Figure 2From: The clinical relevance of assessing advanced glycation endproducts accumulation in diabetesPathogenetic effects of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). By binding and crosslinking extracellular matrix, e.g. collagen, AGEs induces vascular stiffness en increases vascular permeability. The interaction with AGE receptors (e.g. RAGE) induces endothelial dysfunction by reducing nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory reactions, and oxidative stress. Binding to lipoproteins increases the uptake of e.g. low density lipoproteins (LDL) by macrophages, which may lead to the formation of foam cells.Back to article page