How sugar-attached proteins in the blood may weaken tendons in adults with diabetes
Role of serum advanced glycation end-products in altering tendon properties with diabetes
This project looks at whether higher levels of sugar-attached proteins in the blood make tendons weaker in adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158731 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will measure levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in your blood and compare them to tendon strength and structure. They will study how those blood AGEs interact with the RAGE receptor using human tendon cells in the lab and link those lab findings to tendon measurements from people. The team combines blood tests, lab cell work, and biomechanical or imaging tests of tendons to find connections between serum AGEs and tendon problems. The goal is to explain why tendon pain and loss of function are common in people with diabetes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes, especially type 2, who have tendon pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility would be most likely to qualify.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or those whose tendon problems are from acute injury or unrelated genetic conditions may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat tendon weakness in people with diabetes by targeting AGEs or their receptors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links AGEs and the RAGE receptor to tissue damage in diabetes, but applying this mechanism specifically to tendon structure and function is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, Chad Clayton — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Carroll, Chad Clayton
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.