What are Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)?

About Advanced glycation end products (AGEs):

• AGEs (also known as glycotoxins) are harmful molecules formed by the glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins.
  • Glycation is the process of combining other molecules with sugars.
  • Oxidation is the process of combining other molecules with oxygen. 
• AGEs are formed in your body by metabolism, but the major source of AGEs is food.
• They are formed in food by grilling, toasting, roasting, broiling, frying, and other high-temperature cooking. 
• Tobacco use is yet another source of AGEs. 
• AGE productionin the body increases with age.
• Why are AGEs harmful?
  • AGEs are present in the body at all times. At low levels, they don't cause significant injury. 
  • However, they cause cell and tissue damage when they reach high concentrations. 
  • AGEs combine with receptors located on blood vessels and several other organs to cause damage to organ systems.
  • These compounds can impact the function of proteins within the cells, alter the behavior of hormones, cytokines, and free radicals, and modify the extracellular matrix between cells.
  • AGEs activate inflammatory and other destructive processes in many systems of your body. 
  • AGEs are involved in the development of various chronic inflammatory diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus, vascular and cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood levels of glucose) is one condition associated with more AGE production, causing blood vessel damage in people with diabetes. 

Q1: What are lipids?

Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. They’re part of your cell membranes and help control what goes in and out of your cells. They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins and making hormones. Having too much of some lipids is harmful. 

Source: Consumption of ultra-processed and fast foods leading cause of diabetes in India, reveals new study