Advanced glycosylation end products of proteins (AGEs) are nonenzymatically glycosylated proteins that are associated with a variety of conditions, including diabetes and other vascular disorders, as well as amyloidosis. These proteins regulate cellular functions via specific cell surface acceptor molecules, such as RAGE (receptor for advanced glycosylation end products). RAGE is a type 1 membrane protein that is found on the surface of endothelial cells, mononuclear phagocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. Binding of AGEs to RAGE results in the induction of cellular oxidant stress and activation of the transcription factor NFkB. Evidence suggests that the induction of oxidant stress results in the activation of an intracellular cascade involving p21 ras and MAP kinase, which leads to activation of transcription.