Biochemistry & Physiology: Open Access
Open Access

Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are a group of compounds/molecules produced in the human body as a result of a process called as glycation, where the reducing sugars react with a protein, or amino acid [1]. AGEs show deleterious effect on human tissues both by receptor and non-receptor mediated mechanisms. The receptors involved in AGEs metabolism include the soluble Receptor of AGE (sRAGE), and the endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Interaction of AGEs with the receptors (AGE-RAGE complex) has been associated with the stimulation of inflammatory cytokines and the synthesis of reactive oxygen species [2].

AGEs may be formed endogenously or exogenously. Foods high in protein and fat such as meat, cheese and egg yolk are a rich source of AGEs. The method of cooking food, that includes cooking at high temperatures may increase the formation of AGEs. Maillard reaction is the major source of AGE synthesis [3]. This reaction is catalyzed by transitional metals and is inhibited by ascorbic acid [4].

Intracellular sugars form AGEs faster than the exogenous glucose supplementation. The amadori product formed during the Maillard reaction undergoes oxidation, dehydration, and condensation to produce AGEs including the glyoxides like the Pentosidine and N-Carboxy Methyl Lysine (CML). It is also noted that when reactive intermediate products are formed after amadori re-arrangement, alpha dicarbonyls or oxoaldehydes are produced [5].

Normally, reactive dicarbonyl compounds (glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, 3 deoxyglucosone) are detoxified by an enzyme system called as Glyoxylase system. It is made of glyoxylase I and II enzymes, which break dicarbonyl compounds and inhibits formation of AGEs. The accumulation of these products creates an unstable environment inside the cell which is termed as carbonyl stress [6]. This unstable environment within a cell induces oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis and vascular damage [7]. The accumulation of such products, with their natural ability to cross link, coexist with carrier proteins like albumin, hemoglobin, lens crystals, and Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) [8]. Although HbA1C is a glycated product, it is not recognized as a true AGE because it indicates a recent glycemia status (6-12 weeks), whereas advanced glycation reflects a process over a longer period [9].

Tobacco, food additives, and food colors constitute the major exogenous sources for AGE formation. Cigar smoking causes vascular disease but its relation to AGEs formation has recently been recognized. It has been observed that the tobacco smoke can rapidly react with proteins to form AGEs both in vitro and in vivo [10].

The aim of this paper is to re-emphasize the role of AGE's in human health and disease.

Review

Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are a group of heterogenous compounds/molecules produced as a result of glycation (addition of sugar to protein non-enzymatically with free amino groups on protein). Reaction that leads to the formation of AGEs is called as Maillard reaction.

Millard reaction is divided into two phases. The first phase of the reaction proceeds until Amadori rearrangement and the second half involves AGEs formation via oxidation, dehydration and condensation.

During the first phase, the reducing sugar or glucose reacts with the free amino group of biological amines to form schiff's base, which later forms amadori product as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: First phase of Millard reaction resulting in the formation of Amidori product

Then second phase involves the degradation of amadori product into dicarbonyl compounds like glyoxal, methyl glyoxal, 3-deoxy glycosones etc via dehydration, oxidation, and reduction. The crosslinking nature of Amadori product (due to labile covalent bond) with other sugar groups irreversibly results in the formation of AGEs as shown in Figure 2 [11].

Figure 2: Second phase of Millard reaction resulting in the formation of Advanced glycation end products

Apart from the Maillard reaction AGEs are also formed as intermediates or by-products of glucose auto-oxidation or lipid peroxidation or by polyol pathway [12]. AGEs formation is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all individuals. Chronic hyperglycemia, and stress may aggravate the formation of AGEs. CML, MG, Pentosidine are used as markers for AGE measurement. AGE can be measured either by Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or mass spectrometry [13]. In India the use of AGEs by food industry has increased because of their ability to enhance taste. The disadvantage of AGEs use in food preparation is that their presence increases with increase in the temperature and sugar concentrations. Normally, the intracellular protective systems limit the accumulation of AGE derivatives. However, in high concentrations they may get accumulated. The accumulated AGEs in turn effects long lived proteins like collagen, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, and elastin [14].

AGEs have the ability to modify proteins by their cross-linking nature. These modified proteins behave abnormally, damaging cell structure and function. Modified proteins decrease the elasticity of arteries, glomerulus and increase their permeability. Thus, decreases cell adhesion and inhibits angiogenesis. Modified proteins can bind to receptor for AGE (RAGE) on cells like macrophages or monocytes thereby inducing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). As ROS are unstable due to unpaired electron in their outer shell, two ROS combine by cross linking and attain stability by further cross linking with AGEs [15]. Oxidative stress could be caused by an imbalance between ROS production and defensive mechanisms in the body. Thus AGE’s may be responsible for the development, progression and complications of several diseases as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Advanced Glycation End Products and the diseases

Diabetic retinopathy

The formation of AGE compounds and their role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy could be due to the death of various lens proteins and retinal cells of the eye as a result of AGEs accumulation [16]. The AGEs bind to its receptor RAGE in lens, which leads to the activation of a signaling pathway that causes oxidative stress, and release local hormones, cytokines and adhesive molecules [17]. The AGE–RAGE interaction causes vascular changes in pericytes (contractile cells of endothelium) leading to apoptosis of pericytes, which is an early sign of retinopathy [18]. The accumulation of AGEs in the retinal cells activates secretion of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) which induces angiogenesis by increasing expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Thus, AGEs may cause microvascular changes in the eye of diabetic patients.

Diabetic cataract

Glycation of eye lens protein is the major mechanism responsible for diabetic cataract formation. The AGE compounds accumulated around lens protein causes a conformational change in the structure of protein, decreasing protein–protein interactions and protein–water interaction. This reduces the transparency of the eye lens [19]. Experimental evidence revealed an increased AGEs formation around cataract lens and AGEs also have been associated with change of the color and opacity of the eye lens [20].

Diabetic nephropathy

It is the major cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Even though genetic susceptibility is the risk factor, hyperglycemia is also linked with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy [21]. The pathological link between hyperglycemia and development of diabetic nephropathy has been attributed to the formation of AGEs [22]. These AGEs and related products form cross-links with collagen, which could lead to structural and functional changes in the kidneys [23]. AGEs also induce production of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesive molecules, and growth factors which could be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy [24]. In vitro and in vivo studies indicates that AGEs via RAGE leads to overproduction of matrix proteins and inhibits its breakdown, initiating an oxidative stress pathway further damaging the organs involved [25].

Diabetic neuropathy

Polyneuropathy (damage of peripheral nerves) or mononeuropathy (damage of a nerve due to injury) is a common diabetic neuropathic complication. The glycation of cytoskeletal proteins, structural or functional changes of nerve fibers leads to diabetic neuropathy [26]. Experimental studies on diabetic rats showed decreased sensory motor conduction velocity, decreased nerve potential and also functions of sciatic nerve due to accumulated glycated proteins [27]. AGE accumulation may cause the loss of myelin sheath around neuron, further leading to vascular abnormalities [28].

Diabetic dermopathy

Increased skin lesions and delayed wound healing in diabetics is due to accumulated AGEs under the skin leading to changes in the physico-chemical structure of proteins within the skin leading to skin related disorders [29].

Diabetic macrovascular complications

The cross-linking nature of AGEs with matrix proteins in the vessel wall increases its rigidity, traps lipoproteins within arterial wall and disrupts its clearance [30]. AGE deposition in uncontrolled manner was also observed on atherosclerotic plaques and also in the radial artery of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) patients with and without diabetes [31].

Neurodegenerative diseases

The AGEs accumulation in the brain has been noted to increase with the advance in age. The recent data has suggested that the accumulated AGEs in brain and other organs of the Central Nervous System (CNS) may be responsible for neurodegenerative disorders like the Alzheimers, Parkinson, Prionopathies and lateral amylotrophic sclerosis [32]. The accumulation of AGEs varies according to the pathology of the disease. Increased AGEs were noted in hippocampal region in Alzheimers, substantia nigra in Parkinsons, ventral spinal cord in amylotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. The measurement of AGEs, the methyl glyoxal derivative can be done by immunological, and chemical methods and further confirmed by proteomic analyses. Most interesting fact about AGEs is their accumulation at the target organ as well as along the path of the nerves. It is also evidenced that organs which never form AGE related compounds are more susceptible for its accumulation [33]. The methyl glyoxal derivatives (AGEs) obtained from diet has a capacity to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, enter into glial cells, and increase the synthesis of beta amyloids leading to plaque formation [34].

Cardiovascular diseases

AGEs accumulation has been observed both during diabetes and also in non-diabetic conditions. Smoking, consuming more amounts of deep fried and fatty foods and food cooked at high temperatures etc. could lead to increased AGEs in blood. The adverse effects of AGEs and related product is due to their cross-linking nature with matrix proteins, which decreases the flexibility and causes sequential dysfunction of the protein. The cross linking of AGEs with collagen, elastin, laminin in the myocardium leads to the rigidity and diastolic dysfunction of the heart [35]. Similarly, formation of AGE–RAGE complex in the myocardium induces fibrosis by enhancing the activity of Transformation Growth Factor β (TGF-β) (a super family of cytokines involved in cell functions). AGEs also may cause reduction in calcium concentrations by delaying the calcium re-uptake. AGEs may also delay re-polarisation of cardiac contractions, decrease myocardial contractility, and induce systolic and endothelial dysfunction [36].

Studies have also noted that AGE-soluble RAGE complex may cross link with LDL and result in decreased uptake by LDL receptors and its clearance, decrease macrophage LDL uptake and cause atherosclerosis [37]. Thus, AGE accumulation increases left ventricle end diastolic pressure, diastolic dysfunction, pulmonary congestion, dyspnoea, and systolic heart failure [38].

Chronic kidney diseases

The relationship between kidneys and AGEs could be via its clearance in kidneys. The AGEs, and related peptides and adducts (AGE compound linked to single aminoacid) are cleared by kidneys [39]. AGEs, due to their cross-linking nature can be taken up by epithelial cells of Proximal Convoluted Tubules (PCT) and then degraded by lysosomal system and are then excreted out through urine [40]. Increased AGEs cannot enter into Bowmans capsule and hence combine with receptors of endothelial matrix and forms RAGE. AGERAGE complex induces production of various cytokines like tumor necrosis factor β (TNF β), activates inflammatory response, and results in glomerulosclerosis [41]. AGE-RAGE complex also activates NAD(P)H oxidase, induces oxidative stress and cause decreased capacity of its excretion. AGEs accumulation in kidneys may lead to carbonyl stress, uremia and loss of its function.

Aging

Aging is a multifactorial process. The habits of an individual like smoking, increased consumption of non-vegetarian food, fried foods, food cooked in oil that is heated repeatedly at high temperatures contributes to formation of AGEs and related compounds [42]. Skin, due to its easy accessibility offers excellent opportunity for the process of glycation, especially to the long-lived proteins like collagen, skeletal and vascular smooth muscles. Normally, human body degrades the accumulated AGEs by activating glutathione dependent glyoxylase enzyme. During increased AGEs accumulation, the human defense system may weaken, thereby decreases the activity of glutathione dependent glyoxylase enzyme [43]. The glycation of long lived proteins resists its degradation by Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibits its removal and replacement by newly synthesized proteins. Thus, impairs tissue permeability and turnover.

Psoriasis

It is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition that produces plaques of thickened scaling skin. The skin is sensitive to changes induced by AGEs and its accumulation causes increased production of free radicals, which increases oxidized LDL products in the skin [44]. AGEs also activate monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and endothelial cells, which leads to chronic inflammation. In psoriasis, oxidative damage activates cytochrome C, which induces keratinocyte apoptosis and dysregulates keratinocytes, a possible mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The AGE-RAGE complex regulates gene expression by regulating transcription factors like NF-KB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) mediated by tyrosine kinase protein [45].

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive aged women causing hyper androgenism and oligo or anovulation [46]. In PCOS women there is elevated AGEs, and AGEs exert their effect in association with its receptor RAGE. Elevated AGERAGE levels are observed in the ovarian tissue of women with PCOS, which can potentially alter steroidogenensis and folliculogenesis [47]. The oocyte maturation and ovulation require activation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) specifically ERK1 or 2 (Extracellular signal-Regulated Kinase 2) pathway [48]. The elevated AGEs interfere with the activation of ERK1/2 pathway in human ovarian granulose cells and thus can lead to altered genes involved in steroidogenesis in these cells [49,50].

The modern, and readily available or consumable food elevates the circulating AGEs in human. This may contribute to inflammation and could cause various diseases. The processing of food items at high temperatures, deep fried foods, food cooked in oil that is repeatedly heated at high temperatures, caramelization of food products to improve the taste of food items contribute to an increase in the activities of AGEs. Increased accumulation of AGEs in the body may be responsible for decreased activity of defensive glyoxylase enzyme system. The adverse effects of AGEs and related products could be due to their association with the receptor RAGE. AGE-RAGE complex activates inflammatory response, interferes with the transcriptional activation of related genes, inhibits normal response and decreases the defensive system of the body. The role of AGEs in various lifethreatening diseases is due to the ability of AGE-RAGE complex to control the activities of genes at their transcriptional level. This also can induce or inhibit normal or abnormal pathways leading to cancerous conditions. The processing of food at low temperatures, baking of the foods, steamed foods, increased consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables, and physical exercise may help in improving the defensive system of body, which further degrades AGEs by activating glyoxylase enzyme system. In the Indian scenario, the traditional cooking methods although appear to be time taking, the cooking processes still keep food healthy as compared to the modern ways of cooking which use microwave ovens.