Formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is increased in diabetic patients. Impaired renal function also elevates AGEs. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a measure of arterial stiffness and prognostic parameter. The association between AGEs and arterial stiffness was found in hemodialysed patients. 
The study investigated the relationship between plasma AGEs concentration and arterial stiffness in diabetic (DN) and non-diabetic (Non-DN) non-dialysed patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
. PWV measurement was performed in 24 DN CKD patients, 36 Non-DN CKD patients, and 19 controls.
To assess AGEs concentration plasma fluorescence spectra were recorded
. Non-DN and DN CKD patients did not differ with respect to glomerular filtration rate (33±13 vs 32±14 ml/min/1,73m2, respectively). AGEs concentration was significantly higher in DN patients compared with Non-DN and controls (21.1±6.8 vs 12.3±3.1 vs 7.8±1.2 AU/ml, respectively; p<0.001 for all differences). PWV was also significantly higher in DN compared with Non-DN and controls (13.7±4.3 vs 10.1±2.4 vs 8.4±1.6 m/s, respectively; p<0.05 for all differences). Significant correlation was found between AGEs and PWV (r=0.39;p<0.01) in CKD patients. In multiple regression analysis PWV was independently associated with age, diabetes and systolic blood pressure, but not with AGEs (R2=0.45).
Accumulation of AGEs and arterial stiffness are increased in CKD
, particularly in CKD patients with diabetic nephropathy, however
the results are not sufficient to confirm the causal role of AGEs accumulation in arterial stiffening
. Advanced glycation end products should be considered as a potential therapeutic target in CKD patients.