Methylglyoxal, Infections and Diabetes
Finding a way to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes.
Executive Summary
We are developing sensitive and reproducible methods to measure methylglyoxal (MGO), a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with LDL to increase the risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes. There is recent evidence that the oral organism Tannerella Forsythia produces MGO, in vitro.
We are comparing the microbiome of periodontal patients and normal controls to determine if subgingival plaque T. Forsythia contributes significantly to blood levels of MGO in patients with diabetes.
We also are studying the oral and gut microbiome to determine if there are other bacteria capable of producing MGO.