Diabetes Mellitus · Pathology

Through which mechanism do Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) primarily contribute to diabetic microangiopathy?

  1. Decreasing the synthesis of Type IV collagen
  2. Cross-linking proteins in the basement membrane
  3. Promoting vasodilation through nitric oxide release
  4. Inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation
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Correct answer: Cross-linking proteins in the basement membrane

AGEs bind to specific receptors (RAGE) and cross-link extracellular matrix proteins. This leads to increased vascular permeability, basement membrane thickening, and trapped plasma proteins like LDL in the vessel walls.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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