Binding of long-term glycated low density lipoprotein and age- albumin by peripheral monocytes and endothelial cells

Modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and plasma or tissue proteins by non-enzymatic glycation culminating in the formation of advanced glycat ion endproducts (AGEs) is one of the essential pathomechanisms leading to d iabetes-associated long-term complications. We compared binding of glycated , glycoxidated and oxidated LDL by peripheral monocytes in activated and qu iescent form. Interaction via specific receptors was different for glycated as compared to (glyc)oxidated LDL-modifications. In addition, binding of g lycated LDL to quiescent and activated human umbilical vein endothelial cel ls was studied. In patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) , AGE-binding was significantly increased as compared to healthy individual s. Specific and non-specific monocyte binding mechanisms were detected, and both were significantly increased in IDDM patients. Specific and non-speci fic binding strategies possibly act in concert to eliminate circulating AGE s, which are instrumental in the development and progress of microangiopath ic and macroangiopathic complications of diabetes mellitus.