AGEs secreted by bacteria are involved in the inflammatory response

Ifat Cohen-Or, Chen Katz, Eliora Z. Ron

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Advanced Glycated End Products (AGEs) are formed by non-enzymatic protein glycation and are implicated in several physiological aspects including cell aging and diseases. Recent data indicate that bacteria - although short lived - produce, metabolize and accumulate AGEs. Here we show that Escherichia coli cells secret AGEs by the energy-dependent efflux pump systems. Moreover, we show that in the presence of these AGEs there is an upshift of pro-inflammatory cytokins by mammalian cells. Thus, we propose that secretion of AGEs by bacteria is a novel avenue of bacterial-induced inflammation which is potentially important in the pathophysiology of bacterial infections. Moreover, the sensing of AGEs by the host cells may constitute a warning system for the presence of bacteria.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere17974
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

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