What are Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)?

About Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs):

• AGEs (also known as glycotoxins) are harmful molecules formed by the glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins.
  • Glycation is the process of combining other molecules with sugars.
  • Oxidation is the process of combining other molecules with oxygen. 
• AGEs are formed in your body by metabolism, but the major source of AGEs is food.
• They are formed in food by grilling, toasting, roasting, broiling, frying, and other high-temperature cooking. 
• Tobacco use is yet another source of AGEs. 
• AGE production in the body increases with age.
  • Why are AGEs harmful?
  • AGEs are present in the body at all times. At low levels, they don't cause significant injury. 
  • However, they cause cell and tissue damage when they reach high concentrations. 
  • AGEs combine with receptors located on blood vessels and several other organs to cause damage to organ systems.
  • These compounds can impact the function of proteins within the cells, alter the behavior of hormones, cytokines, and free radicals, and modify the extracellular matrix between cells.
  • AGEs activate inflammatory and other destructive processes in many systems of your body. 
  • AGEs are involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, vascular and cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
  • Hyperglycemia(high blood levels of glucose) is one condition associated with more AGE production, causing blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.