Analysis of Associations Between Advanced Glycation end-Products and Vascular Complications of type 2 Diabetes

The aim of the study: to determine the predictive value of advanced glycation end-products and their receptor in prognostic model for vascular complications of type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: 126 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), 55 males and 71 females were included. Testing for diabetes complications, comorbidities and laboratory parameters was realized. A duplex ultrasound of the carotid and lower extremities arteries was conducted for all patients to reveal or exclude the atherosclerosis. Serum concentrations of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: based on ultrasound data the examined patients were divided in three groups. First group without atherosclerosis (ATO, $\mathrm{n}=39)$. Second group with atherosclerosis of carotid arteries $(\text{AT}1,\ \mathrm{n}=47)$. Third group included the patients with atherosclerosis of carotid arteries and lower extremities $(\text{AT}2,\ \mathrm{n}=40)$. The groups were similar by age and sex. The atherosclerosis was associated with T2D duration, lower BMI, diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. The differences in other clinical and metabolic parameters were not revealed. Serum concentrations of AGEs and RAGEs did not differ in the study groups. The correlation analysis revealed relationships between the AGEs and microalbuminuria $(\mathrm{r}=0.69,\ \mathrm{p} < 0.05)$ and urine albumin-creatinine ratio $(\mathrm{r}=0.67,\mathrm{p} < 0.05)$. Conclusion: in T2D patients, serum levels of AGEs is associated with diabetic nephropathy. AGEs and RAGEs did not predict an atherosclerosis development and progression.