The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
In this episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and biomedical scientist—dives into one of the most overlooked and clinically important connections in modern health: the link between glycation, gum disease, and metabolic dysfunction. Building on the biochemical foundations of glycation, Dr. Reynolds explains how Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) form through the non-enzymatic reaction between sugars and proteins—and how these compounds accumulate over time to drive inflammation, tissue damage, and accelerated aging. But this episode goes further, revealing a lesser-known source of glycation that exists right below the gumline. You’ll learn how the oral cavity—specifically the gingival crevicular fluid and periodontal pocket—acts as a direct window into systemic metabolism. Dr. Reynolds explains how chronic periodontal inflammation alters this environment, increasing cytokines, immune activity, and AGE accumulation in ways that mirror—and influence—whole-body metabolic health. Dr. Reynolds also explores the RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products) pathway, describing how AGE accumulation activates a self-sustaining inflammatory loop involving NF-κB signaling and cytokine release (including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). This cascade not only worsens periodontal tissue destruction but also interferes with insulin signaling and glucose regulation throughout the body. Topics Covered: -What glycation is and how AGEs are formed -The progression from Schiff base to Amadori products to AGEs -How AGEs accumulate and damage long-lived proteins -The role of the RAGE receptor in chronic inflammation -Why glycation is not limited to diabetes -The gingival crevicular fluid as a window into systemic metabolism -How periodontal disease alters immune and inflammatory responses -The relationship between diabetes and gum disease (bidirectional model) -Methylglyoxal production by oral bacteria -Evidence that periodontitis increases systemic AGE levels -The RAGE–NF-κB inflammatory feedback loop -How inflammation from the mouth contributes to insulin resistance -Clinical evidence linking periodontal treatment to improved HbA1c Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the College of Glycation & episode introduction 00:33 – Your gums are a metabolic canary 01:06 – What glycation is: the fundamentals 02:25 – From Amadori products to permanent AGEs and RAGE signaling 03:48 – AGEs are not just a diabetic problem 04:27 – The mouth: gingival sulcus, periodontal pocket, and GCF 06:28 – Conventional view: diabetes drives gum disease 08:31 – Neutrophil dysfunction and immune dysregulation in the mouth 10:38 – Sharma study: AGE levels in GCF of diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients 11:20 – The hidden source: periodontal bacteria produce methylglyoxal 13:23 – Landmark review: periodontitis raises AGEs even without diabetes 14:58 – The vicious AGE–RAGE–inflammation–insulin resistance loop 17:52 – Practical implications: oral health IS metabolic health 19:10 – Treating gum disease lowers HbA1c (a metabolic intervention) 20:31 – The overlooked source of AGEs in ~47% of adults 21:13 – Xylitol: a low-cost, targeted tool against harmful oral bacteria 24:50 – Conclusion: take care of your teeth for your biochemistry Whether you're focused on metabolic health, inflammation, aging, or disease prevention, this episode provides a deep and eye-opening look at how oral health plays a central role in whole-body physiology—and why ignoring your gums may mean ignoring a major driver of chronic disease. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and Professor of Cell Biology, known for translating complex biochemical mechanisms into clear, practical insights through his College of Glycation series. #oralhealth #gumdisease #glycation #AGEs #insulinresistance #inflammation #metabolichealth #healthpodcast #longevity #bloodsugar #nutrition #healthscience #antiaging #wellness #sciencepodcast Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds For the full Metabolic System storefront: https://shop.unicity.com/paulreynolds Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, electrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)