[Advanced glycosylation end products and chronic complications of diabetes mellitus].
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in diabetes, with especial interest on their role in the pathophysiology of the chronic complications of diabetes mellitus.


METHODS
Representative papers were selected through a computer MEDLINE search from 1985 to 2000.


RESULTS
Hyperglycemia causes irreversible microvascular and macrovascular complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular disease. There is evidence that glycation leads to chemical modification of proteins, and other macromolecules and it contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Several AGEs and their receptors have been identified. The inhibition of AGE formation is under intensive investigation to prevent diabetic complications. From several inhibitors studied, Amadorins offer great therapeutic potential.


CONCLUSIONS
It is known that a heterogeneous group of AGEs is formed by glycation. The mechanism of AGE formation is partially understood, making it difficult to identify the precise chemical products responsible for in vivo damage and also to develop specific inhibitors.
Méndez
José D
JD
Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Metabólicas, 4o. Piso. Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional SXXI, IMSS.
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D050260:Carbohydrate Metabolism; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000209:etiology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000209:etiology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000209:etiology; D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006146:Guanidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D016239:MEDLINE; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011733:Pyridoxamine / Q000494:pharmacology
D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced; D006146:Guanidines; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins; D011733:Pyridoxamine; C004479:pimagedine