Advanced Glycation End Products: Formation, Role in Diabetic Complications, and Potential in Clinical Application

Authors

Rujman Khan, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Xin Yee Ooi, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Matthew N. Parvus, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Laura Valdez
Andrew Tsin, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow

Document Type

Book

Publication Date

10-3-2019

Abstract

Hyperglycemic conditions and disruptions to glucose-regulating pathways lead to increased formation of highly reactive aldehydes, methylglyoxal and glyoxal, which react with certain arginine and lysine residues in proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs damage the integrity of the retinal vasculature predominantly through two mechanisms: non-receptor-mediated damage, which pertains to the interaction with extracellular matrix and its functional properties, and receptor-mediated damage through AGE interactions with their receptors (RAGE) on pericytes and Muller cells. Damage occurring between AGE and RAGE potentially generates reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors. Both mechanisms result in increased permeability of endothelial tight junctions, and this increased permeability can lead to leaking and eventually ischemia. Once this ischemia becomes significant, neovascularization can occur, the hallmark of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Current pharmaceutical studies have shown the potential of AGE inhibitors, such as aminoguanidine, in decreasing AGE production, thus minimizing its effects in hyperglycemic conditions. Other pharmaceutical interventions, such as Tanshinone IIA, aim to protect cells from the impacts of AGEs. Future research will not only continue to understand the properties of AGEs and their effects on diabetes and diabetic complications like diabetic retinopathy but will also explore how they impact other diseases.

Comments

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen.

Recommended Citation

Khan, R., Ooi, X. Y. , Parvus, M., Valdez, L., & Tsin, A. (2019). Advanced Glycation End Products: Formation, Role in Diabetic Complications, and Potential in Clinical Applications. In J. Grigsby, & F. Derbel (Eds.), The Eye and Foot in Diabetes. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89408

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Publication Title

The Eye and Foot in Diabetes

DOI

10.5772/intechopen.89408

Academic Level

medical student