74 Mechanistic Study for the role of advanced glycation end products in the development of diabetic heart failure

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are thought to play a crucial role in the development of diabetic complications including heart failure, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathophysiological contribution of AGEs to heart failure development are not yet fully understood. We therefore investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of AGEs on isolated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM). Standard molecular techniques were applied. Western blot showed that RAGE receptor is expressed in NRCM and adult mouse cardiomyocytes. Incubation of NRCM for 24 h with AGEs showed a dose dependant reduction of calcium transient amplitude with a maximum of 52% at 1 g/l (p