AdvAnced GlycAtion end Products (AGes): it’s role in the PAthoGenesis of diAbetic comPlicAtions

Initially, aldehyde of glucose molecule produces a labile covalent bond with the amino acid side chain (specifically lysine residues in protein) of both sugar and lipids. This initial glycation reaction is reversible & leads to development of fructose – lysine residues, a Schiff base. This Schiff base, in tern, undergoes molecular re-arrangement to form one ketoamine known as Amadori product.2 Covalent crosslinking of these Amadori products once again with the sugar group in other glycated protein lead to development of irreversibly modified molecules, collectively termed Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) (Figure 1).3 Some important examples include the followings:-