced glycation end products; cardiovascular disease; ear lobe crease; type 2 diabetes.

FIGURE 1

Schematic of patient's ear lobe crease. A 61‐year‐old woman with a background of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was observed with earlobe crease. Angiography revealed severe triple vessel disease.

FIGURE 2

The prevalence of CHD (A) and ELC (B) in different tertiles of SAF‐AGE_age levels in middle‐aged or elderly Chinese participants. AGE, advanced glycation end product; CHD, coronary heart disease; ELC, earlobe crease; Q, quartile; SAF, skin autofluorescence.