Advanced glycation end-products produced systemically and by macrophages: A common contributor to inflammation and degenerative diseases

Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Sep:177:44-55. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.02.030. Epub 2017 Feb 13.

Abstract

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor have been implicated in the progressions of many intractable diseases, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and are also critical for pathologic changes in chronic degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and alcoholic brain damage. Recently activated macrophages were found to be a source of AGEs, and the most abundant form of AGEs, AGE-albumin excreted by macrophages has been implicated in these diseases and to act through common pathways. AGEs inhibition has been shown to prevent the pathogenesis of AGEs-related diseases in human, and therapeutic advances have resulted in several agents that prevent their adverse effects. Recently, anti-inflammatory molecules that inhibit AGEs have been shown to be good candidates for ameliorating diabetic complications as well as degenerative diseases. This review was undertaken to present, discuss, and clarify current understanding regarding AGEs formation in association with macrophages, different diseases, therapeutic and diagnostic strategy and links with RAGE inhibition.

Keywords: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs); Degenerative diseases; Inflammation; Macrophage; Receptor for AGEs (RAGE).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Glycation End Products, Advanced / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products / metabolism

Substances

  • Glycation End Products, Advanced
  • Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products