Editorial
Copyright ©2012 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Cardiol. Apr 26, 2012; 4(4): 90-102
Published online Apr 26, 2012. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v4.i4.90
Role of advanced glycation end products in cardiovascular disease
Zeinab Hegab, Stephen Gibbons, Ludwig Neyses, Mamas A Mamas
Zeinab Hegab, Stephen Gibbons, Ludwig Neyses, Mamas A Mamas, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
Ludwig Neyses, Mamas A Mamas, Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Hegab Z prepared first draft; Gibbons S and Neyses L provided intellectual content and contributions to manuscript revisions; Mamas MA developed idea for manuscript, intellectual content and major contribution to revisions.
Correspondence to: Dr. Mamas A Mamas, Manchester Heart Centre, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, United Kingdom. mamasmamas1@yahoo.co.uk
Telephone: +44-796-7102675 Fax: +44-161-2761234
Received: February 11, 2012
Revised: April 4, 2012
Accepted: April 10, 2012
Published online: April 26, 2012
Abstract

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced through the non enzymatic glycation and oxidation of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Enhanced formation of AGEs occurs particularly in conditions associated with hyperglycaemia such as diabetes mellitus (DM). AGEs are believed to have a key role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with DM through the modification of the structure, function and mechanical properties of tissues through crosslinking intracellular as well as extracellular matrix proteins and through modulating cellular processes through binding to cell surface receptors [receptor for AGEs (RAGE)]. A number of studies have shown a correlation between serum AGE levels and the development and severity of heart failure (HF). Moreover, some studies have suggested that therapies targeted against AGEs may have therapeutic potential in patients with HF. The purpose of this review is to discuss the role of AGEs in cardiovascular disease and in particular in heart failure, focussing on both cellular mechanisms of action as well as highlighting how targeting AGEs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of HF.

Keywords: Advanced glycation end products; Diabetes; Cardiovascular disease; Atherosclerosis; Heart failure