Selective disappearance of individuals with high levels of glycated haemoglobin in a free-living bird.

ABSTRACT: Although disruption of glucose homeostasis is a hallmark of ageing in humans and laboratory model organisms, we have little information on the importance of this process in free-living animals. Poor control of blood glucose levels leads to irreversible protein glycation. Hence, levels of protein glycation are hypothesized to increase with age and to be associated with a decline in survival. We tested these predictions by measuring blood glycated haemoglobin in 274 adult collared flycatchers of known age and estimating individual probability of recapture in the following 2 years. Results show a strong decrease in glycated haemoglobin from age 1 to 5 years and an increase thereafter. Individuals with high levels of glycated haemoglobin had a lower probability of recapture, even after control

SUBMITTER: Recapet C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5014019 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature