Underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies of advanced glycation end products in cardiovascular injury

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a complex group of compounds that are formed when reducing sugar or aldehyde reacts irreversibly in a non-enzymatic manner with free amino in proteins, lipoids or amino acids. Increased level of AGEs has been found in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial stiffening, myocardial relaxation abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, accumulation of AGEs contributes to changes in the structure and function of cardiovascular system. Thus, it is possible to prevent or cure cardiovascular diseases by inhibition of AGEs. This review mainly summarizes the sources of AGEs, the underlying mechanisms in induction of cardiovascular injury and the preventive strategies.