Advanced Glycation end products (AGEs) in food: focusing on Mediterranean pasta

Advanced glycation end products, also known as glycotoxins, are a diverse group of highly oxidant compounds with pathogenic significance in aged-chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. They are produced physiologically in the body when reducing sugar binds to a free amino acid group of macromolecules. Thus conditions such as hyperglycemia and/or oxidative stress can favor AGE product formation, contributing to ageing processes and the exacerbation of pathological states. Beside endogenous AGEs, dietary AGE intake contributes significantly to the body AGE pool. It assumes that if dietary AGE intake gets lower, any chronic disease, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be ameliorated, and even cured. For this reason, recently great attention has been made on the identification and quantification of AGE products in the consumed foods. Here we reviewed some knowledge, found in literature, concerning the formation of AGEs in food, their gastrointestinal absorption, and their toxic effects. In addition original data on AGE content in the Mediterranean pasta was discussed in relation to their production processes and cooking time.