Place des produits de glycation avancés (AGEs) dans les complications du diabète

The advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced in situations of hyperglycemia, through a non enzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and amino acids. Their accumulation leads to alterations of intracellular, matrix, and secreted proteins, that are responsible for a biological dysfunction, especially at the endothelial level. An important part of the AGE effects is mediated by the activation of specific receptors, the RAGE, with induction of an inflammatory and oxidative stress. Many clinical and experimental arguments support an important role for the AGE/RAGE system in the pathogenesis of microvascular or macrovascular complications of diabetes. It is therefore relevant to develop strategies targeting either the production or destruction of AGEs, or the RAGE receptor.