Researching the role of methylglyoxal in diabetic complications in Vancouver with the ACS Work Visit Grant

In this series, we highlight four researchers who undertook a work visit to an international institute with the support of the ACS Work Visit Grant. Today, we feature Oluwatomisono Akinrimisi, PhD Candidate at Amsterdam UMC, who traveled to the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, to investigate the role of methylglyoxal (MGO) in diabetic complications and vascular dysfunction.

Methylglyoxalanddiabetic complications

MGO is a byproduct of glycolysis that has been linked to diabetic complications and vascular dysfunction. During the work visit at the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute in Vancouver, Oluwatomisono used the NOD mouse model to study the effects of MGO administered through drinking water. In addition, two compounds were tested that may detoxify MGO. To investigate this, fecal, plasma, and tissue samples were collected. The plasma samples will be analyzed in the Netherlands using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine MGO levels. The fecal samples offer a particularly interesting angle, as Oluwatomisono explains: "For the fecal samples we are specifically interested in the role of the microbiome, particularly given that certain microbial taxa possess specialized genes involved in MGO production and detoxification.

Personal experiences in Vancouver

Oluwatomisono is part of the groups of Nordin Hanssen and Max Nieuwdorp at Amsterdam UMC, and Jean Scheijen and Casper G. Schalkwijk at Maastricht UMC. During his work visit, he was also supervised by Bruce Verchere. Galina Soukhatcheva supported him with her expertise in animal handling and experimental design, while Awoke Joshua guided him with cell viability assays. Oluwatomisono: "I am very grateful to everyone who supported me during my work visit and contributed to making this experience so valuable, both scientifically and personally." 

Beyond the scientific work, the stay in Vancouver was a personally enriching experience. Oluwatomisono had the opportunity to attend several conferences and thoroughly enjoyed the city and its surroundings: "Vancouver was an incredible experience! I highly recommend the Grouse Grind for hikers and kayaking in Deep Cove. I hope to return someday to visit the new friends I made and welcome them to the Netherlands too!" The work visit also led to valuable new collaborations, including connections with Laura Monteiro and Ramon Klein Geltink, with whom other research models are being explored.