Role of advanced glycation end products in cardiovascular disease

Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of AdipoRon (adiponectin receptor agonist) as a candidate drug for diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy prevention and intervention-a systematic review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, leading to severe complications such as diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy, significantly affecting patient health and quality of life. The complex mechanisms underlying these complications include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, marked by structural and functional heart abnormalities, and diabetic nephropathy, characterized by progressive kidney damage, are major contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality associated with T2DM. AdipoRon, a synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist, has shown potential in preclinical studies for mimicking the beneficial effects of endogenous adiponectin, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and improving lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic potential of AdipoRon, focusing on its impact on diabetic cardiomyopathy and nephropathy. Through a comprehensive literature search and analysis, we highlight AdipoRon's role in ameliorating cardiovascular and renal complications in various animal models and cellular systems. The findings underscore the urgent need for translational clinical studies to validate AdipoRon's efficacy and safety in human populations, aiming to advance this promising therapeutic approach from experimental models to clinical application, potentially offering new hope for improved management of diabetic complications.

FABP5+ macrophages contribute to lipid metabolism dysregulation in type A aortic dissection

Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is an acute onset disease with a high mortality rate. TAAD is caused by a tear in the aortic intima and subsequent blood infiltration. The most prominent characteristics of TAAD are aortic media degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration, which disturb the structural integrity and function of nonimmune and immune cells in the aortic wall. However, to date, there is no systematic evaluation of the interactions between nonimmune cells and immune cells and their effects on metabolism in the context of aortic dissection. Here, multiomics, including bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and lipid metabolomics, was applied to elucidate the comprehensive TAAD lipid metabolism landscape. Normally, monocytes in the stress response state secrete a variety of cytokines. Injured fibroblasts lack the ability to degrade lipids, which is suspected to contribute to a high lipid environment. Macrophages differentiate into fatty acid binding protein 5-positive (FABP5+) macrophages under the stimulation of metabolic substrates. Moreover, the upregulation of Fabp5+ macrophages were retrospectively validated in TAAD model mice and TAAD patients. Finally, Fabp5+ macrophages can generate a wide range of proinflammatory cytokines, which possibly contribute to TAAD pathogenesis.

Remodeling of the Intracardiac Ganglia During the Development of Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most significant health issues worldwide, with associated healthcare costs estimated to surpass USD 1054 billion by 2045. The leading cause of death in T2DM patients is the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the early stages of T2DM, patients develop cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction due to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic activity. Diminished cardiac parasympathetic tone can lead to cardiac arrhythmia-related sudden cardiac death, which accounts for 50% of CVD-related deaths in T2DM patients. Regulation of cardiovascular parasympathetic activity is integrated by neural circuitry at multiple levels including afferent, central, and efferent components. Efferent control of cardiac parasympathetic autonomic tone is mediated through the activity of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons located in the cardiac extensions of the vagus nerve that signals to postganglionic parasympathetic neurons located in the intracardiac ganglia (ICG) on the heart. Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons exert local control on the heart, independent of higher brain centers, through the release of neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine. Structural and functional alterations in cardiac parasympathetic postganglionic neurons contribute to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic tone, resulting in arrhythmogenesis and sudden cardiac death. This review provides an overview of the remodeling of parasympathetic postganglionic neurons in the ICG, and potential mechanisms contributing to the withdrawal of cardiac parasympathetic tone, ventricular arrhythmogenesis, and sudden cardiac death in T2DM. Improving cardiac parasympathetic tone could be a therapeutic avenue to reduce malignant ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death, increasing both the lifespan and improving quality of life of T2DM patients.

The Role of Advanced Glycation End Products in Saphenous Vein Graft Failure

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the relationship between advanced glycation end product (AGE) levels in patients with saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure and in patients without SVG failure.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In our study, 55 patients with a history of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, who subsequently underwent coronary angiography for any reason and were found to have either SVG occlusion or significant lesions, were included as study patients. Additionally, 55 patients who have had CABG surgery without SVG failure for at least 1 year served as the control group. AGE values of the patients were measured using the skin autofluorescence method.

RESULTS

In our study results, we observed a significant difference in AGE levels between the two groups of patients with similar demographic characteristics (SVG failure groups AGE 3.2 [2.8-3.6] vs. control groups AGE 2.4 [2.1-2.7] p < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we determined the ability of AGE levels to detect SVG failure with an area under the curve of 0.869. We found that in patients with AGE >3, it could detect SVG failure with a sensitivity of 70.9% and a specificity of 87.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that AGE levels can predict SVG failure risk inexpensively, easily, and quickly.

The role of nonmyocardial cells in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the protective effects of FGF21: a current understanding

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents a unique myocardial disease originating from diabetic metabolic disturbances that is characterized by myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. While recent research regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of DCM has focused primarily on myocardial cells, nonmyocardial cells-including fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and immune cells-also contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of DCM. Among various therapeutic targets, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a promising agent because of its cardioprotective effects that extend to nonmyocardial cells. In this review, we aim to elucidate the role of nonmyocardial cells in DCM and underscore the potential of FGF21 as a therapeutic strategy for these cells.

Role of mitochondrial homeostasis in D-galactose-induced cardiovascular ageing from bench to bedside

Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon which affects the cellular to the organism level in the progression of the time. Oxidative stress and inflammation are now widely regarded as the key processes involved in the aging process, which may then cause significant harm to mitochondrial DNA, leading to apoptosis. Normal circulatory function is a significant predictor of disease-free life expectancy. Indeed, disorders affecting the cardiovascular system, which are becoming more common, are the primary cause of worldwide morbidity, disability, and mortality. Cardiovascular aging may precede or possibly underpin overall, age-related health decline. Numerous studies have foundmitochondrial mechanistc approachplays a vital role in the in the onset and development of aging. The D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging model is well recognized and commonly used in the aging study. In this review we redeposit the association of the previous and current studies on mitochondrial homeostasis and its underlying mechanisms in D-galactose cardiovascular ageing. Further we focus the novel and the treatment strategies to combat the major complication leading to the cardiovascular ageing.

Skin autofluorescence and cause-specific mortality in a population-based cohort

We aimed to assess the association of SAF with cardiovascular mortality in the general population and the possible association between SAF with other disease-specific mortality rates. We evaluated 77,143 participants without known diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The cause of death was ascertained by the municipality database. The associations between SAF and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality were assessed with Cox proportional hazard analysis.After a median follow-up of 115 months, 1447 participants were deceased (1.9%). SAF and age-adjusted SAF-z score were higher in all mortality groups. Cox regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile of SAF was associated with increased odds of cardiovascular mortality, (HR) 12.6 (7.3-21.7) and after adjusting for age (HR 1.8 (1.0-3.2)). Significance was lost after additional adjustments for sex, smoking status, and BMI (HR 1.4 (0.8-2.5). For cancer-related mortality the highest quartile of SAF was associated with higher probability of mortality in all models (unadjusted HR 8.6 (6.6-11.3), adjusted for age HR 2.1 (1.6-2.8)), adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and BMI HR 1.7 (1.3-2.4)). SAF is associated with all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality in the general population.

Subcutaneous advanced glycation end products, cardiovascular risk factors and vascular health during childhood development in a Swiss population

Background

Skin-derived advanced glycation end products (sAGEs) have been associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality in adults. We hypothesize that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI) and vascular health are associated with development of sAGEs during childhood.

Methods

In our prospective cohort study, 1171 children aged 6-8 years were screened for sAGEs, BMI, retinal arteriolar diameters (CRAE) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), using standardized procedures. To determine CRF a 20 m shuttle run was performed. After four 4 years, all parameters were assessed in 675 children using the same protocols.

Results

Higher initial CRF levels were significantly associated with lower sAGEs (β [95 CI] -0.02 [-0.03 to -0.002] au, p = 0.022) levels at follow-up, although they showed a greater change from baseline to follow-up (β [95 CI] 0.02 [0.002 to 0.03] au, p = 0.027). Moreover, individuals with higher sAGEs at baseline showed narrower CRAE (β [95% CI] -5.42 [-8.76 to -2.08] μm, p = 0.001) at follow-up and showed a greater change in CRAE (β [95% CI] -3.99 [-7.03 to -0.96] μm, p = 0.010) from baseline to follow-up.

Conclusion

Exercise and higher CRF may help mitigate the formation of AGEs during childhood, thereby reducing the risk for development of CV disease associated with AGEs-induced damage. Preventive strategies may need to target CRF early in life to achieve improvement of CV risk factors and may counteract the development of CV disease later in life.

Cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes, an underestimated danger: Epidemiological and pathophysiological data

Cardiovascular disease (CV) is a common complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a leading cause of death. T1D patients are more likely to develop CV disease (CVD) early in life and show a reduction of life expectancy of at least 11 years. Patients with a young age of T1D onset have a substantially higher CV risk. The reasons for increased atherosclerosis in T1D patients are not entirely explained. In addition to the typical CV risk factors, long-term hyperglycemia has a significant impact by inducing oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, monocyte adhesion, arterial wall thickening and endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, CVD in T1D is also associated with nephropathy. However, CVD risk is still significantly increased in T1D patients, in good glycemic control without additional CV risk factors, indicating the involvement of supplementary potential factors. By increasing oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, hypoglycemia and glucose variability may exacerbate CVD. Moreover, significant qualitative and functional abnormalities of lipoproteins are present in even well-controlled T1D patients and are likely to play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and the promotion of CVD. According to recent research, immune system dysfunction, which is typical of auto-immune T1D, may also promote CVD, likely via inflammatory pathways. In addition, T1D patients who are overweight or obese exhibit an additional CV risk due to pathophysiological mechanisms that are similar to those seen in T2D.

Establishment of a multi-strategy platform for quality control and quality markers screen of Mailuoshutong pill

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a non-atherosclerotic segmental inflammatory occlusive disease with a high recurrence rate, high disability rate, difficulty to cure, and poor prognosis. It has been clinically proven that Mailuoshutong pill (MLSTP) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine for treating TAO. As MLSTP contains hundreds of chemical components, the quality control of which is a challenge in the development of reliable quality evaluation metrics. This study aimed to evaluate the quality uniformity of MLSTP by establishing a multi-strategy platform. In the present study, the key targets and signaling pathways of MLSTP treating TAO were predicted by network pharmacology. It was further shown by in vivo validation experiments that MLSTP exerted therapeutic effects on TAO by modulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. In addition, UPLC fingerprints of MLSTP were established and screened for potential Q-markers of MLSTP in combination with network pharmacology results. Six components, including chlorogenic acid, liquiritin, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-glucoside, berberine, and formononetin, were selected as potential quality markers (Q-markers) in MLSTP. Finally, the quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) method was established to quantitatively analyze the six potential Q-markers, and the results were consistent with those obtained by the external standard method (ESM). Taken together, the multi-strategy platform established in this study would be conducive to the Q-markers screening and quality control of MLSTP, improving the quality standard of MLSTP and providing favorable assurance for the clinical management of TAO.

Estimation of Advanced Glycation End Products in Selected Foods and Beverages by Spectrofluorimetry and ELISA

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed within the body as a part of normal metabolism and are also the by-products of cooking food. The elevated levels of AGEs in the body are considered pathogenic. The modern diets contain high levels of AGEs which are getting incorporated into the body AGEs pool and contribute to post-diabetic and age-related complications. The objective of the present study is to estimate the cross-linked AGEs (AGE-fluorescence) and the more stable carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) by spectrofluorimetry and ELISA in 58 kinds of foods in India. It was evident from the results that the foods cooked at higher temperatures showed high levels of AGEs. Among the studied foods, the highest fluorescence was observed in Biscuits 2 (362 AU), and the highest level of carboxymethyl lysine (CML) was found in Soya milk (659.3 ng/g). However, there was less correlation between the AGE-fluorescence and the CML content of the food samples. Processed food such as tomato sauce, chilli sauce, and cheese, along with western foods like chicken nuggets, pizza, and biscuits like Biscuits 2, are known to contain high levels of AGEs. In the present study a preliminary database of AGE-fluorescence and CML content of 58 foods was developed, which is the first attempt among Indian foods. Furthermore, elaborated database can be developed including maximum consumed foods in India which will help in suggesting a better diet for the diabetic population.

Developing a Portable Autofluorescence Detection System and Its Application in Biological Samples

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are complex compounds closely associated with several chronic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus (DM). Current methods for detecting AGEs are not suitable for screening large populations, or for long-term monitoring. This paper introduces a portable autofluorescence detection system that measures the concentration of AGEs in the skin based on the fluorescence characteristics of AGEs in biological tissues. The system employs a 395 nm laser LED to excite the fluorescence of AGEs, and uses a photodetector to capture the fluorescence intensity. A model correlating fluorescence intensity with AGEs concentration facilitates the detection of AGEs levels. To account for the variation in optical properties of different individuals' skin, the system includes a 520 nm light source for calibration. The system features a compact design, measuring only 60 mm × 50 mm × 20 mm, and is equipped with a miniature STM32 module for control and a battery for extended operation, making it easy for subjects to wear. To validate the system's effectiveness, it was tested on 14 volunteers to examine the correlation between AGEs and glycated hemoglobin, revealing a correlation coefficient of 0.49. Additionally, long-term monitoring of AGEs' fluorescence and blood sugar levels showed a correlation trend exceeding 0.95, indicating that AGEs reflect changes in blood sugar levels to some extent. Further, by constructing a multivariate predictive model, the study also found that AGEs levels are correlated with age, BMI, gender, and a physical activity index, providing new insights for predicting AGEs content and blood sugar levels. This research supports the early diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and offers a potentially useful tool for future clinical applications.

Theoretical Studies on the Reaction Mechanism of Schiff Base Formation from Hexoses

The Maillard reaction is one of the nonenzymatic post-translational modifications of proteins. Products of this reaction are considered to be related to aging diseases and the sensation of taste. In the initial stage of the Maillard reaction, Schiff base formation first occurs by the nucleophilic attack of amine nitrogen in proteins, and then, the reaction proceeds through the formation of 1,2-eminal and Amadori compounds. In this study, we computationally investigated the reaction pathway of Schiff base formation from hexoses. The optimized geometries of energy minima and transition states were calculated by using the density functional theory with the CAM-B3LYP/6-311+G(2d,2p) level of theory. The Schiff base formation progressed through three steps: two steps of carbinolamine formation and one step of dehydration. The dehydration is considered to be the rate-determining step in all hexoses because the activation barrier of the dehydration was higher than that of the carbinolamine formation. Furthermore, the steric configuration of the OH group at positions 2 and 3 affected the activation barrier.

Identification of heavily glycated proteoforms by hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography and native size-exclusion chromatography - High-resolution mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

The non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and their advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are associated with protein transformations such as in the development of diseases and biopharmaceutical storage. The characterization of heavily glycated proteins at the intact level is of high interest as it allows to describe co-occurring protein modifications. However, the high heterogeneity of glycated protein makes this process challenging, and novel methods are required to accomplish this.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated two novel LC-HRMS methods to study glycated reference proteins at the intact protein level: low-flow hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and native size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Model proteins were exposed to conditions that favored extensive glycation and the formation of AGEs. After glycation, complicated MS spectra were observed, along with a sharply reduced signal response, possibly due to protein denaturation and the formation of aggregates. When using HILIC-MS, the glycated forms of the proteins could be resolved based on the number of reducing monosaccharides. Moreover, some positional glycated isomers were separated. The SEC-MS method under non-denaturing conditions provided insights into glycated aggregates but offered only a limited separation of glycated species based on molar mass. Overall, more than 25 different types of species were observed in both methods, differing in molar mass by 14-162 Da. 19 of these species have not been previously reported.

SIGNIFICANCE

The proposed strategies show great potential to characterize highly glycated intact proteins from native and denaturing perspectives and provide new opportunities for fast clinical diagnoses and investigating glycation-related diseases.

Skin Autofluorescence as a Potential Adjunctive Marker for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM), due to its long-term hyperglycemia, leads to the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), especially in the vessel walls. Skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a non-invasive tool that measures AGEs. DM patients have a rich dietary source in AGEs, associated with high oxidative stress and long-term inflammation. AGEs represent a cardiovascular (CV) risk factor, and they are linked with CV events. Our objective was to assess whether SAF predicts future CV events (CVE) by examining its association with other CV risk factors in patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). Additionally, we assessed the strengths and limitations of SAF as a predictive tool for CVE. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology, we conducted a systematic review with CRD42024507397 protocol, focused on AGEs, T2DM, SAF, and CV risk. We identified seven studies from 2014 to 2024 that predominantly used the AGE Reader Diagnostic Optic tool. The collective number of patients involved is 8934, with an average age of 63. So, SAF is a valuable, non-invasive marker for evaluating CV risk in T2DM patients. It stands out as a CV risk factor associated independently with CVE. SAF levels are influenced by prolonged hyperglycemia, lifestyle, aging, and other chronic diseases such as depression, and it can be used as a predictive tool for CVE.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts: A Marker of Long-term Exposure to Glycemia

This article examines the importance of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and summarizes the structure of AGEs, pathological changes associated with AGEs, the contribution of AGEs to metabolic memory, and the value of AGEs as a predictor of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease in people with and without diabetes. As a practical focus, skin autofluorescence (SAF) is examined as an attractive approach for estimating AGE burden. The measurement of AGEs may be of significant value to specific individuals and groups, including Black and Hispanic/Latino Americans, as they appear to have higher concentrations of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) than would be predicted by other metrics of mean glycemia. We hypothesize that if the amount of glycation of HbA1c is greater than expected from measured glucose levels, and if AGEs are accumulating, then this accumulation of AGEs might account for the increased rate of complications of diabetes in populations with high rates of vascular disease and other complications. Thus, identifying and modifying the burden of AGEs based on measurement of AGEs by SAF may turn out to be a worthwhile metric to determine individuals who are at high risk for the complications of diabetes as well as others without diabetes at risk of vascular disease. We conclude that available evidence supports SAF as both a clinical measurement and as a means of evaluating interventions aimed at reducing the risks of vascular disease and diabetic complications.

Lung molecular and histological changes in type 2 diabetic rats and its improvement by high-intensity interval training

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) leads to serious respiratory problems. This study investigated the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on T2D-induced lung injuries at histopathological and molecular levels.

METHODS

Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into control (CTL), Diabetes (Db), exercise (Ex), and Diabetes + exercise (Db + Ex) groups. T2D was induced by a high-fat diet plus (35 mg/kg) of streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Rats in Ex and Db + Ex performed HIIT for eight weeks. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), BAX, Bcl2, Lecithin, Sphingomyelin (SPM) and Surfactant protein D (SPD) levels were measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were measured in lung tissue. Lung histopathological alterations were assessed by using H&E and trichrome mason staining.

RESULTS

Diabetes was significantly associated with imbalance in pro/anti-inflammatory, pro/anti-apoptosis and redox systems, and reduced the SPD, lecithin sphingomyelin and alveolar number. Performing HIIT by diabetic animals increased Bcl2 (P < 0.05) and IL10 (P < 0.01) levels as well as surfactants components and TAC (P < 0.05) but decreased fasting blood glucose (P < 0.001), TNFα (P < 0.05), BAX (P < 0.05) and BAX/Bcl2 (P < 0.001) levels as well as MDA (P < 0.01) and MDA/TAC (P < 0.01) compared to the diabetic group. Furthermore, lung injury and fibrosis scores were increased by T2D and recovered in presence of HIIT.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that the attenuating effect of HIIT on diabetic lung injury mediated by reducing blood sugar, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis as well as improving pulmonary surfactants components.

Effects of aging and diabetes on the deformation mechanisms and molecular structural characteristics of collagen fibrils under daily activity

Crosslinking plays an important role in collagen-based tissues since it affects mechanical behavior and tissue metabolism. Aging and diabetes affect the type and density of crosslinking, effectively altering tissue properties. However, most studies focus on these effects under large stress rather than daily activities. We focus on the deformation mechanisms and structural change at the binding sites for integrins, proteoglycans, and collagenase in collagen fibrils using a fully atomistic model. We show that high-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking (our "HC" model, representing normal tissues) and advanced-glycation end-products (our "Glucosepane" model, which increase in diabetes) result in uniform deformation under daily activity, but low-connectivity enzymatic crosslinking (our "LC" model, representing aging tissues) does not. In particular, the HC model displays more sliding, which may explain the ability of healthy tissues to absorb more strain energy. In contrast, AGEs induce instability in the structures near the binding sites, which would affect the tissue metabolism of the collagen molecule. Our results provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of collagen and a possible explanation for the role of crosslinking in tissues undergoing daily activity.

Multiphoton imaging of the monosachharide induced formation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products in tissues

We studied the in vitro rate of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (fAGEs) formation with multiphoton microscopy in different porcine tissues (aorta, cornea, kidney, dermis, and tendon). These tissues were treated with d-glucose, d-galactose, and d-fructose, three primary monosaccharides found in human diets. We found that the use of d-fructose resulted in the highest glycation rate, followed by d-galactose and then d-glucose. Moreover, compared to non-collagen tissue constituents such as elastic fibers and cells, the rate of tissue glycation was consistently higher in collagen, suggesting that collagen is a more sensitive target for fAGE formation. However, we also found that collagen in different tissues exhibits different rates of fAGE formation, with slower rates observed in tightly packed tissues such as cornea and tendon. Our study suggests that for fAGE to be developed into a long-term glycemic biomarker, loosely organized collagen tissues located in the proximity of vasculature may be the best targets.

Experimental and hypothetical appraisal on inhibition of glucose-induced glycation of bovine serum albumin by quercetin

BACKGROUND

The specificity of protein functions depends on its folding ability into a functional structure. Protein folding is an essential systemic phenomenon that prevents incorrect folding which could result in harmful aggregation. This harmful aggregation of proteins causes neurodegenerative diseases and systemic amyloidosis. Experimental and theoretical approaches were used in this study to explicate the probable mechanisms of action of quercetin in inhibition of glucose-induced glycation through estimations of percentage glycated protein, inhibited induced protein aggregation, and unoxidized bovine serum albumin thiol groups and assessments of molecular interactions of quercetin with the structures of bovine serum albumin, amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) and 3D amyloid-beta (1-42) fibrils retrieved from the protein databank ( http://www.rcsb.org ).

RESULTS

The results showed quercetin inhibited the formation of glycated protein, protein aggregation, and thiol oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner where 200 μg/ml showed the highest inhibition while 50 μg/ml depicted the least inhibition in all the studied assessments. From the docking analysis, it was observed that quercetin had a significantly higher binding affinities - 8.67 ± 0.09 kcal/mol, - 5.37 ± 0.05 kcal/mol and - 5.93 ± 0.13 kcal/mol for the bovine serum albumin, amyloid beta-peptide (1-42) and 3D amyloid-beta (1-42) fibrils respectively compared to the glucose, the inducer. Quercetin and glucose interacted with amino acid residues at the BSA subdomain IIA thus providing a clue that quercetin may impose its inhibition through the binding domain. Also, it is important to mention that the phytochemicals shared a similar interaction profile as that of glucose with the amyloid-beta.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings established the beneficial effects of quercetin as a potential agent that could alleviate hyperglycaemic-initiated disorders associated with elevated serum glucose levels.

Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles Mitigate Aging-Related Oxidative Injured Brain Induced by D-galactose in Rats Through Antioxidants, Anti-Inflammatory, and MAPK Pathways

Background

Loss of normal function is an inevitable effect of aging. Several factors contribute to the aging process, including cellular senescence and oxidative stress.

Methods

We investigate how Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles (NSP) protect against aging injury induced by d-galactose (D-gal) in the rat. So, we subcutaneously (S/C) injected D-gal at 200 mg/kg BW to see if Arthrospira platensis Nanoparticles (NSP) might protect against the oxidative changes generated by D-gal. NSP (0.5 mg/kg body weight once daily by gastric gavage) was given to all groups apart from the control and D-gal groups. The d-gal + NSP group was supplemented with 200 mg of D-gal per kg BW once a day and NSP 0.5 mg/kg BW given orally for 45 days. Biochemical, mRNA expression, and histological investigations of brain tissues were used to evaluate the oxidative alterations caused by d-gal and the protective role of NSP.

Results

Our data demonstrated that d-gal was causing significant reductions in relative brain and body weight with increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and redox oxygen species (ROS) levels and increases in serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme BB (CPK-BB) with marked decreases in the level of antioxidant enzyme activity in the brain and acetylcholinesterase activity augmented with a phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX) level increased. The D-gal group had considerably higher phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38MAPK) and C-Jun N-terminal (JNK) kinases. The d-gal administration stimulates the apoptotic gene expression by downregulating the brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The NSP administration saved these parameters in the direction of the control. The brain histopathologic and immunohistochemistry analysis findings support our findings on NSP's protective role.

Conclusion

The NSP may be a promising natural protective compound that can prevent aging and preserve health.

The Role of Advanced Glycation End-Product Levels Measured by Skin Autofluorescence in the Development of Mitral Annular Calcification

As a person ages, mitral annular calcification develops in the mitral annulus with increasing frequency. Lipid deposition, inflammation, and aging-related degeneration have been cited as potential causes of this pathophysiology, though there is currently no conclusive evidence to support this. AGEs accumulate in tissues due to the glycation of proteins and lipids, increasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines secondary to oxidative stress through the AGE receptor. The AGE levels increase in diabetic microvascular complications and degenerative aortic valve disease. Our study was planned prospectively as a case-control study involving 94 MAC-positive patients and 94 MAC-negative patients. The demographics, echocardiographic data and AGE levels of the patients were measured and recorded using the skin autofluorescence method. AGE levels were significantly higher in the MAC-positive patient group (3.2 vs. 2.7; p < 0.001). The AGE levels were observed as an independent predictor of MAC development in a regression analysis (OR: 8.05, 95% CI: 3.74-17.33, p < 0.001). In a ROC-curve analysis, the AUC was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.72-0.85). At a cut-off value of 2.7, 79.7% sensitivity and 69.1% specificity were observed. AGE levels can be used to cheaply, easily and non-invasively identify patients at risk of developing MAC.

Association between Urinary AGEs and Circulating miRNAs in Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity from the Italian I.Family Cohort: A Pilot Study

Modern dietary habits are linked to high exposure to Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) mainly due to the dramatic increase in the consumption of highly processed foods in recent years. Body levels of these compounds vary with food intake and are almost interconnected with age and health status, formally embodying indicators of oxidative stress and inflammation in adults. However, the relationship between AGEs and health issues has not been definitively understood in children, and several pediatric investigations have produced conflicting evidence. Besides, despite extensive research, there are no universally accepted analytical techniques for measuring AGE levels in the human body, with several approaches available, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This pilot study aimed to investigate the association between urinary AGEs, measured using spectrofluorimetry-based assays, and circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) in a subsample (n = 22) of Italian children participating in the I.Family Study. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and miRNA profiles were assessed. The first indication of a relationship between urinary AGEs and c-miRNAs in the context of obesity was found. Specifically, four miRNAs, hsa-miR-10b-5p, hsa-miR-501-5p, hsa-miR-874-3p, and hsa-miR-2355-5p were significantly associated with levels of urinary AGEs. The association between AGEs, obesity, inflammation markers, and specific miRNAs highlights the complex interplay between these factors and their potential impact on cellular and tissue homeostasis. The discovery of altered c-miRNAs profiling has the potential to offer innovative methods for assessing early changes in the body's AGE pool and allow recognition of an increased risk of disease susceptibility, routinely undetected until metabolic complications are identified.

Association between fingertip-measured advanced glycation end products and cardiovascular events in outpatients with cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the relationship between the AGEs measured by an AGEs sensor noninvasively at the fingertip and prognosis in patients with CVD remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between AGEs score and prognosis among patients with CVD.

METHODS

A total of 191 outpatients with CVD were included. AGEs score were measured using an AGEs sensor and the patients were classified into groups by the median value of AGEs score. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 30 months was compared between high- and low-AGEs score groups. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate cutoff value for the AGEs score, which discriminates the occurrence of MACCE. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the presence of MACCE. MACCE included cardiac death, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure, and stroke.

RESULTS

AGEs score was normally distributed, with a median value of 0.51. No significant intergroup differences were found in laboratory findings, physical functions, or medications. The high-AGEs score group had a significantly higher incidence of MACCE than the low-AGEs score group (27.1 vs. 10.5%, P = 0.007). A high-AGEs score was a risk factor for MACCE (hazard ratio, 2.638; 95% confidence interval, 1.271-5.471; P = 0.009). After the adjustment for confounders other than 6-min walking distance, the AGEs score remained a factor associated with the occurrence of MACCE. The best cutoff AGEs score for the detection of MACCE was 0.51 (area under the curve, 0.642; P = 0.008; sensitivity, 72.2%; specificity, 54.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

AGEs score measured at the fingertip in patients with CVD is associated with MACCE. AGEs score, which can be measured noninvasively and easily, may be useful as an assessment for the secondary prevention of CVD in patients with CVD.

Receptor for the Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Pathway in Adipose Tissue Metabolism

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are mediators in the process of cellular dysfunction in response to hyperglycemia. Numerous data indicate that the accumulation of AGEs in the extracellular matrix plays a key role in the development of obesity-related adipose tissue dysfunction. Through binding of their membrane receptor (RAGE), AGEs affect numerous intracellular pathways and impair adipocyte differentiation, metabolism, and secretory activity. Therefore, inhibiting the production and accumulation of AGEs, as well as interfering with the metabolic pathways they activate, may be a promising therapeutic strategy for restoring normal adipose tissue function and, thus, combating obesity-related comorbidities. This narrative review summarizes data on the involvement of the RAGE pathway in adipose tissue dysfunction in obesity and the development of its metabolic complications. The paper begins with a brief review of AGE synthesis and the RAGE signaling pathway. The effect of the RAGE pathway on adipose tissue development and activity is then presented. Next, data from animal and human studies on the involvement of the RAGE pathway in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are summarized. Finally, therapeutic perspectives based on interference with the RAGE pathway are discussed.

Patient phenotype profiling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction to guide therapeutic decision making. A scientific statement of the Heart Failure Association, the European Heart Rhythm Association of the European Society of Cardiology, and the European Society of Hypertension

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents a highly heterogeneous clinical syndrome affected in its development and progression by many comorbidities. The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction may be a manifestation of various combinations of cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, and geriatric conditions. Thus, in addition to treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in all patients, the most effective method of improving clinical outcomes may be therapy tailored to each patient's clinical profile. To better outline a phenotype-based approach for the treatment of HFpEF, in this joint position paper, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association and the European Hypertension Society, have developed an algorithm to identify the most common HFpEF phenotypes and identify the evidence-based treatment strategy for each, while taking into account the complexities of multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy.

Glycation with uronic acid-type reducing sugar enhances the anti-inflammatory activity of fish myofibrillar protein via the Maillard reaction

The role of carboxyl group in uronic acid in enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of fish myofibrillar protein (Mf) was investigated, when lyophilized Mf was reacted with various reducing sugars at 60 °C and 35% relative humidity through the Maillard reaction. After pepsin and trypsin digestion, the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the secretions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and nitric oxide in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage. The anti-inflammatory activity of Mf was not affected by glycation with glucose or galactose, whereas strongly enhanced by glycation with uronic acid-type reducing sugars: glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and alginate oligosaccharide. These results indicate that the presence of carboxyl group in reducing sugar is important for enhancing the anti-inflammatory activity of Mf. This study also shows that the enhanced effect could depend upon the number of carboxyl group in bound reducing sugar.

Blood and Tissue Advanced Glycation End Products as Determinants of Cardiometabolic Disorders Focusing on Human Studies

Cardiometabolic disorders are characterised by a cluster of interactive risk determinants such as increases in blood glucose, lipids and body weight, as well as elevated inflammation and oxidative stress and gut microbiome changes. These disorders are associated with onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). T2DM is strongly associated with CVD. Dietary advanced glycation end products (dAGEs) attributable from modern diets high in sugar and/or fat, highly processed foods and high heat-treated foods can contribute to metabolic etiologies of cardiometabolic disorders. This mini review aims to determine whether blood dAGEs levels and tissue dAGEs levels are determinants of the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders through recent human studies. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for blood dAGEs measurement and skin auto fluorescence (SAF) for skin AGEs measurement can be used. Recent human studies support that a diet high in AGEs can negatively influence glucose control, body weight, blood lipid levels and vascular health through the elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction compared with a diet low in AGEs. Limited human studies suggested a diet high in AGEs could negatively alter gut microbiota. SAF could be considered as one of the predictors affecting risks for cardiometabolic disorders. More intervention studies are needed to determine how dAGEs are associated with the prevalence of cardiometabolic disorders through gut microbiota changes. Further human studies are conducted to find the association between CVD events, CVD mortality and total mortality through SAF measurement, and a consensus on whether tissue dAGEs act as a predictor of CVD is required.

Advanced glycation end products are associated with cardiovascular risk in the Mexican population

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic exposure to hyperglycemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Advanced glycation end products (AGES) result from multiple sugar-dependent reactions interacting with proteins and their receptors, generating endothelial dysfunction and CVD. However, there is little epidemiological data about its impact on CVD risk. We aimed to assess the association between circulating AGES and CVD risk in the Mexican population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used longitudinal data from waves 2004-2006 and 2010-2012 of 1195 participants from the Health Workers Cohort Study. Circulating AGES were assessed by radioimmunoassay, and cardiovascular risk (CVR) was computed with the Framingham risk score. Linear and logistic fixed-effects regression models were used to assess the interest association, adjusting for confounding factors. An increase in 200 μU/ml of AGES was associated with a 0.18% increased risk of CVD (95% CI 0.05-0.31%). After adjusting for physical activity and smoking status, individuals who increased their AGES category had higher odds of middle-high CVR (low to medium AGES: OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.11-3.20; low to high AGES: OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.51-4.50). The associations remained statistically significant when we further adjusted for insulin resistance, dietary intake of AGES, and total daily calorie intake.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that circulating AGES are associated with the Framingham CVD risk score, independently of other major risk factors for CVD in the Mexican population.

The Role of Potential Oxidative Biomarkers in the Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke and the Exploration of Antioxidants as Possible Preventive and Treatment Options

Ischemic strokes occur when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced due to arterial blockage, and it often leads to damage to brain cells or death. According to a myriad of experimental studies, oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological mechanism of ischemic stroke. In this narrative review, we aimed to identify how the alterations of oxidative stress biomarkers could suggest a severity-reflecting diagnosis of ischemic stroke and how these interactions may provide new molecular targets for neuroprotective therapies. We performed an eligibility criteria-based search on three main scientific databases. We found that patients with acute ischemic stroke are characterized by increased oxidative stress markers levels, such as the total antioxidant capacity, F2-isoprostanes, hydroxynonenal, total and perchloric acid oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORACTOT and ORACPCA), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase, and urinary 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine. Thus, acute ischemic stroke is causing significant oxidative stress and associated molecular and cellular damage. The assessment of these molecular markers could be useful in diagnosing ischemic stroke, finding its causes, predicting its severity and outcomes, reducing its impact on the cellular structures of the brain, and guiding preventive treatment towards antioxidant-based therapy as novel therapeutic alternatives.

Chemical Composition of Hazelnut Skin Food Waste and Protective Role against Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Damage in THP-1-Derived Macrophages

Glycation and the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are known to occur during aging, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Increased glucose or methylglyoxal (MGO) levels in the blood of diabetic patients result in increased AGEs. A diet rich in bioactive food compounds, like polyphenols, has a protective effect. The aim of this work is to evaluate the capacity of hazelnut skin polyphenolic extract to protect THP-1-macrophages from damage induced by AGEs. The main polyphenolic subclass was identified and quantified by means of HPLC/MS and the Folin–Ciocalteu method. AGEs derived from incubation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and MGO were characterized by fluorescence. Cell viability measurement was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the polyphenolic extract in macrophages. Reactive oxygen species’ (ROS) production was assessed by the H2-DCF-DA assay, the inflammatory response by real-time PCR for gene expression, and the ELISA assay for protein quantification. We have shown that the polyphenolic extract protected cell viability from damage induced by AGEs. After treatment with AGEs, macrophages expressed high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and ROS, whereas in co-treatment with polyphenol extract there was a reduction in either case. Our study suggests that hazelnut skin polyphenol-rich extracts have positive effects and could be further investigated for nutraceutical applications.

The Patient's Physiological Status at the Start Determines the Success of the Inpatient Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program

Multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation plays an important role in the recovery of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Lifestyle changes, achieved by exercise, diet, weight loss and patient education programs, are the first steps to a healthier life. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) are known to be involved in CVDs. Clarification on whether initial AGE levels can influence the rehabilitation outcome is important. Serum samples were collected at the beginning and end of the inpatient rehabilitation stay and analyzed for parameters: lipid metabolism, glucose status, oxidative stress, inflammation and AGE/RAGE-axis. As result, a 5% increase in the soluble isoform RAGE (sRAGE) (T₀: 891.82 ± 44.97 pg/mL, T₁: 937.17 ± 43.29 pg/mL) accompanied by a 7% decrease in AGEs (T₀: 10.93 ± 0.65 µg/mL, T₁: 10.21 ± 0.61 µg/mL) was shown. Depending on the initial AGE level, a significant reduction of 12.2% of the AGE activity (quotient AGE/sRAGE) was observed. We found that almost all measured factors improved. Summarizing, CVD-specific multidisciplinary rehabilitation positively influences disease-associated parameters, and thus provides an optimal starting point for subsequent disease-modifying lifestyle changes. Considering our observations, the initial physiological situations of patients at the beginning of their rehabilitation stay seem to play a decisive role regarding the assessment of rehabilitation success.

Exploration of the underlying comorbidity mechanism in psoriasis and periodontitis: a bioinformatics analysis

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence indicates that psoriasis (PSO) and periodontitis (PD) are likely to occur together, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression profiles of PSO (lesion vs non-lesion, GSE30999, GSE14905) and PD (affected vs unaffected gingival tissue, GSE16134, GSE10334) were downloaded from the GEO database. First, we investigated the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PSO and PD. Then, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, protein interaction network (PPI) construction, and hub gene identification analysis were carried out. Finally, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, miRNA interaction analysis, and transcription factors (TFs) interaction analysis for hub genes were performed.

RESULTS

Eighteen DEGs were identified for further analysis, including 15 up-regulated genes and 3 down-regulated genes. 9 hub genes were then identified via Cytohubba, including IL1B, CXCL1, CXCL8, MMP12, CCL18, SELL, CXCL13, FCGR3B, and SELE. Their functions are mainly enriched in two aspects: neutrophil chemotaxis and migration, chemokine activation and interaction. The enriched signaling pathways includes three categories: host defense, inflammation-related signaling pathways, and disease-related pathways. 9 common miRNAs based on experimental evidence and 10 common TFs were further identified in both PSO and PD.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed possible comorbidity mechanisms in PSO and PD from the perspective of bioinformatics tentatively. The data can present new insight for joint prevention and treatment of in PSO and PD, as well as provide data support for further prospective studies.

Central role of cardiac fibroblasts in myocardial fibrosis of diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a main cardiovascular complication of diabetes, can eventually develop into heart failure and affect the prognosis of patients. Myocardial fibrosis is the main factor causing ventricular wall stiffness and heart failure in DCM. Early control of myocardial fibrosis in DCM is of great significance to prevent or postpone the progression of DCM to heart failure. A growing body of evidence suggests that cardiomyocytes, immunocytes, and endothelial cells involve fibrogenic actions, however, cardiac fibroblasts, the main participants in collagen production, are situated in the most central position in cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we systematically elaborate the source and physiological role of myocardial fibroblasts in the context of DCM, and we also discuss the potential action and mechanism of cardiac fibroblasts in promoting fibrosis, so as to provide guidance for formulating strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis in DCM.

Potential novel markers in IBD and CRC diagnostics. Are MMP-19 and RAGE promising candidates?

AIMS

Inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer are serious intestinal disorders with continuously increasing incidence. Many aspects of etiopathogenesis still remain unclear. There is an urgent need to improve early diagnostics and markers indicating the progression of the disease. The aim of our study was to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-19 (MMP-19), and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in different cell subpopulations in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to the tissue in the vicinity of pathological processes.

METHODS

Expression of both markers in epithelium, macrophages and vessels were evaluated in IBD and CRC groups. They were detected using immunohistochemistry in paraffin sections.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the expression of MMP-19 on macrophages and vessels among healthy and cancer tissues. In both, macrophages and vessels were significantly lower levels in cancer tissues. The expression of MMP-19 on vessels was also significantly different between peritumoral and cancer tissues (higher levels in peritumoral tissue). RAGE expression in macrophages was significantly different between healthy and cancer tissues and between peritumoral and cancer tissues. There was significantly lower expression in cancer tissues than in healthy and peritumoral tissues. Expression of RAGE in vessels was significantly different just in the comparison of healthy and peritumoral tissues (higher levels in healthy tissues).

CONCLUSION

Both markers seem to be promising potential auxiliary markers in IBD and CRC diagnostics. They can also improve evaluation of disease progression.

Acute Exposure to Glycated Proteins Impaired in the Endothelium-Dependent Aortic Relaxation: A Matter of Oxidative Stress

Chronically increased levels of high molecular weight advanced glycation end products (HMW-AGEs) are known to induce cardiovascular dysfunction. Whether an acute increase in HMW-AGE levels affects vascular function remains unknown. In this study, we examined whether acute exposure to HMW-AGEs disturbs aortic vasomotor function. Aortae were obtained from healthy male rats and were acutely pre-treated with HMW-AGEs in organ baths. Aortic relaxation responses to cumulative doses of acetylcholine (ACh), in the presence or absence of superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured after precontraction with phenylephrine (PE). Furthermore, levels of 3-nitrotyrosine were evaluated on aortic paraffine sections. In our study, we show that acute exposure to HMW-AGEs significantly decreases the aortic relaxation response to ACh. SOD pre-treatment prevents acute HMW-AGEs-induced impairment by limiting superoxide formation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that acute exposure to HMW-AGEs causes adverse vascular remodelling, characterised by disturbed vasomotor function due to increased oxidative stress. These results create opportunities for future research regarding the acute role of HMW-AGEs in cardiovascular dysfunction.

Are South African Wild Foods the Answer to Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease?

The rising burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa gives impetus to managerial changes, particularly to the available foods in the market. Since there are many economically disadvantaged groups in urban societies who are at the forefront of the CVD burden, initiatives to make healthier foods available should focus on affordability in conjunction with improved phytochemical diversity to incentivize change. The modern obesogenic diet is deficient in phytochemicals that are protective against the metabolic products of sugar metabolism, i.e., inflammation, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fatigue, whereas traditional southern African food species have high phytochemical diversity and are also higher in soluble dietary fibres that modulate the release of sugars from starches, nurture the microbiome and produce digestive artefacts that are prophylactic against cardiovascular disease. The examples of indigenous southern African food species with high horticultural potential that can be harvested sustainably to feed a large market of consumers include: Aloe marlothii, Acanthosicyos horridus, Adansonia digitata, Aloe ferox, Amaranthus hybridus, Annesorhiza nuda, Aponogeton distachyos, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dovyalis caffra, Eleusine coracana, Lagenaria siceraria, Mentha longifolia, Momordica balsamina, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium sidoides, Pennisetum glaucum, Plectranthus esculentus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Sclerocarya birrea, Solenostemon rotundifolius, Talinum caffrum, Tylosema esculentum, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranea. The current review explains the importance of phytochemical diversity in the human diet, it gives a lucid explanation of phytochemical groups and links the phytochemical profiles of these indigenous southern African foods to their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.

Protective Effects of Phosphatidylcholine against Hepatic and Renal Cell Injury from Advanced Glycation End Products

Background and Objectives: Receptors of the advanced glycation products (RAGE) are activated to promote cell death and contributes to chronic diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which interact with RAGE are complex compounds synthesized during diabetes development and are presumed to play a significant role in pathogenesis of diabetes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in egg yolk, mustard, and soybean, is thought to exert anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the effects of PC on AGEs-induced hepatic and renal cell injury. Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated cytokine and NF-κB/MAPK signal pathway activity in AGEs induced human liver (HepG2) cells and human kidney (HK2) cells with and without PC treatment. Results: PC reduced RAGE expression and attenuated levels of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kB/MAPK signaling. Moreover, cells treated with PC exhibited a significant reduction in cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PC could be an effective functional material for hepatic and renal injury involving with oxidative stress caused by AGEs during diabetic conditions.

Prediction of cardiovascular events by central blood pressure using radial tonometry in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Background

High blood pressure (BP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major causes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and heart failure (HF). Central blood pressure (CBP) is more predictive of ASCVD than is brachial BP; however, an association of CBP with ASCVD has not been found in T2DM patients. We evaluated the impact of CBP and the association between optimal level of noninvasively measured CBP and office BP in T2DM patients based on composite outcome of ASCVD, HF, and complications of hypertension.

Methods

Patients were enrolled from June 2011 to December 2015 and were followed up through December 2019. CBP was measured using radial tonometry. The primary endpoints were composite outcome of ASCVD, HF, and hypertension-induced complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy, retinopathy, and proteinuria.

Results

During the 6.5-year follow-up period, 515 patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 92 patients (17.9%) developed primary endpoints. The mean age of subjects was 61.3 ± 12.1 years and 55% (n = 283) were male. Patients who developed primary endpoints were older (65.3 ± 9.5 years vs. 60.5 ± 12.4 years) and had lower high-density lipoprotein (36.6 ± 9.4 mg/dL vs. 41.8 ± 11.1 mg/dL), higher CBP (123.6 ± 20.6 mmHg vs. 118.0 ± 20.6 mmHg), and higher pulse pressure (61.3 ± 16.6 mmHg vs. 56.5 ± 15.1 mmHg) than subjects without primary endpoint development. After adjustment for various risk factors, CBP was an independent predictor for primary endpoints (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.27; P = 0.016). In addition, the association of CBP and primary endpoints showed a U-shaped curve with the lowest incidence at CBP 118 mmHg and systolic BP about 128 mmHg.

Conclusions

We show the importance of CBP measurements in T2DM patients and present a cutoff value for ASCVD events and hypertension-induced complications.

Methylglyoxal and Its Adducts: Induction, Repair, and Association with Disease

Metabolism is an essential part of life that provides energy for cell growth. During metabolic flux, reactive electrophiles are produced that covalently modify macromolecules, leading to detrimental cellular effects. Methylglyoxal (MG) is an abundant electrophile formed from lipid, protein, and glucose metabolism at intracellular levels of 1-4 μM. MG covalently modifies DNA, RNA, and protein, forming advanced glycation end products (MG-AGEs). MG and MG-AGEs are associated with the onset and progression of many pathologies including diabetes, cancer, and liver and kidney disease. Regulating MG and MG-AGEs is a potential strategy to prevent disease, and they may also have utility as biomarkers to predict disease risk, onset, and progression. Here, we review recent advances and knowledge surrounding MG, including its production and elimination, mechanisms of MG-AGEs formation, the physiological impact of MG and MG-AGEs in disease onset and progression, and the latter in the context of its receptor RAGE. We also discuss methods for measuring MG and MG-AGEs and their clinical application as prognostic biomarkers to allow for early detection and intervention prior to disease onset. Finally, we consider relevant clinical applications and current therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting MG, MG-AGEs, and RAGE to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End-Products in the Body and Dietary Habits

The formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) in tissues is a physiological process; however, excessive production and storage are pathological and lead to inflammation. A sedentary lifestyle, hypercaloric and high-fructose diet and increased intake of processed food elements contribute to excessive production of compounds, which are created in the non-enzymatic multi-stage glycation process. The AGE’s sources can be endogenous and exogenous, mainly due to processing food at high temperatures and low moisture, including grilling, roasting, and frying. Accumulation of AGE increases oxidative stress and initiates various disorders, leading to the progression of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and their complications. Inborn defensive mechanisms, recovery systems, and exogenous antioxidants (including polyphenols) protect from excessive AGE accumulation. Additionally, numerous products have anti-glycation properties, occurring mainly in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It confirms the role of diet in the prevention of civilization diseases.

Epidemiology of peritoneal dialysis outcomes

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an important home-based treatment for kidney failure and accounts for 11% of all dialysis and 9% of all kidney replacement therapy globally. Although PD is available in 81% of countries, this provision ranges from 96% in high-income countries to 32% in low-income countries. Compared with haemodialysis, PD has numerous potential advantages, including a simpler technique, greater feasibility of use in remote communities, generally lower cost, lesser need for trained staff, fewer management challenges during natural disasters, possibly better survival in the first few years, greater ability to travel, fewer dietary restrictions, better preservation of residual kidney function, greater treatment satisfaction, better quality of life, better outcomes following subsequent kidney transplantation, delayed need for vascular access (especially in small children), reduced need for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and lower risk of blood-borne virus infections and of SARS-CoV-2 infection. PD outcomes have been improving over time but with great variability, driven by individual and system-level inequities and by centre effects; this variation is exacerbated by a lack of standardized outcome definitions. Potential strategies for outcome improvement include enhanced standardization, monitoring and reporting of PD outcomes, and the implementation of continuous quality improvement programmes and of PD-specific interventions, such as incremental PD, the use of biocompatible PD solutions and remote PD monitoring.

The use of peritoneal dialysis (PD) can be advantageous compared with haemodialysis treatment, although several barriers limit its broad implementation. This review examines the epidemiology of peritoneal dialysis (PD) outcomes, including clinical, patient-reported and surrogate PD outcomes.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has distinct advantages compared with haemodialysis, including the convenience of home treatment, improved quality of life, technical simplicity, lesser need for trained staff, greater cost-effectiveness in most countries, improved equity of access to dialysis in resource-limited settings, and improved survival, particularly in the first few years of initiating therapy.

Important barriers can hamper PD utilization in low-income settings, including the high costs of PD fluids (owing to the inability to manufacture them locally and the exorbitant costs of their import), limited workforce availability and a practice culture that limits optimal PD use, often leading to suboptimal outcomes.

PD outcomes are highly variable around the world owing in part to the use of variable outcome definitions, a heterogeneous practice culture, the lack of standardized monitoring and reporting of quality indicators, and kidney failure care gaps (including health care workforce shortages, inadequate health care financing, suboptimal governance and a lack of good health care information systems).

Key outcomes include not only clinical outcomes (typically defined as medical outcomes based on clinician assessment or diagnosis) — for example, PD-related infections, technique survival, mechanical complications, hospitalizations and PD-related mortality — but also patient-reported outcomes. These outcomes are directly reported by patients and focus on how they function or feel, typically in relation to quality of life or symptoms; patient-reported outcomes are used less frequently than clinical outcomes in day-to-day routine care.

Application of network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to explore active compounds and potential pharmacological mechanisms of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Lepidii Semen Descurainiae Semen for treatment of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of the development of heart disease, whose prognosis is poor. The previous research of our team indicated that the formulae containing Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Lepidii Semen Descurainiae Semen (ALRP-LSDS) could inhibit myocardial hypertrophy, inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis, delay myocardial remodeling (REM), and improve the prognosis of patients with HF effectively. In order to explore the mechanism of ALRP-LSDS for the treatment of HF, a combined approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking was conducted.

METHODS

Public database TCMSP was used to screen the active compounds of ALRP-LSDS. The targets of screened active compounds were obtained from the TCMSP database and predicted using the online analysis tool PharmMapper. The targets of HF were obtained from 6 databases including GeneCards, OMIM, DrugBank, TTD, PharmGKB, and DisGeNET. Protein-protein interaction and enrichment analysis were performed, respectively, by STRING and Metascape online tools after merging the targets of active compounds and HF. Cytoscape software was used to conduct networks. Finally, molecular docking was performed by Vina to verify the correlation between key targets and active compounds.

RESULTS

Final results indicated that the active compounds including β-sitosterol, isorhamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and (R)-norcoclaurine, the targets including AKT1, CASP3, and MAPK1 might be the main active compounds and key targets of ALRP-LSDS for the treatment of HF separately. The binding ability of AKT1 to the main active compounds was better compared with the other 2 key targets, which means it might be more critical. The pathways including AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, Pathways in cancer, and Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis might play important roles in the treatment of HF with ALRP-LSDS. In general, ALRP-LSDS could inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis, delay REM, and improve cardiac function through multicompound, multitarget, and multipathway, which contributes to the treatment of HF.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the combined approach of network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study screened out the main active compounds, key targets, and main pathways of ALRP-LSDS for the treatment of HF, and revealed its potential mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for further research.

Paracrine IGF-1 Activates SOD2 Expression and Regulates ROS/p53 Axis in the Treatment of Cardiac Damage in D-Galactose-Induced Aging Rats after Receiving Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Aging is one of the causative agents associated with heart failure. Cell-based therapies show potential in the treatment of cardiac aging due to the characteristics of stem cells, including differentiation and the paracrine effect. This study aimed to investigate in detail the mechanism related to biomolecules released from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of cardiac aging. In vitro and in vivo models were designed to explore the above hypothesis. Experimental results from the in vitro model indicated that the elevation of oxidative stress, the expression of aging marker p53, and the suppression of antioxidant marker SOD2 could be found in D-galactose-stressed H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The co-culture of D-galactose-stressed H9c2 with mesenchymal stem cells significantly improved the above pathological signaling. An animal model revealed that the change in cardiac structure, the accumulation of fibrotic collagen, and the activation of the above pathological signaling could be observed in heart tissues of D-galactose-stressed rats. After the rats had received mesenchymal stem cells, all the pathological conditions were significantly improved in D-galactose-stressed hearts. Further evidence indicated that the release of the survival marker IGF-1 was detected in a stem-cell-conditioned medium. Significant increases in cell viability and the expression of SOD2, as well as a reduction in oxidative stress and the suppression of p53, were found in D-galactose-stressed H9c2 cells cultured with a stem-cell-conditioned medium, whereas the depletion of IGF-1 in stem-cell-conditioned medium diminished the antiaging effect on H9c2 cells. In conclusion, the paracrine release of IGF-1 from mesenchymal stem cells increases the expression of antioxidant marker SOD2, and the expression of SOD2 reduces oxidative stress as well as suppresses p53, leading to a reduction in cardiac senescence in D-galactose-stressed rats.

Advanced Glycation End Products Are Associated with Diabetes Status and Physical Functions in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Advanced glycated end products (AGEs) accumulate systemically and cause diabetes complications. However, whether noninvasive measurable AGEs are associated with diabetes status and physical functions remains unclear. One hundred and ten patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who underwent outpatient cardiac rehabilitation were included. AGEs scores, using AGEs sensors, were evaluated concomitantly with a physical evaluation, including testing the isometric knee extension strength (IKES) and 6 min walking distance (6MWD). Thirty-three (30%) patients had a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). The AGEs score was not different in the presence of DM history (0.52 ± 0.09 vs. 0.51 ± 0.09, p = 0.768) and was not correlated with blood glucose (r = 0.001, p = 0.995). The AGEs score was positively correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, r = 0.288, p = 0.004) and negatively correlated with physical functions (IKES, r = −0.243, p = 0.011; 6MWD, r = −0.298, p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that 6MWD was independently associated with a high AGEs score (>0.52). The AGEs score was associated with HbA1c, IKES, and 6MWD in patients with CVD. The AGEs score might be a useful indicator for evaluating not only glycemic control but also physical functions.

An inducible model for unraveling the effects of advanced glycation end-product accumulation in aging connective tissues

PURPOSE

In connective tissues there is a clear link between increasing age and degeneration. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are believed to play a central role. AGEs are sugar-induced non-enzymatic crosslinks which accumulate in collagen with age and diabetes, altering tissue mechanics and cellular function. Despite ample correlative evidence linking collagen glycation to tissue degeneration, little is known how AGEs impact cell-matrix interactions, limiting therapeutic options. One reason for this limited understanding is that AGEs are typically induced using high concentrations of ribose which decrease cell viability, making it impossible to investigate cell-matrix interactions. The objective of this study was to develop a system to trigger AGE accumulation while maintaining cell viability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using cell-seeded high density collagen gels, we investigated the effect of two systems for AGE induction, ribose at low concentrations (30, 100, and 200 mM) over 15 days of culture and riboflavin (0.25 and 0.75 mM) induced with blue light for 40 seconds (riboflavin-465 nm).

RESULTS

We found ribose and riboflavin-465 nm treatment produces fluorescent AGE quantities which match and/or exceed human fluorescent AGE levels for various tissues, ages, and diseases, without affecting cell viability or metabolism. Interestingly, a 40 second treatment of riboflavin-465 nm produced similar levels of fluorescent AGEs as 3 days of 100 mM ribose treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Riboflavin-465 nm is a promising method to trigger AGEs on demand in vivo or in vitro without impacting cell viability and offers potential for unraveling the mechanism of AGEs in age and diabetes related tissue damage.

Skin accumulation of advanced glycation end products and cardiovascular risk in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) takes place during normal aging; however, their production is faster in people having diabetes. The accumulated AGEs reportedly play a role in the occurrence of various age-related disorders. Furthermore, the skin autofluorescence (SAF) technique can be used to detect accumulated AGEs levels. There are few reports on the association between skin accumulation of AGEs and risk of complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to describe the association between the skin accumulation of AGEs and cardiovascular risk factors in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 310 Korean patients with diabetes were enrolled, and the levels of AGEs were measured using SAP. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, proteinuria, arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), and blood vessel age were measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. General linear models were used to identify the independent effect of AGEs after adjusting for covariates (age, weight, and duration of diabetes).

Results

The skin levels of AGEs were strongly correlated with the diabetes duration. Significant independent associations were observed for AGEs with FBS (P < 0.01), proteinuria (P < 0.001), and PWV (P < 0.001). The advanced glycated product was independently associated to the arterial pulse wave conduction velocity that is used as a representative method for measuring arteriosclerosis by analysis early cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Our results show that an increase in SAF levels in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with PWV and vein age, and thereby with arterial stiffness. Therefore, our results suggest that AGEs are associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The level of AGEs can thus be used as an indicator of cardiovascular diseases in the clinical diagnosis of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Formation of advanced glycation end products by novel food processing technologies: A review

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a diverse group of compounds formed endogenously and exogenously due to non-enzymatic glycation of proteins and lipids. Although the effects of heating on AGE concentrations in foods are known, few studies have been published addressing the effects of new processing technologies on AGE formation. This work focuses on the current scientific knowledge about the impacts of novel technologies on AGE formation in food products. Most studies do not measure AGE content directly, evaluating only products of the Maillard reaction. Moreover, these studies do not compare distinct operational conditions associated with novel technologies. This lack of information impacts negatively the establishment of process-composition relationships for foods with safe AGE dietary intakes. Overall, the outcomes of this review suggest that the use of novel technologies is a promising alternative to produce food products with a lower AGE content.

Observational and Genetic Associations of Modifiable Risk Factors with Aortic Valve Stenosis: A Prospective Cohort Study of 0.5 Million Participants

Background: Observational studies have shown that modifiable risk factors are associated with aortic valve stenosis (AVS). However, the causality behind these associations remains largely unknown. Objectives: To explore the associations of modifiable risk factors, including metabolic factors, biochemical measures, education, and lifestyles with AVS and their potential causal associations. Methods: We enrolled 361,930 British white people with genetic data in the UK biobank. Cox proportional risk regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios between 28 modifiable risk factors and AVS. We used genetic instruments for modifiable risk factors to determine the potential causal relationships using a one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Results: A total of 1602 participants developed AVS during an 8.4-year follow-up. Observational analyses showed higher adiposity, blood pressure, heart rate, low-density lipoprotein, urate, C-reactive protein, creatinine, albumin, and glycated hemoglobin, but lower serum vitamin D, and education, unhealthy lifestyle, and poor sleep quality were related to a higher risk of AVS after adjusting for the Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0013). Genetically predicted 1-SD higher levels of body mass index [HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.16], body fat percentage (1.17, 1.03 to 1.33), triglyceride (TG) [1.08, 1.00 to 1.16], low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (1.15, 1.08 to 1.21) and serum total cholesterol (TC) (1.13, 1.02 to 1.25) were associated with a higher risk of AVS, respectively. Genetically determined per category higher insomnia (1.32, 1.13 to 1.55) was also associated with AVS. The abovementioned genetic associations with the incident AVS showed an increasing relationship pattern. Conclusions: This study provides strong evidence for the potential causal roles of cardiometabolic factors in developing AVS, highlighting that an idea of metabolic status through a healthy lifestyle may help prevent AVS.