Advanced glycation endproducts and diabetes. Beyond vascular complications

Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are a group of heterogeneous compounds formed by the non enzymatic reactions between aldehydic group of reducing sugars with proteins, lipids or nucleic acids. Formation and accumulation of AGEs is related with the aging process and is accelerated in diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is characterized by hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance associated to a progressive deterioration of beta cell function and mass. The pathogenic role of AGEs in vascular diabetic complications is widely recognised. Recently other aspects of the detrimental effects of AGEs in type 2 diabetes are emerged: AGEs interfere with the complex molecular pathway of insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance; AGEs modify the insulin molecule, and, consequently, its function; AGEs decrease insulin secretion and insulin content. In this article we review the role of AGEs in type 2 diabetes, beyond their involvement in vascular complications.