Ophthalmic research
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Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play an important role in protein modification during cataract formation. Along with sugars, alpha-dicarbonyl compounds, such as methylglyoxal (MGO), have been implicated in AGE formation. Here we report the effect of pyridoxamine (PM) on AGEs and AGE-precursor-metabolizing enzymes in diabetic rat lenses and organ-cultured rat lenses. ⋯ Our results suggest that PM can inhibit AGE formation in the diabetic lens by enhancing the activity of aldose reductase and reacting with precursors of AGEs.