Fasting concentrations and postprandial response of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds 3-deoxyglucosone, glyoxal and methylglyoxal are not increased in healthy older adults.

Dicarbonyl stress describes the increased formation of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds and is associated with age-related pathologies. The role of dicarbonyl stress in healthy aging is poorly understood. In a preliminary study, we analyzed 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, namely 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) in plasma of older (25 months, n=11) and younger (5 months, n=14) male C57BL/6J (B6) mice via UPLC-MS/MS. Postprandial 3-DG was higher in younger compared to older mice, whereas no differences were found for GO and MGO. Subsequently, in the main study, we analyzed fasting serum of older (OW, 72.4±6.14 years, n=19) and younger women (YW, 27.0±4.42 years, n=19) as well as older (OM, 74.3±5.20 years, n=15) and younger (YM, 27.0±3.34, n=15) men. Serum glucose, insulin, 1,2-dicarbonyl concentrations and markers of oxidative stress were quantified. In a subgroup of this cohort, an oral dextrose challenge was performed and postprandial response of 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, glucose and insulin were measured. In women, there were no age differences regarding fasting 1,2-dicarbonyl concentrations nor the response after the oral dextrose challenge. In men, fasting MGO was significantly higher in OM compared to YM (Median: 231 vs.158 nM, p=0.006), whereas no age differences in fasting 3-DG and GO concentrations were found. Glucose (310±71.8 versus 70.8±11.9 min·mmol/L) and insulin (7149±1249 versus 2827±493 min·µIU/mL) response were higher in OM compared to YM, which did not translate into a higher 1,2-dicarbonyl response in older individuals. Overall, aging does not necessarily result in dicarbonyl stress, indicating that strategies to cope with 1,2-dicarbonyl formation can remain intact.