Figure 5.

Diagram showing the potential role of the RAGE signaling pathway in the actions of AGEs on JNK activation and ECV304 viability inhibition. Increased blood sugar (diabetes) can trigger rapid increases in AGEs on the walls of vein grafts and arteries. As the ligand of RAGE, AGEs can cause deformation of ECV304 cells, activating RAGE and its downstream signaling molecules, including JNK. Activated JNK (P-JNK) leads to overexpression of RAGE and viability inhibition of ECV304 cells (MTT), thereby altering vascular structure and function. Blocking RAGE and its downstream molecules by hyperoside might inhibit vascular remodeling induced by AGEs.