[Maillard compounds as a cause of aging].

Several theories have been presented to explain the mechanism of aging. Among those theories, two are supported by strong reasons: the generation of oxygen radicals and nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins. Oxygen and glucose are essential for the central nervous system (and practically for all tissues) and at the same time they are the main cause of aging. Through our demonstration that Maillard compounds generate oxygen free radicals, both theories may be united in one.