MORE | Spring 2018

In Vitro Cell Culture Model on the Influence of Advanced Glycation End-Products and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of osteoporotic fracture. During prolonged hyperglycemia present in diabetic microenvironments, glucose can react with proteins and/or lipids to form advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Research suggests that high levels of AGEs in bone collagen may trigger increased bone fragility and contribute to chronic complications that accompany diabetes. The goal of this project is to determine what effect the addition of AGEs have on osteogenesis within in vitro cell culture models. This study concentrates on glycating low density lipoproteins (LDL) due to elevated levels found in diabetic patients.