Multiphoton imaging of the monosachharide induced formation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products in tissues

We studied the in vitro rate of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (fAGEs) formation with multiphoton microscopy in different porcine tissues (aorta, cornea, kidney, dermis, and tendon). These tissues were treated with d-glucose, d-galactose, and d-fructose, three primary monosaccharides found in human diets. We found that the use of d-fructose resulted in the highest glycation rate, followed by d-galactose and then d-glucose. Moreover, compared to non-collagen tissue constituents such as elastic fibers and cells, the rate of tissue glycation was consistently higher in collagen, suggesting that collagen is a more sensitive target for fAGE formation. However, we also found that collagen in different tissues exhibits different rates of fAGE formation, with slower rates observed in tightly packed tissues such as cornea and tendon. Our study suggests that for fAGE to be developed into a long-term glycemic biomarker, loosely organized collagen tissues located in the proximity of vasculature may be the best targets. The rate of formation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products (fAGEs) in different glycated porcine tissues (aorta, cornea, kidney, dermis, and tendon) is measured by multiphoton microscopy. According to the measurement, the glycation rate in fructose is highest followed by galactose and glucose. Collagenous tissues glycate at a rate that is significantly greater than non-collagenous tissues. However, the rate of fAGE synthesis varies among collagen in various tissues. These findings may be of value in developing long-term glycemic biomarkers for diabetes.image