Diabetic Nephropathy AGE, RAGE, and Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetes is a disease that is present worldwide and which is associated with a large number of potential complications including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Several factors have been implicated in the development of the latter, including advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are formed from the interaction between sugar and proteins. AGE toxicity may be triggered via different mechanisms, especially by receptor binding. Immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated the presence of AGEs in all renal structures (vessels, glomeruli, tubules, and the interstitium). They appear to be involved in the exacerbation of renal injury observed during diabetic nephropathy. At present, no specific treatment is yet available, although several therapeutic approaches are under development.