The role of glication in colorectal cancer
Keywords:
CAR-T cell therapy, AGEs, Rage, glycation, curcumin, metforminAbstract
Digestive cancer represents a major public health issue in the Republic of Moldova, with increasing incidence and mortality over recent decades. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, involving the collection and in vitro genetic engineering of T lymphocytes. Although highly effective in hematological malignancies, its efficacy is significantly reduced in solid tumors, possibly due to glycation processes within the tumor microenvironment. A literature review was conducted covering the period 2010–2025, including 25 articles from databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed Central, BioMed Central, Medscape, and Google Scholar. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) interact with their specific receptors (RAGE), activating signaling pathways with immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory effects. A diet rich in exogenous AGEs contributes to intestinal dysbiosis, while glycation of the extracellular matrix promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and impairs immune cell migration. Anti-glycation agents such as metformin and curcumin have shown potential to enhance CAR-T cell therapy efficacy. Reducing AGEs through dietary interventions, monitoring serological markers (RAGE expression and anti-histone or anti AGEs antibody levels), and the use of anti-glycation agents may represent promising preventive strategies. In terms of treatment, combining CAR-T cell therapy with these anti-glycation agents such as metformin and curcumin, emerges as an innovative approach to overcoming resistance in solid tumors.
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