Wrinkles and Ageing: How Advanced Glycation End Products Are Speeding Up the Process

As they say, 'You are what you eat!' and when it comes to ageing, this couldn’t be more true.

Ageing isn’t just about the number of birthdays we celebrate. It’s a complex process and can be experienced in various ways.?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), biological ageing is caused by the accumulation of cellular & molecular damage, which leads to a decline in both physical and mental capacity. However, these changes are not uniform and are loosely associated with chronological age.

But here’s the catch: ageing doesn’t happen the same way for everyone, and no two people age the same way.

While chronological age marks the years, biological age reflects our body’s true condition, influenced by lifestyle and other factors.

Regarding ageing and age-related diseases, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have become a key focus of scientific research.

Understanding AGEs

As mentioned by Michelle Roy (PA-C, MHS), AGEs may seem like jargon or a complicated scientific term, but understanding them is crucial for managing health and ageing. Here’s a breakdown:

AGEs are compounds formed when sugars react with proteins or fats in the body, contributing to ageing.

Have you seen sugar getting caramelised??

The process is famously known as the Maillard reaction and was described by? Louis-Camille Maillard in the early 20th century.?

In 1955, the discovery of glycated haemoglobin was the first evidence of blood sugar-altering molecules, proving the Maillard reaction occurs in the body. Today, glycation is the more commonly used term for Maillard reaction.

How Glycation Relates to Ageing

Glycation occurs at different rates throughout life. There are two types of AGEs:

As AGEs accumulate over time, their effects extend beyond visible signs of ageing, leading to hidden dangers that can compromise our overall health.

The Hidden Dangers of AGE Buildup: How It Impacts Your Body

The accumulation of AGEs in the body can lead to serious health issues:

1. Organ Damage: AGEs build up in many body parts, including blood, blood vessel walls, retina, lens, kidney, brain, joints, and skin.?This accumulation alters the biochemical properties, functionality, and appearance of these organs, contributing to the ageing process.
2. Collagen Rigidity: Collagen-rich tissues, such as the skin, tendons, and arteries, are especially vulnerable to AGEs. When collagen fibres bind with sugars, AGEs accumulate, causing tissues to become stiffer and less elastic. In the skin, this results in wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of youthful firmness.
3. Age-Related Diseases: While AGEs were first linked to diabetes due to high blood sugar, they accumulate in everyone over time. With ageing, kidney function declines, reducing the body’s ability to remove AGEs. This accelerates AGE buildup, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's & Parkinson's)

AGEs and the Younger Generation

With Gen Z and millennials embracing modern lifestyles, where everything from food to conveniences is just a click away, few realise that this easy access contributes to increased AGE buildup in their bodies.

Let’s take a closer look at how this happens:

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Many young people are less active, contributing to poor metabolic health.
• Diet: High consumption of processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks fuels AGE formation.
• Cooking Methods: The popularity of high-heat cooking techniques like grilling and frying further increases AGE levels in food.

As a result, even younger individuals may unknowingly be contributing to AGE accumulation, which not only accelerates the ageing process but also raises the risk of chronic diseases later in life.

Pathways Underlying AGE-Mediated Effects on Ageing

As explained by Gurpreet Singh Padda in an article by Padda Institute, AGEs don’t act alone. They interact with RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products), a protein found in various tissues. This interaction plays a key role in ageing and disease development.

• AGE-RAGE Pathway

When AGEs bind to the RAGE receptor, they initiate cellular signals that trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage.?

This pathway plays a critical role in the development of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Impact on Internal Organs:

The AGE-RAGE pathway also affects internal organs, contributing to the overall decline in bodily functions associated with ageing.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases

The AGE-RAGE interaction has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The buildup of AGEs in the brain is believed to contribute to the development of these conditions.

Want to Slow Down Ageing? Here’s How to Manage AGEs Effectively!

While AGEs naturally form in the body, there are steps we can take to minimise their harmful effects:

• Adopt a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and processed foods, which promote AGE formation.

Include antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes, to help neutralise free radicals.

• Choose Cooking Methods Wisely: Opt for steaming or boiling rather than high-heat methods like frying or grilling to reduce AGE formation in food.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps reduce oxidative stress, one of the main contributors to AGE buildup.

So, in the end, while research into AGEs and their impact on health is ongoing, it's clear that effective management of their formation through a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and awareness is key to preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy ageing and overall well-being.

Little mindful changes today will pave the way for a healthier and youthful tomorrow. Therefore, start making mindful changes today.?