Advanced Glycation End Products in the Skin: Molecular Mechanisms, Methods of Measurement, and Inhibitory Pathways

Abstract

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a series of stable compounds produced under non-enzymatic conditions by the amino groups of biomacromolecules and the free carbonyl groups of glucose or other reducing sugars commonly produced by thermally processed foods. AGEs can cause various diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and chronic kidney disease, by triggering the receptors of AGE (RAGEs) in the human body. There is evidence that AGEs can also affect the different structures and physiological functions of the skin. However, the mechanism is complicated and cumbersome and causes various harms to the skin. This article aims to identify and summarise the formation and characteristics of AGEs, focussing on the molecular mechanisms by which AGEs affect the composition and structure of normal skin substances at different skin layers and induce skin issues. We also discuss prevention and inhibition pathways, provide a systematic and comprehensive method for measuring the content of AGEs in human skin, and summarise and analyse their advantages and disadvantages. This work can help researchers acquire a deeper understanding of the relationship between AGEs and the skin and provides a basis for the development of effective ingredients that inhibit glycation.

The Association between the Level of Advanced Glycation End Products and Objective Skin Quality Parameters

“…While AGEs were mostly investigated through cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, in recent years there have been a lot of studies that are linking the level of AGEs with the quality of the skin and discussing the possibility of AGEs playing an important role in skin aging [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. The easy accessibility of skin offers a chance of studying AGEs via minimal invasive or even noninvasive methods due to their characteristic autoflorescent properties [ 20 ].…”

Analysis of the Site-Specific Myoglobin Modifications in the Melibiose-Derived Novel Advanced Glycation End-Product

“…MGO is generated in vivo as a breakdown product of a triosephosphate intermediate in the glycolytic process and is also produced through lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it can be generated from unstable Schiff bases in Maillard reactions through reverse aldol condensation and oxidative decomposition (known as the Namiki pathway) and by the Wolff pathway, i.e., the metal-catalyzed autooxidation and dehydration of glucose [ 62 ]. MGO directly interacts with free amino groups in proteins, which leads to the development of AGEs, resulting in a high degree of physiological damage.…”

Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy

“… 84 Various AGEs affect skin at different layers: weakening epidermis barrier function, destroying structure of keratinocytes, promoting melanin production in melanocytes, obstructing skin wound healing, stimulating fibroblast apoptosis, and damaging fiber contracture in the dermis. 85 Preventative agents that inhibit AGEs formation, break the generated AGEs, or block receptors of AGEs, are of particular interest in counteracting AGEs induced skin ageing.…”