Effect of non-enzymatic glycation on collagen nanoscale mechanisms in diabetic and age-related bone fragility

Age and diabetes have long been known to induce an oxidative reaction between glucose and collagen,leading to the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products(AGEs)cross-links in collagenous tissues.More recently,AGEs content has been related to loss of bone quality,independent of bone mass,and increased fracture risk with aging and diabetes.Loss of bone quality is mostly attributed to changes in material properties,structural organization,or cellular remodeling.Though all these factors play a role in bone fragility disease,some common recurring patterns can be found between diabetic and age-related bone fragility.The main pattern we will discuss in this viewpoint is the increase of fibrillar collagen stiffness and loss of collagen-induced plasticity with AGE accumulation.This study focused on recent related experimental studies and discusses the correlation between fluorescent AGEs content at the molecular and fibrillar scales,collagen deformation mechanisms at the nanoscale,and resistance to bone fracture at the macroscale.

Effects of galactooligosaccharide glycation on the functional properties of soy protein isolate and its application in noodles

Soybean protein has high nutritional value, but its functional properties are easily affected by external factors,which limits its application in food industry. In the study, soybean protein isolate(SPI) was modified by dry heat glycation of galactooligosaccharides(GOS). The gel properties, antioxidant properties and structural changes of SPI-GOS conjugates were investigated. The application of SPI-GOS conjugates in noodles was also explored. The results observed that the glycation degree of SPI increased with the increasing reaction time. SDS-PAGE and spectral analysis showed the changes of spatial conformation of SPI after glycation. The antioxidant activity of SPI increased after glycation and DPPH radical scavenging activity of SPI-GOS peaked at 48 h of reaction. The hardness, elasticity and resilience of soybean protein gel reached their relative maximum at 48 h, 48 h and 12 h of glycation reaction, respectively. Moreover, the appropriate addition of glycated SPI improved the quality of noodles. The noodles with 4% addition of SPI-GOS had higher hardness, elasticity and tensile properties. This study will provide an effective method to modify soybean protein and expand the use of soybean protein in food industry.

Comprehensive analysis of advanced glycation end-products in commonly consumed foods:presenting a database for dietary AGEs and associated exposure assessment

Advanced glycation end-products(AGEs)are a group of heterogeneous compounds formed in heatprocessed foods and are proven to be detrimental to human health.Currently,there is no comprehensive database for AGEs in foods that covers the entire range of food categories,which limits the accurate risk assessment of dietary AGEs in human diseases.In this study,we first established an isotope dilution UHPLCQq Q-MS/MS-based method for simultaneous quantification of 10 major AGEs in foods.The contents of these AGEs were detected in 334 foods covering all main groups consumed in Western and Chinese populations.Nε-Carboxymethyllysine,methylglyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone isomers,and glyoxal-derived hydroimidazolone-1 are predominant AGEs found in most foodstuffs.Total amounts of AGEs were high in processed nuts,bakery products,and certain types of cereals and meats(>150 mg/kg),while low in dairy products,vegetables,fruits,and beverages(<40 mg/kg).Assessment of estimated daily intake implied that the contribution of food groups to daily AGE intake varied a lot under different eating patterns,and selection of high-AGE foods leads to up to a 2.7-fold higher intake of AGEs through daily meals.The presented AGE database allows accurate assessment of dietary exposure to these glycotoxins to explore their physiological impacts on human health.

Advanced glycation end products in gastric cancer:A promising future

In this editorial,we delve into the article and offer valuable insights into a crucial aspect of gastric cancer aetiology.Gastric cancer is a malignancy emanating from the epithelial lining of the gastric mucosa and one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide.The development of gastric cancer is associated with multiple risk factors,including Helicobacter pylori infection,advanced age,a diet rich in salt,and suboptimal eating patterns.Despite notable reductions in morbidity and mortality rates,gastric cancer remains a formidable public health concern,impacting patients’lives.Advanced glycation end products(AGEs)are complex compounds arising from nonenzymatic reactions within living organisms,the accumulation of which is implicated in cellular and tissue damage;thus,the levels are AGEs are correlated with the risk of diverse diseases.The investigation of AGEs is of paramount importance for the treatment of gastric cancer and can provide pivotal insights into disease pathogenesis and preventive and therapeutic strategies.The reduction of AGEs levels and suppression of their accumulation are promising avenues for mitigating the risk of gastric cancer.This approach underscores the need for further research aimed at identifying innovative interventions that can effectively lower the incidence and mortality rates of this malignancy.

Regulatory role of peroxynitrite in advanced glycation end products mediated diabetic cardiovascular complications

The Advanced Glycation End Products(AGE)binding with its receptor can increase reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation through specific signaling mediators.The effect of superoxide(O2-)and O2-mediated ROS and reactive nitrogen species depends on their concentration and location of formation.Nitric oxide(NO)has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties and a vasodilation effect,but NO can be deactivated by reacting with O_(2)^(-).This reaction between NO and O2-produces the potent oxidant ONOO−.Therefore,ONOO-'s regulatory role in AGEs in diabetic cardiovascular complications must considered as a regulator of cardiovascular complications in diabetes.

Relationship between hemoglobin glycation index and risk of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes with time-in-range in target

BACKGROUND In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),the risk of hypoglycemia also occurs in at a time-in-range(TIR)of>70%.The hemoglobin glycation index(HGI)is considered the best single factor for predicting hypoglycemia,and offers new perspectives for the individualized treatment of patients with well-controlled blood glucose levels that are easily ignored in clinical settings.All participants underwent a 7-days continuous glucose monitoring(CGM)using a retrospective CGM system.We obtained glycemic variability indices using the CGM system.We defined HGI as laboratory hemoglobin A1c minus the glucose management indicator.Patients were categorized into low HGI(HGI<0.5)and high HGI groups(HGI≥0.5)according to HGI median(0.5).Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were used to determine the risk factors for hypoglycemia.RESULTS We included 129 subjects with T2DM(54.84±12.56 years,46%male)in the study.Median TIR score was 90%.The high HGI group exhibited lower TIR and greater time below range with higher hemoglobin A1c than the low HGI group;this suggests more glycemic excursions and an increased incidence of hypoglycemia in the high HGI group.Multivariate analyses revealed that mean blood glucose,standard deviation of blood glucose and HGI were independent risk factors for hypoglycemia.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the HGI was the best predictor of hypoglycemia.In addition,the optimal cut-off points for HGI,mean blood glucose,and standard deviation of blood glucose in predicting hypoglycemia were 0.5%,7.2 mmol/L and 1.4 mmol/L respectively.CONCLUSION High HGI was significantly associated with greater glycemic excursions and increased hypoglycemia in patients with TIR>70%.Our findings indicate that HGI is a reliable predictor of hypoglycemia in this population.

Non-enzymatic methods for isolation of stromal vascular fraction and adipose-derived stem cells:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs)and the stromal vascular fraction(SVF)have garnered substantial interest in regenerative medicine due to their potential to treat a wide range of conditions.Traditional enzymatic methods for isolating these cells face challenges such as high costs,lengthy processing time,and regulatory complexities.AIM This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and practicality of nonenzymatic,mechanical methods for isolating SVF and ADSCs,comparing these to conventional enzymatic approaches.METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines,a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases.Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria focused on non-enzymatic isolation methods for SVF and ADSCs from adipose tissue.The risk of bias was assessed,and a qualitative synthesis of findings was performed due to the methodological heterogeneity of the included studies.RESULTS Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria,highlighting various mechanical techniques such as centrifugation,vortexing,and ultrasonic cavitation.The review identified significant variability in cell yield and viability,and the integrity of isolated cells across different non-enzymatic methods compared to enzymatic procedures.Despite some advantages of mechanical methods,including reduced processing time and avoidance of enzymatic reagents,the evidence suggests a need for optimization to match the cell quality and therapeutic efficacy achievable with enzymatic isolation.CONCLUSION Non-enzymatic,mechanical methods offer a promising alternative to enzymatic isolation of SVF and ADSCs,potentially simplifying the isolation process and reducing regulatory hurdles.However,further research is necessary to standardize these techniques and ensure consistent,high-quality cell yields for clinical applications.The development of efficient,safe,and reproducible non-enzymatic isolation methods could significantly advance the field of regenerative medicine.

Comprehensive overview of human serum albumin glycation in diabetes mellitus

The presence of excess glucose in blood is regarded as a sweet hurt for patients with diabetes.Human serum albumin(HSA)is the most abundant protein in human plasma,which undergoes severe non-enzymatic glycation with glucose in patients with diabetes;this modifies the structure and function of HSA.Furthermore,the advanced glycation end products produced by glycated HSA can cause pathological damage to the human body through various signaling pathways,eventually leading to complications of diabetes.Many potential glycation sites on HSA have different degrees of sensitivity to glucose concentration.This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the in vivo glycation sites of HSA;it also discusses the effects of glycation on the structure and function of HSA.Moreover,it addresses the relationship between HSA glycation and diabetes complications.Finally,it focuses on the value of non-enzymatic glycation of HSA in diabetes-related clinical applications.

Study on Anti-oxidation and Inhibitory Effect on Nonenzymatic Glycation Reaction of Fermentation Extract from Biotransformation of Ginkgo biloba L. (EGB) by Hericium erinaceus

[ Objective] In order to study the anti-oxidation and inhibitory effect on nonenzymatic glycation reaction of EGB fermentation extraction biotransformed by Hericium erinaceus. [ Method ] The free radical scavenging ability and reducing capacity of DPPH as well as inhibitory rate of nonenzymatic glycation reaction were measured targets for comparing changes of anti-oxidation and inhibitory effect on nonenzymatic glycation reaction of fermentation lyophilizer and fermentation extraction before and after EGB fermention adsorbed by AB-8 macroporous resin. The EGB fermention was biotransformed by Hericium erinaceus. [ Result ] After adsorbed by AB-8 macroporous resin, the bioactive matters were concentrated and separated. The free radical scavenging rate, reducing capacity and inhibitory rate of nonenzymatic glycation reaction were increased significantly after adsorbed by AB-8 macroporous resin. [ Conclusion] AB-8 macroporous resin could be used for preliminary concentration of EGB fermentation which was biotransformed by Hericium erinaceus.

Effect of macromolecular crowding on the inhibition of non-enzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin by cichoric acid

The inside of the cell is closely filled with diverse biological macromolecules,which will affect various physi-ological activities in vivo.It is known that natural products have beneficial effects against the formation of advanced glycation end products(AGEs),but their inhibitory actions in macromolecular crowding environment are still poorly understood.Therefore,to investigate the influence of macromolecular crowding environment,the inhibitory effect of cichoric acid(CA)on the non-enzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin(BSA)in the absence and presence of crowding reagents(PEG 2000 and PEG 4000)was studied.The results demonstrated that CA could significantly inhibit the formation of AGEs than aminoguanidine in the BSA-fructose model with or without PEG,and the inhibition effect in PBS solution was better than that in macromolecular crowding envi-ronment.Moreover,CA presented strong antioxidant capacity and trapping ability of glyoxal,and could stabilize the native structure of BSA caused by the glycation modification,which might be the primary mechanisms for its anti-glycation effect.Additionally,CA tended to bind to site I of BSA mainly through hydrogen bonds and hy-drophobic interactions.These findings indicated that CA could be regarded as a high potential anti-glycation inhibitor to prevent the development of diabetic complications.

Antiglycation,antioxidant and toxicological potential of polyphenol extracts of alligator pepper,ginger and nutmeg from Nigeria

Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and antiglycation potential of polyphenols from three spices;alligator pepper,ginger and nutmeg.Methods:Polyphenol extracts of these spices were subjected to brine-shrimp lethality assay,phyloloxicily test,DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging as well as BSA-glucose antiglycation assay.Results:Results obtained showed that polyphenol extract of ginger has the highest anlioxidant potential with IC_(50)0.075 and 0.070 mg/mL.for DPPH and superoxide anion radical scavenging assay while alligator pepper displayed highest antiglycation activity with IC_(50)0.125 mg/mL.However,nutmeg extract exhibited weakest cytotoxic and phytotoxic potential with LD_(50)4359.70 and 1490μg/mL respectively.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the polyphenol extracts of alligator pepper,ginger and nutmeg displayed good antioxidant as well as antiglycation potential and are,safe for consumption.

Inhibiting Effects of Achyranthes Bidentata Polysaccharide and Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide on Nonenzyme Glycation in D-galactose Induced Mouse Aging Model

Objective To investigate the inhibiting effects and mechanism of achyranthes bidentata polysaccharide (ABP) and lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on nonenzyme glycation in D-galactose induced mouse aging model. Methods Serum AGE levels were determined by AGE-ELISA, MTT method was used to determine lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 activity was determined by a bioassay method. Spontaneous motor activity was used to detect mouse's neuromuscular movement, latency of step-through method was used to examine learning and memory abilities of mouse, colormetric assay was used to determine hydroxyproline concentration in mouse skin, pyrogallol autoxidation method was used to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of erythrocytes. Results Decreased levels of serum AGE, hydroxyproline concentration in mouse skin and spontaneous motor activity in D-galactose mouse aging model were detected after treated with ABP or LBP, while lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 activity, learning and memory abilities, SOD activity of erythrocytes, were enhanced. Conclusions ABP and LBP could inhibit nonenzyme glycation in D-galactose induced mouse aging model in vivo and ABP has a better inhibiting effect than LBP.

Advanced glycation end-product expression is upregulated in the gastrointestinal tract of type 2 diabetic rats

AIM:To investigate changes in advanced glycation end products(AGEs) and their receptor(RAGE) expression in the gastrointestinal(GI) tract in type 2 diabetic rats.METHODS:Eight inherited type 2 diabetic rats GotoKakizak(GK) and ten age-matched normal rats were used in the study.From 18 wk of age,the body weight and blood glucose were measured every week and 2 wk respectively.When the rats reached 32 wk,twocentimeter segments of esophagus,duodenum,jejunum,ileum,and colon were excised and the wet weight was measured.The segments were fixed in 10% formalin,embedded in paraffin and five micron sections were cut.The layer thickness was measured in Hematoxylin and Eosin-stained slides.AGE [N epsilon-(carboxymethyl) lysine and N epsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine] and RAGE were detected by immunohistochemistry staining and image analysis was done using Sigmascan Pro 4.0 image analysis software.RESULTS:The blood glucose concentration(mmol/L) at 18 wk age was highest in the GK group(8.88 ± 1.87 vs 6.90 ± 0.43,P < 0.001),a difference that continued to exist until the end of the experiment.The wet weight per unit length(mg/cm) increased in esophagus,jejunum and colon from the normal to the GK group(60.64 ± 9.96 vs 68.56 ± 11.69,P < 0.05 for esophagus; 87.01 ± 9.35 vs 105.29 ± 15.45,P < 0.01 for jejunum; 91.37 ± 7.25 vs 97.28 ± 10.90,P < 0.05 for colon).Histologically,the layer thickness of the GItract was higher for esophagus,jejunum and colon in the GK group [full thickness(μm):575.37 ± 69.22 vs 753.20 ± 150.41,P < 0.01 for esophagus; 813.51 ± 44.44 vs 884.81 ± 45.31,P < 0.05 for jejunum; 467.12 ± 65.92 vs 572.26 ± 93.60,P < 0.05 for colon].In esophagus,the AGE and RAGE mainly distributed in striated muscle cells and squamous epithelial cells.The AGE distribution was much stronger in the GK group compared to the normal group both in the striated muscle layer and mucosa layer(immuno-positive area/ total measuring area %:4.52 ± 0.89 vs 10.96 ± 1.34,P < 0.01 for muscle; 8.90 ± 2.62 vs 22.45 ± 1.26,P < 0.01 for mucosa).No visible difference was found for RAGE distribution between the two groups.In the intestine AGE and RAGE distributed in epithelial cells of villi and crypt.RAGE was also found in neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexus.The intensity of AGE staining in mucosa of all segments and RAGE staining in neurons in all segments were strongest in the diabetes group.Significant difference for AGE was found in the epithelial cells of villi and crypt in duodenum(immunopositive area/total measuring area %:13.37 ± 3.51 vs 37.48 ± 8.43,P < 0.05 for villi; 0.38 ± 0.12 vs 1.87 ± 0.53,P < 0.05 for crypt) and for RAGE in neurons of all segments(e.g.,for jejunum:no staining neurons% 0 vs 0,mild 36.0 ± 5.2 vs 28.7 ± 3.5,moderate 53.2 ± 4.8 vs 55.8 ± 5.4,strong 10.7 ± 1.1 vs 15.4 ± 2.0,P < 0.05).In the colon,RAGE was primarily found in neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexus.It was stronger in the diabetes group than in the normal group(no staining neurons% 6.2 ± 0.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.04,mild 14.9 ± 2.1 vs 17.6 ± 1.5,moderate 53.1 ± 4.6 vs 44.7 ± 4.4,strong 25.6 ± 18 vs 43.6 ± 4.0,P < 0.05).In the rectum,RAGE was primarily found in the mucosa epithelial cells.CONCLUSION:The AGE and RAGE expression was upregulated in the GI tract of GK diabetic rats and may contribute to GI dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients.

Role of advanced glycation end products in cardiovascular disease

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. Moreover, some studies have suggested that therapies targeted against AGEs may have therapeutic potential in patients with heart failure (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.

Dietary advanced glycation end-products aggravate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM To determine if manipulation of dietary advanced glycation end product(AGE), intake affects nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) progression and whether these effects are mediated via RAGE. METHODS Male C57Bl6 mice were fed a high fat, high fructose, high cholesterol(HFHC) diet for 33 wk and compared with animals on normal chow. A third group were given a HFHC diet that was high in AGEs. Another group was given a HFHC diet that was marinated in vinegar to prevent the formation of AGEs. In a second experiment, RAGE KO animals were fed a HFHC diet or a high AGE HFHC diet and compared with wildtype controls. Hepatic biochemistry, histology, picrosirius red morphometry and hepatic mR NA were determined. RESULTS Long-term consumption of the HFHC diet generated significant steatohepatitis and fibrosis after 33 wk. In this model, hepatic 4-hydroxynonenal content(a marker of chronic oxidative stress), hepatocyte ballooning, picrosirius red staining, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type 1A gene expression were all significantly increased. Increasing the AGE content of the HFHC diet by baking further increased these markers of liver damage, but this was abrogated by pre-marination in acetic acid. In response to the HFHC diet, RAGE-/-animals developed NASH of similar severity to RAGE+/+ animals but were protected from the additional harmful effects of the high AGE containing diet. Studies in isolated Kupffer cells showed that AGEs increase cell proliferation and oxidative stress, providing a likely mechanism through which these compounds contribute to liver injury. CONCLUSION In the HFHC model of NAFLD, manipulation of dietary AGEs modulates liver injury, inflammation, and liver fibrosis via a RAGE dependent pathway. This suggests that pharmacological and dietary strategies targeting the AGE/RAGE pathway could slow the progression of NAFLD.

Injury of cortical neurons is caused by the advanced glycation end products-mediated pathway

Advanced glycation end products lead to cell apoptosis, and cause cell death by increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Advanced glycation end products alone may also directly cause damage to tissues and cells, but the precise mechanism remains unknown. This study used primary cultures of rat cerebral cortex neurons, and treated cells with different concentrations of glycation end products （50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L）, and with an antibody for the receptor of advanced glycation end products before and after treatment with advanced glycation end products. The results showed that with increasing concentrations of glycation end products, free radical content increased in neurons, and the number of apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner. Before and after treatment of advanced glycation end products, the addition of the antibody against advanced glycation end-products markedly reduced hydroxyl free radicals, malondialdehyde levels, and inhibited cell apoptosis. This result indicated that the antibody for receptor of advanced glycation end-products in neurons from the rat cerebral cortex can reduce glycation end product-induced oxidative stress damage by suppressing glycation end product receptors. Overall, our study confirms that the advanced glycation end products-advanced glycation end products receptor pathway may be the main signaling pathway leading to neuronal damage.

Advanced Glycation End Products Promote Differentiation of CD4^+ T Helper Cells toward Pro-inflammatory Response

This study investigated the effect of advanced glycation end products（AGEs） on differentiation of na ve CD4＋T cells and the role of the receptor of AGEs（RAGE） and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors（PPARs） activity in the process in order to gain insight into the mechanism of immunological disorders in diabetes. AGEs were prepared by the reaction of bovine serum albumin（BSA） with glucose. Human na ve CD4＋T cells, enriched from blood of healthy adult volunteers with negative selection assay, were cultured in vitro and treated with various agents including AGEs, BSA, high glucose, PGJ2 and PD68235 for indicated time. In short hairpin（sh） RNA knock-down experiment, na ve CD4＋T cells were transduced with media containing shRNA-lentivirus generated from lentiviral packaging cell line, Lent-XTM293 T cells. Surface and intracellular cytokine stainings were used for examination of CD4＋T cell phenotypes, and real-time PCR and Western blotting for detection of transcription factor mRNA and protein expression, respectively. The suppressive function of regulatory T（Treg） cells was determined by a [3H]-thymidine incorporation assay. The results showed that AGEs induced higher pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 cells differentiated from na ve CD4＋T cells than the controls, whereas did not affect anti-inflammatory Treg cells. However, AGEs eliminated suppressive function of Treg cells. In addition, AGEs increased RAGE mRNA expression in na ve CD4＋T cells, and RAGE knock-down by shRNA eliminated the effect of AGEs on the differentiation of CD4＋T cells and the reduction of suppressive function of Treg cells. Furthermore, AGEs inhibited the mRNA expression of PPARγ, not PPARα; PPARγ agonist, PGJ2, inhibited the effect of AGEs on na ve CD4＋T cell differentiation and reversed the AGE-reduced suppressive function of Treg cells; on the other hand, PPARγ antagonist, PD68235, attenuated the blocking effect of RAGE shRNA on the role of AGEs. It was concluded that AGEs may promote CD4＋T cells development toward pro-inflammatory state, which is associated with increased RAGE mRNA expression and reduced PPARγ activity. ＋

Role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products in hepatic fibrosis

AIM： To study the role of advanced glycation end products （AGE） and their specific receptor （RAGE） in the pathogenesis of liver fibrogenesis. METHODS： In vitro RAGE expression and extracellular matrix-related gene expression in both rat and human hepatic stellate cells （HSC） were measured after stimulation with the two RAGE ligands, advanced glycation end product-bovine serum albumin （AGE- BSA） and N＇-（carboxymethyl） lysine （CML）-BSA, or with tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）. In vivo RAGE expression was examined in models of hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation or thioacetamide. The effects of AGE-BSA and CML-BSA on HSC proliferation, signal transduction and profibrogenic gene expression were studied in vitro. RESULTS： In hepatic fibrosis, RAGE expression was enhanced in activated HSC, and also in endothelial cells, inflammatory cells and activated bile duct epithelia. HSC expressed RAGE which was upregulated after stimulation with AGE-BSA, CML-BSA, and TNF-α.RAGE stimulation with AGE-BSA and CML-BSA did not alter HSC proliferation, apoptosis, fibrogenic signal transduction and fibrosis- or fibrolysis-related gene expression, except for marginal upregulation of procollagen α1（ I ） mRNA by AGE-BSA. CONCLUSION： Despite upregulation of RAGE in activated HSC, RAGE stimulation by AGE does not alter their fibrogenic activation. Therefore, RAGE does not contribute directly to hepatic fibrogenesis.

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products axis and coronavirus disease 2019 in inflammatory bowel diseases:A dangerous liaison?

Compelling evidence supports the crucial role of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products(RAGE)axis activation in many clinical entities.Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic,there is an increasing concern about the risk and handling of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection in inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders,such as inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).However,clinical data raised during pandemic suggests that IBD patients do not have an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection or develop a more severe course of infection.In the present review,we intend to highlight how two potentially important contributors to the inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in IBD patients,the RAGE axis activation as well as the cross-talk with the renin-angiotensin system,are dampened by the high expression of soluble forms of both RAGE and the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)2.The soluble form of RAGE functions as a decoy for its ligands,and soluble ACE2 seems to be an additionally attenuating contributor to RAGE axis activation,particularly by avoiding the transactivation of the RAGE axis that can be produced by the virus-mediated imbalance of the ACE/angiotensin II/angiotensin II receptor type 1 pathway.

Effects of Aging and Advanced Glycation on Gene Expression in Cerebrum and Spleen of Mice

Objective To analyze the effects of aging or advanced glycation on gene expression in the cerebrum and spleen of female C57BL/6J mice. Methods The gene expression profile was determined by using cDNA expression arrays containing 588 cDNA. Results Aging and advanced glycation resulted in differential gene expression patterns of cerebrum and spleen compared with young mice. Among the 80 genes detected in cerebrum, 43 exhibited a change in mRNA ratios with aging or treatment. Thirty-four changes (79%) were common in aged and D-galactose treated mice, whereas the cerebrum from aged and AGE-lysine treated mice showed common changes in expression of 38 genes (88%). Of the 86 genes detected in spleen, 29 (34%) displayed an age-related decrease in expression, whereas 3 (3%) displayed an increase in expression levels with aging. Eighteen genes from the detectable genes exhibited expression changes in both cerebrum and spleen of mice. Conclusions The gene expression profiles of D-galactose and AGE-lysine treated mice resemble those of aged mice. Use of cDNA hybridization arrays may provide a promising tool to explore the mechanism of aging at a molecular level.