Collagen and its role in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications.

Abstract

Non Enzymatic Glycosylation Non Enzymatic glycosylation is the process by which glucose becomes covalently linked to proteins (Bunn et al 1978 ; Yue et al 1983 ; Brownlee et al 1984 ; Kennedy & Baynes 1984). The reaction leads to a post translational modification of proteins occurring to an increased extent in diabetic tissues. This process has been postulated to be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Advanced glycosylation end products accumulate and non-enzymatic glycosylation occurs in slow turnover molecules which persist and may cause permanent change even when the diabetes is well controlled (Fig. 1).