Abstract

AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) produce structural changes in dermis proteins and this reaction is related with skin aging. A test was performed in 180 people to determinate the relation of basal values of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) vs Age. A positive and direct relation was observed. The collagen of skin can be glycated at a ratio of 43% in 40 years

INTRODUCTION

Glycation is becoming one of the main factors that cause further deterioration at dermal level. It is a phenomenon that occurs when a reducing sugar such as fructose or glucose is combined with the amino radical of a protein such as collagen in dermis through a non enzymatic complex reaction (Figure 1), producing Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) after a multi-step mechanism that involves Schiff Base and Amadori product formation. At this stage the collagen starts to deteriorate generating signs of accelerated aging.The role of AGEs in skin aging and others diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular affections is well documented in the scientific literature (1, 2, 3). AGEs accumulate in the skin over the years because they are directly formed in the body and by direct ingestion of browned food (in which Maillard reaction has been used). In fact, skin AGEs accumulation is an indicator of chronological aging because collagen glycated is first observed at age of 20 and can reach 30%-50% increase at 80 years (1). AGEs modify the collagen biomechanical and functional properties and a lack of elasticity and firmness is produced, originating sk ...