AGE and their receptor RAGE in systemic autoimmune diseases: an inflammation propagating factor contributing to accelerated atherosclerosis.

Systemic autoimmune diseases are associated with inflammation, and oxidative stress favouring the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), able to modulate cellular functions by activation of receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). As RAGE expression is increased in an inflammatory milieu, present in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, these patients are especially prone for the deleterious effects of AGE. Interaction of AGE with RAGE leads to intracellular signalling, and subsequent expression of adhesion molecules, chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of RAGE itself. The AGE-RAGE interaction might act as a pro-inflammatory loop in these patients, contributing to chronic low grade inflammation rendering these individuals susceptible for development of accelerated atherosclerosis.