Immunohistochemical detection of advanced glycosylation end products within the vascular lesions and glomeruli in diabetic nephropathy.

Numerous studies over the years have implicated advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in the pathogenesis of many of the complications of diabetes and normal aging. The recent development of specific antibodies against AGE-modified proteins has facilitated investigations on the formation and tissue distribution of AGEs. We used anti-AGE antibodies to localize AGEs within kidney specimens obtained from both diabetic and nondiabetic individuals. Immunohistochemical staining using anti-AGE antibody showed a high level of AGE accumulation in diabetic and aged vascular intima, particularly along the inner elastic layer of arteries. Positive staining also was observed within nodular and severe diffuse lesions of glomeruli as well as in hyaline deposits of arterioles. These data support a pathogenic role for advanced glycosylation in the renal complications of diabetes and aging.