Soluble receptors for advanced glycation endproducts are predictors of insulin sensitivity and affected by weight loss

Mice experiments have underscored the efficacy of pharmacological inhibition of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) through the use of soluble receptors for advanced glycation endproducts (sRAGE) in mitigating obesity-linked metabolic disruptions and insulin resistance. However, human studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the correlation between circulating sRAGE levels and insulin resistance, as well as glucose tolerance. Here, we aimed to delve deeper into the relationship between sRAGE levels and systemic insulin sensitivity.

Plasma sRAGE levels, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and continuous glucose monitoring were measured in two independent cross-sectional case-control studies [cohort 1 (n = 180) and cohort 2 (n = 124)]. In addition, a subgroup of 42 participants with obesity were followed for 12 months. In 14 of these participants, weight loss was achieved through bariatric surgery intervention.

Our results revealed a significant association between plasma sRAGE levels and both insulin sensitivity and glycemic control parameters, even after adjustments for age, sex, and BMI. Furthermore, longitudinal analysis demonstrated that interventions aimed at weight loss led to reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c levels, concurrently with increases in sRAGE levels.

These findings underscore that sRAGE levels were strongly associated with insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, suggesting a possible role of sRAGE in preserving insulin sensitivity and maintaining glycemic control, which should be confirmed in further studies.