Role of AGEs in the progression and regression of atherosclerotic plaques

The formation of advanced glycation end-products(AGEs) is an important cause of metabolic memory in diabetic patients and a key factor in the formation of atherosclerosis(AS) plaques in patients with diabetes mellitus. Related studies showed that AGEs could disrupt hemodynamic steady-state and destroy vascular wall integrity through the endothelial barrier damage, foam cell(FC) formation, apoptosis, calcium deposition and other aspects. At the same time, AGEs could initiate oxidative stress and inflammatory response cascade via receptor-depended and non-receptor-dependent pathways, promoting plaques to develop from a steady state to a vulnerable state and eventually tend to rupture and thrombosis. Numerous studies have confirmed that these pathological processes mentioned above could lead to acute coronary heart disease(CHD) and other acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, the specific role of AGEs in the progression and regression of AS plaques has not yet been fully elucidated. In this paper, the formation, source, metabolism, physical and chemical properties of AGEs and their role in the migration of FCs and plaque calcification are briefly described, we hope to provide new ideas for the researchers that struggling in this field.