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Expression of receptors for advanced glycation end products in peripheral occlusive vascular disease
1Department of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
The cellular interactions of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been hypothesized to contribute to the development of vascular lesions, occur, at least in part, through their binding to a novel integral membrane protein, the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Studies of human vascular segments show that endothelial RAGE expression at the antigen and mRNA level was variable and usually at low levels in samples from healthy individuals. In contrast, patients with a range of peripheral occlusive vascular diseases, with or without underlying diabetes, demonstrated prominent enhancement of endothelial RAGE expression. Smooth muscle cells and nerves in the vessel wall showed constitutively high levels of RAGE expression that were unchanged with aging (from 1 to 92 years) or by the presence of vascular disease. These data suggest that RAGE is likely to have ligands other than AGEs, and that multiple factors in addition to AGEs impact on its expression. Taken together, our findings suggest that RAGE may contribute to the pathogenesis of a range of vascular disorders.
Insights
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) interact with the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). RAGE expression increases in vascular disease, suggesting its role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Pathogenesis Research
Background:
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are implicated in vascular lesion development.
- Cellular interactions with AGEs may involve the receptor for AGEs (RAGE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endothelial RAGE expression in healthy individuals and patients with vascular disease.
- To explore the role of RAGE in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human vascular segments from individuals of varying ages and health statuses.
- Assessment of RAGE expression at both antigen and mRNA levels in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and nerves.
Main Results:
- Endothelial RAGE expression was low and variable in healthy individuals.
- Patients with peripheral occlusive vascular diseases showed significantly enhanced endothelial RAGE expression.
- Smooth muscle cells and nerves exhibited consistently high RAGE levels, unaffected by age or disease.
Conclusions:
- RAGE expression is upregulated in vascular disease, suggesting a role in its pathogenesis.
- RAGE likely interacts with ligands beyond AGEs, influenced by multiple factors.
- Targeting RAGE may offer therapeutic potential for vascular disorders.