[Protein glycation--clinical and chemical aspects]

Abstract

Glucose as well as other reducing sugars react nonenzymatically with amino groups of free amino acids, peptides and proteins. Glycation reaction is responsible for forming inter- and intramolecular cross-links of proteins, known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In old people, patients with diabetes and chronic failure AGEs accumulate in the circulation and tissues, and play a significant role in pathogenesis of cardiovascular and other complications. Glycation reactions has been used for synthesis of artificial glycoconjugates.