Multiphoton imaging and quantification of tissue glycation

ABSTRACT In this work, we applied multi-photon microscopy to image and characterize the extent of tissue glycation. Specifically, features of multi-photon autofluorescence (MPAF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) images were presented. Our study shows that multiphoton imaging is capable of providing qualitative and quantitativ e information of the extent of tissue glycation in ribose treated samples including bovine sclera and vessel and that this approach may be useful for clinical evaluation of advanced glycati on endproducts (AGEs) formation. Keywords: multiphoton microscopy, spectral imaging, glycation, advanced glycation product 1. INTRODUCTION Glycoxidation of proteins and lipids can lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). 1, 2 The process is initiated by spontaneous reactions between free amino groups on proteins and car bonyl groups of sugars to form a chemically reversible Schiff base adducts which beco me Amadori product. Finally, further reactions result in the formation of AGEs which act as molecula r crosslinks. AGE formation which is increased in diabetic patients as a result of hyperglycaemia, contributes to cardiovascular disease and microvascular complications.