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The role of advanced glycation end products in the development of atherosclerosis

Melpomeni Peppa1, Jaime Uribarri, Helen Vlassara

  • 1Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1640, New York, NY 10029, USA. helen.vlassara@mssm.edu

Current Diabetes Reports
|February 7, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), formed from sugars reacting with proteins and lipids, contribute to atherosclerosis, a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research explores dietary AGEs and potential anti-AGE strategies to combat CVD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Disease Research
  • Nutritional Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary global cause of mortality.
  • Atherosclerosis, characterized by arterial plaque buildup, underlies most CVD cases.
  • Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are increasingly linked to atherosclerosis development and progression, independent of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in atherosclerosis.
  • To highlight the endogenous and exogenous sources of AGEs.
  • To introduce potential therapeutic strategies targeting AGEs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on AGEs and atherosclerosis.
  • Analysis of the biochemical pathways involved in AGE formation.
  • Examination of dietary contributions to AGE accumulation.

Main Results:

  • AGEs are formed through non-enzymatic reactions between sugars and biomolecules.
  • Both internal (endogenous) and dietary (exogenous) sources contribute to AGE levels.
  • Atherosclerosis progression is associated with increased AGEs.

Conclusions:

  • Dietary modifications and anti-AGE interventions show promise for managing atherosclerosis.
  • Understanding AGE formation mechanisms is crucial for developing effective CVD prevention strategies.
  • Targeting AGEs represents a potential therapeutic avenue for cardiovascular disease.

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