Skip to content
Back to glossary
Cell biology

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)

DEAdvanced Glycation End-products (AGEs)

Advanced glycation end-products are stable, often crosslinked compounds formed when sugars react with proteins, lipids, or DNA over time. They accumulate in long-lived tissues such as skin, cartilage, and arterial walls, where they impair elasticity and function. AGEs activate the RAGE receptor, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. Their build-up is linked to diabetes complications, atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and skin ageing.

Last reviewed:

Sources

  1. Bierhaus A, Humpert PM, Morcos M, et al.. (2005). Understanding RAGE, the receptor for advanced glycation end products. *Journal of Molecular Medicine*doi:10.1007/s00109-005-0688-7
  2. Brownlee M. (2001). Biochemistry and molecular cell biology of diabetic complications. *Nature*doi:10.1038/414813a

Related studies from the research library