Methylglyoxal-Induced Glycation Stress Promotes Aortic Stiffening: Putative Mechanistic Roles Of Oxidative Stress And Cellular Senescence

A compound called methylglyoxal, which causes a type of cellular stress, directly contributes to the stiffening of arteries by increasing harmful molecules and causing cells to age prematurely, but a specific intervention can help prevent these effects.

As we age, our arteries can become stiff, a condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease. Recent research sheds light on a key culprit behind this process: a compound called methylglyoxal. This compound leads to what scientists call “glycation stress,” essentially a harmful reaction between sugars and proteins in our bodies that can damage tissues.

This study reveals that glycation stress, driven by methylglyoxal, directly promotes the stiffening of the aorta, the body’s main artery. It does so through two primary mechanisms: increasing “oxidative stress” – an imbalance of harmful molecules that can damage cells – and inducing “cellular senescence,” where cells stop dividing and instead release substances that can harm surrounding tissues.

Crucially, the research also explored a promising intervention. A compound referred to as Gly-Low was found to effectively counteract the negative effects of methylglyoxal, preventing the increase in arterial stiffness, reducing oxidative stress, and mitigating cellular senescence. These findings suggest that targeting glycation stress could be a vital strategy for maintaining healthy arteries and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases as we get older.

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Source: link to paper