The relationship of skin autofluorescence with diastolic function and HFA-PEFF score in a general population of older people.

Background And Aims: Advanced glycation end-products accumulation in tissue as measured by Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is related to diastolic function in specific patient populations. This analysis aims at investigating this relationship in a general population of older persons.

Methods And Results: Based on data from the CARLA cohort at first follow-up, 245 subjects were analyzed and stratified according to cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). We used linear regression to investigate the association between diastolic function evaluated by echocardiography, HFA-PEFF score, and SAF. Univariable regression analysis showed an association of SAF with septal-E/e' (standardised beta = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.51-1.71) and A (3.42, 95% CI = 0.72-6.12), the former persisting after adjustment for age, sex and CVRF (0.67, 95% CI = 0.05-1.28). Septal-E/e' remained related to SAF only in the high cardiovascular risk stratum (1.16, 95% CI = 0.26-2.06). SAF was related to HFA-PEFF score (0.27, 95% CI = 0.10-0.43) but not after correcting for age and sex (0.16, 95% CI = 0.00-0.32) and CVRF and glomerular filtration rate (0.12, 95% CI = -0.07 - 0.27). SAF was related to the HFA-PEFF score only for participants with high cardiovascular risk (0.23, 95% CI = 0.02-0.45).

Conclusion: In a general community-dwelling older population, SAF is related to diastolic function as measured by septal-E/e'. Further research is necessary to assess if SAF is a potential screening tool for diastolic dysfunction in advanced age.