Advanced glycation end products, also known as AGEs, are compounds formed in your body through a process called glycation. Glycation occurs when sugars attach non-enzymatically to proteins, fats and nucleic acids in your body. While this is a normal process that occurs in everyone, elevated levels of AGEs are associated with numerous chronic diseases. This article aims to explore Advanced Glycation End Products Market in more depth, their roles in disease development and ways to minimize their accumulation in the body.
Formation of AGEs
The glycation process starts with sugar molecules binding to free amino groups on proteins or lipids. Common sugars involved are glucose, fructose and galactose. Initially, the binding forms a Schiff base. This undergoes rearrangement to form a more stable Amadori product. Over time, these intermediate molecules undergo further reactions through oxidation, dehydration and polymerization to form irreversible “cross-links” or AGEs. Sunlight exposure, metal ions and oxidative stress can accelerate AGE formation.
Tissue Accumulation of AGEs
The slow buildup of AGEs continues throughout the lifespan but gets exacerbated with elevated blood sugar levels. Long-lived tissues like collagen, lens crystallins and brain proteins are highly susceptible to AGE accumulation. AGE levels rise exponentially with age and are markedly high in chronic diseases like diabetes, renal failure and Alzheimer’s. Tissues with high oxygen demand like retina, peripheral nerves, kidney and cardiovascular system are among the worst hit.
Role of AGEs in Disease
AGE accumulation induces structural and functional changes to proteins leading to their malfunction. AGE modifications to collagen cause thickening of vascular basement membranes and loss of elasticity of arteries, promoting hypertension, heart disease and more. Further, AGE-modified molecules activate receptors like RAGE to initiate inflammatory signaling cascades within cells. This induces the release of reactive oxygen species and cytokines that damage tissues over the long run and accelerate aging. AGEs are thus strongly implicated in diabetic complications, neurodegeneration, arthritis etc.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Blocking AGE Formation
Given their detrimental effects, there is increasing interest in blocking the glycation process or breaking existing AGE bonds. Anti-glycation agents like α-lipoic acid, benfotiamine and aminoguanidine have shown promise in experimental and clinical studies. For example, lipoic acid acts as a potent glycation inhibitor and antioxidant. Dietary approaches include increasing intake of AGE-restricting foods like polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, spices like cinnamon and green tea.
Detoxifying AGEs in the Body
Another strategy is to enhance clearance of accumulated AGEs from the body. Activities like regular exercise and calorie restriction promote autophagy and recycling of glycated proteins. AGE-crosslink breakers like PYR and ALT-711 help solubilize damaging protein-AGE complexes so they can be excreted in urine. Chelating agents that bind metal ions involved in glycation, e.g. phenolic compounds from berries, thyme and rosemary, can have additional benefits. Certain probiotics may aid AGE metabolism and renal excretion via beneficial gut-kidney interactions.
Dietary Modifications For AGE Reduction
Food processing, cooking methods and choice of ingredients greatly influence AGE contents. Deep fried or barbecued meats and dairy contain ten times more AGEs than raw foods. High-temperature cooking using dry heat like baking and roasting produces lesser AGEs than boiling or frying in oil. AGE contents vary between different protein sources as well—egg and fish incorporate fewer carboxymethyllysine-AGEs than beef and poultry. Low AGE foods include all fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, oats, nuts, olive oil, coffee, green tea, etc. Adopting an anti-AGE diet can help prevent age-related disease risks over the long term.
In conclusion, Advanced Glycation End Products Market pose a significant yet underappreciated threat to human health. Their involvement in many chronic inflammatory conditions makes them key targets for disease management and anti-aging interventions. Further research is expected to discover additional pathways through which AGE formation can be blocked or existing deposits eliminated from the body. Meanwhile, simple modifications to diet, lifestyle habits and use of natural anti-glycating supplements offer promise to keep AGE levels in check. Combined with regular medical supervision, such approaches can help optimize healthy aging.