Introduction
Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) are stable compounds that are formed in the human organism by a non-enzymatic reaction between free sugar residues and proteins, lipids or nucleic acids. This process, also known as the Maillard reaction, is regarded as one of the central biochemical mechanisms of age-associated cell damage. AGEs are increasingly recognized as contributors to numerous chronic degenerative diseases, including arteriosclerosis, diabetes complications, neurodegenerative diseases as well as renal and ocular pathologies.
Pathophysiological relevance
AGEs irreversibly alter the structure and function of cellular proteins. In collagen-containing tissues such as skin and blood vessels, they lead to cross-linking, which impairs elasticity and functionality. An additional pathogenic mechanism is the activation of the so-called RAGE receptor (Receptor for Advanced Glycation Endproducts), which is particularly expressed on immune cells. The interaction with AGEs triggers inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB), which contributes to a state of chronic low-grade inflammation („inflammaging“) - a recognized hallmark of biological aging.
Note: Recent studies suggest that AGEs may also compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and promote the aggregation of pathological tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease (Zhao et al., 2024).
Exogenous and endogenous sources
AGEs are formed both inside the body (endogenous) and via external sources (exogenous):
- Endogenous: Increased AGE formation is observed in diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Exogenous: Food that has been cooked dry at high temperatures (e.g. grilling, frying, roasting) has high AGE concentrations. Industrially processed products such as ready meals, baked goods or highly heated meat products are particularly critical.
A typical serving of fried bacon contains many times more AGEs compared to a steamed plant-based dish (Uribarri et al., 2023).
Preventive and therapeutic measures
1. nutritional interventions
- Preference for water-based cooking methods (steaming, boiling)
- Reduction of AGE-rich animal fats
- Integration of antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, green tea and turmeric, whose protective effect on cell structures and inflammatory processes has already been discussed in previous articles by the author¹²³.
2. metabolic control
- Stable blood sugar levels through a glycemically optimized diet, intermittent fasting and physical activity
- Preventive measures against postprandial glucose peaks, for example by using apple cider vinegar or protein-rich starters
3. supplementation and pharmacological approaches
- Benfotiamine (vitamin B1 derivative): Reduction of glycative intermediates
- Pyridoxamine (vitamin B6 form): Inhibition of reactive carbonyl compounds
- Experimental AGE cleavers such as ALT-711 (Alagebrium): promising in preclinical studies to reduce vascular stiffness, but not yet clinically established (Vlassara & Uribarri, 2023)
Conclusion
AGEs represent a molecular risk factor that extends far beyond the glycemic context. Reducing their formation and accumulation should be an integral part of any evidence-based longevity strategy. An AGE-conscious lifestyle, which includes both nutrition and metabolic optimization, offers a scientifically sound set of tools to slow down cellular aging processes.
Literature
- Zhao, Y. et al. (2024). AGEs and BBB integrity in Alzheimer's disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 16, 135.
- Uribarri, J. et al. (2023). Dietary AGEs and chronic disease. The Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 112(7), 1205-1213.
- Vlassara, H. & Uribarri, J. (2023). Advanced glycation in aging and disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Aging Research Reviews, 90, 101899.
- Bernhardt, B. (2024). Turmeric - the yellow gold of cell health. wechselweise.net
- Bernhardt, B. (2023). Berry power: polyphenols as natural radical scavengers. wechselweise.net
- Bernhardt, B. (2023). Green tea - more than just a drink. wechselweise.net
About Dr. med. Andreas Bernhardt:
Dr. Bernhardt is a specialist in general internal medicine with international training in endocrinology and better aging. He is a member of the Swiss Anti-Aging Society (SSAAMP) and the renowned Endocrine Society (Washington, D.C.). His focus is on bioidentical hormone therapy within the framework of a holistic Longevity concept. As an expert on the German-speaking platform wechselweise.net he is committed to raising awareness in the DACH region about hormonal changes in men and women during the menopause - with the aim of promoting health and quality of life in the long term.