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 powerful episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—uncovers the hidden connection between glycation and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), a painful inflammatory disorder that affects connective tissues, muscles, and joints. Building on earlier discussions of AGEs and tissue damage, Dr. Reynolds reveals how sugar-driven molecular changes may be a silent driver of PMR’s stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility. Drawing on cutting-edge research, he explains how advanced glycation end-products cross-link collagen and elastin, stiffen connective tissues, and alter the interstitial fluid that should keep joints and fascia gliding smoothly. In PMR, these sugar-damaged structures—combined with chronic inflammation—create a biochemical “perfect storm” that locks muscles and joints into painful rigidity. Dr. Reynolds also highlights emerging evidence that dietary strategies, such as ketogenic or low-carb eating, can reduce glycation, lower inflammation, and potentially ease PMR-related stiffness. Topics Covered: -What glycation is and how it damages connective tissues -The structural role of collagen, elastin, and fascia in mobility -How AGEs alter interstitial fluid and increase tissue friction -The inflammatory cascade in Polymyalgia Rheumatica -Evidence linking glycation to collagen stiffness and bone fragility -The vicious cycle of oxidative stress and tissue damage -Nutritional strategies, including ketogenic diets, to reduce AGE burden -How diet shapes myofascial pain and PMR outcomes Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Glycation & Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) 00:41 – Glycation Basics: Rust Inside the Body 01:22 – Quick Refresher: Sugar, Proteins & AGE Formation 02:01 – Glycation’s Impact on Skin, Arteries & Connective Tissues 02:41 – Collagen, Elastin & Tissue Stiffness (2018 JCI Study) 03:16 – Glycation in Bones & Tendons (2015 & Matrix Biology Findings) 04:01 – Introducing PMR: Stiffness, Pain & Inflammation Over 50 04:41 – PMR Characteristics: Bilateral Pain, CRP, Steroid Response 05:22 – Causes: Genes, Environment & Triggers 06:05 – Glycation as a Silent Partner in PMR Progression 06:48 – Fascia & Interstitial Fluid: From Lubricant to Liability 07:33 – Sticky Fluids: Glycated Proteins Impair Movement (2016 Study) 08:15 – Oxidative Stress & Chronic Inflammation (2014 Study) 09:02 – Local Damage: Cytokines, Glutamate & Prostaglandins in PMR Muscles 09:48 – Myofascial Pain Syndromes & Diet Connection 10:31 – Ketogenic Diet Lowers Inflammation & AGE Formation (2021 Study) 11:17 – Comparing High-Carb vs. Low-Carb Diets in PMR Outcomes 12:03 – PMR Takeaway: Beyond “Old Age Aches & Pains” 12:46 – Lifestyle Strategies: Managing Blood Sugar & Staying Active 13:19 – Closing Remarks & Next Episode Whether you’re navigating PMR yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply aiming to protect your joints as you age, this episode offers a deeper understanding of the biochemical forces at play—and practical ways to counter them. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and educator at Brigham Young University, known for making complex science accessible and empowering. Through the College of Glycation series, he sheds light on the silent biochemical processes that shape our health, aging, and resilience. #fibromyalgia #polymyalgiarheumatica #PMR #Metabolism #Collagen #Connectivetissue #fascia #autoimmune #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #LowCarb #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #CellularHealth #Keto #KetoCommunity Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, 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)