Fig. 2.

Role of AGEs in the vascular damage.

AGEs are believed to be involved in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis through multiple mechanisms. One is a direct cytotoxic mechanism through modifications and structural changes of proteins and extracellular matrix by glycation and cross-linking. Another is a mechanism controlling cell response to cell-surface receptors that recognize AGEs as specific ligands. Oxidative stress that occurs during the formation of AGEs is also involved in cell and tissue damage.

Abbreviation: AGEs, advanced glycation end-products.