Glucosepane: the key to future efforts to break up sticky AGE molecules

AGE or Advanced Glycation End Products, the sticky particles that accumulate in our bodies as a result of excess sugar, are thought to be behind a myriad of diseases and complications from heart disease to diabetes complications.

Now it is known that one AGE in particular, glucosepane, is the main AGE found in humans.

"Glucosepane is present in human tissues at levels 10 to 1000 times higher than any other cross-linking AGE, and is currently considered to be the most important cross-linking AGE."

The problem is that AGEs are difficult to remove because they are cross-linked to each other. Hence researchers are now seeking ways to break up the cross links in glucosepane.

When they do find a solution, this will be a massive breakthrough that could reverse heart disease and diabetes complications.