Spectral characterization of the formation of fluorescent advanced glycation end products in biological specimens

Diabetes is a major global health issue. Prolonged exposure to high blood glucose results in the formation of intermediate glycation products such as HbA1c and eventually leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which contribute to diabetic pathogenesis. Since some AGEs are fluorescent, they may be used as long-term glycemic markers. In this study, we investigate the spectral properties of fluorescent AGEs from monosaccharides that are encountered in human physiology. Both the absorption and fluorescent properties are characterized in the UV-visible range. The spectral information may be of value in developing assays using fAGEs as biomarkers.