title: Vascular effects of advanced glycation endproducts: Clinical effects and molecular mechanisms.
abstract: The enhanced generation and accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) have been linked to increased risk for macrovascular and microvascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. AGEs result from the nonenzymatic reaction of reducing sugars with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, potentially altering their function by disrupting molecular conformation, promoting cross-linking, altering enzyme activity, reducing their clearance, and impairing receptor recognition. AGEs may also activate specific receptors, like the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which is present on the surface of all cells relevant to atherosclerotic processes, triggering oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of AGEs is paramount to develop strategies against diabetic and cardiovascular complications.
authors.affiliation: Profil Institut für Stoffwechselforschung GmbH, Hellersbergstrasse 9, 41460 Neuss, Germany.
authors.forename: Alin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stirban
authors.affiliation: University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, 33098 Paderborn, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gawlowski
authors.affiliation: Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Institute for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Clinics Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roden
keywords: Advanced glycation endproducts; Endothelium; Vascular