The College of Glycation is an educational video series dedicated to helping viewers understand one of the most critical and often overlooked processes in human biology: glycation. Led by Dr. Paul Reynolds, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, this series explores how sugar interacts with proteins and fats in the body, forming harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). These compounds accelerate aging, contribute to chronic diseases, and play a key role in metabolic dysfunction. Each video is designed to break down complex topics into clear, practical insights. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, student, or simply someone seeking to improve your health, this series will give you a deeper understanding of the biological roots of inflammation, insulin resistance, and cellular damage—and what you can do to address them.
Curated by: PaulReynoldsPhD (74 videos)
Topic: GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) do far more than control glucose or drive weight loss. Paul Reynolds reveals how these drugs directly downregulate the RAGE receptor, suppress AGE-induced inflammation, and activate autophagy—explaining their powerful cardiovascular benefits even in people without diabetes. Summary: Paul Reynolds, biomedical scientist and Professor of Cell Biology, explores the hidden metabolic story behind the decade’s most talked-about drug class. After reviewing glycation chemistry and the dangerous AGE-RAGE-NF-κB inflammatory axis, he covers the full family of GLP-1 agonists—from exenatide (Gila monster saliva) to dual- and triple-agonists like tirzepatide and retatrutide. Landmark trials (SURPASS-2, STEP-1, SELECT) delivered impressive weight loss and a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events in non-diabetic patients. Reynolds’ central thesis: many benefits come from direct anti-glycation actions. Studies show GLP-1 receptor activation suppresses RAGE expression in endothelial cells, reduces vascular adhesion molecules, improves nitric oxide signaling, and protects kidneys—effects seen even in isolated cells, independent of weight loss or glucose lowering. He then details autophagy: GLP-1 agonists shift the AMPK-mTOR balance to restore cellular recycling, clearing damaged and glycated proteins. Tirzepatide’s insulin-sparing profile further lifts the brake on autophagy. In total, four overlapping mechanisms combat glycation and chronic inflammation. Reynolds closes with balance: these are powerful tools that mimic healthy metabolic states, best used temporarily alongside real food, movement, sleep, and fasting—not as permanent crutches. References: Drucker DJ. Cell Metab. 2018. PMID: 29617641 Wilding JPH et al. N Engl J Med. 2021. PMID: 33567185 Frías JP et al. N Engl J Med. 2021. PMID: 34170647 Lincoff AM et al. N Engl J Med. 2023. PMID: 37952131 Ishibashi Y et al. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.12.075 Ojima A et al. Am J Pathol. 2013. PMID: 23159951 Zobel EH et al. Diagnostics. 2021. PMID: 34441365 Yang S et al. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2020. PMID: 32985256 Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to the College of Glycation: GLP-1 Beyond Glucose 01:09 — Glycation Refresher: The AGE-RAGE-NF-κB Axis 03:16 — GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: From Exenatide to Retatrutide 05:00 — Mechanisms of Action & Landmark Trials 06:34 — SURPASS-2 Trial (Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide) 07:27 — STEP-1 Trial (Semaglutide in Obesity) 08:16 — SELECT Trial: 20% CV Risk Reduction 09:05 — Thesis: Direct Anti-Glycation Effects on RAGE 10:34 — Ishibashi 2010: Suppressing RAGE in Endothelial Cells 11:19 — Ojima 2013: Kidney Protection & Nitric Oxide 13:41 — Zobel 2021: Reducing Vascular Inflammation 15:08 — Autophagy: The Cellular Recycling System 17:25 — Yang 2020: GLP-1 Activates Autophagy via AMPK-mTOR 19:44 — Tirzepatide: Insulin-Sparing Benefits 21:14 — Four Overlapping Anti-Glycation Mechanisms 23:35 — Balanced Perspective: Tools, Not Lifelong Crutches 25:41 — Closing: Glycation Is Not Destiny Translation Notes: You can click the gear icon at the bottom of this video to auto-translate captions. For example, to translate into French, select Subtitles, choose Auto-Translate, then first choose English, then choose Auto-Translate again, then choose French. NOTE: The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Paul Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor of cell biology, not a licensed clinician. Always seek the advice of your own qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. #glp1 #Ozempic #Semaglutide #Tirzepatide #Mounjaro #Wegovy #Zepbound #RAGE #AGEs #Autophagy #AMPK #mTOR #Incretin #MetabolicHealth #Cardiometabolic #CVRiskReduction #Glycation #InsulinSensitivity #MetabolicMedicine Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds For the full Metabolic System storefront: https://shop.unicity.com/paulreynolds Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, electrolytes, hydration, pre-workout and more. Go to https://redmond.life and use PAULSALT for 15% discount. Paul’s favorite exogenous ketones: A high-quality option is the NSF-certified goBHB from Clean Form Nutrition, where you can use the code Paul10 for a 10% discount: https://cleanformnutrition.com/products/go-bhb Paul’s favorite allulose source: https://rxsugar.com (discount: PAUL20) Paul’s favorite health check-up for men or women: https://blokes.co/DRPAUL (discount: DRPAUL for 50% off of labs and smart supplements and 15% off all other products)