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)
In this powerful episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—dives into one of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in modern health: the surprising connection between glycation and cancer. Building on earlier discussions about AGEs and metabolic stress, Dr. Reynolds uncovers how sugar-driven molecular damage may silently fuel the development and progression of multiple cancers. Drawing on cutting-edge research, he explains how advanced glycation end-products ignite chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular dysfunction—conditions that create fertile ground for tumor formation. From the AGE–RAGE signaling axis to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, Dr. Reynolds breaks down how everyday dietary sugars can accelerate processes that support cancer cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. He also highlights recent evidence linking dietary AGE intake to higher risks of breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. This episode also equips viewers with practical strategies: how to lower dietary AGEs, optimize metabolic health, and reduce glycation-driven cellular stress through nutrition, cooking methods, antioxidants, and insulin-sensitizing lifestyle changes. Topics Covered -What glycation is and how AGEs form inside the body -Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome & chronic glucose exposure -How AGEs trigger inflammation, oxidative stress & DNA damage -The AGE–RAGE pathway and its role in cancer cell signaling -Connections between AGEs and breast, colorectal & liver cancers -How obesity and diabetes amplify AGE production -Tumor microenvironment changes driven by glycation -Dietary strategies to reduce AGE accumulation -Cooking methods that minimize AGE formation -Antioxidant nutrients that counter oxidative damage -Lifestyle steps to break the glycation–inflammation cycle Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction – Glycation & Cancer Overview 00:00:38 What Are AGEs? (Advanced Glycation End Products) 00:01:17 How Glycation Connects to Metabolic Health 00:01:56 How Glycation Happens (Non-Enzymatic Sugar Reactions) 00:02:35 Early vs. Advanced Glycation Products 00:03:17 Chronic High Blood Sugar & AGE Accumulation 00:03:58 Insulin Resistance – The “Elephant in the Room” 00:04:38 How Insulin Resistance Raises Glycation 00:05:16 Metabolic Syndrome & Its Link to AGEs 00:06:01 Research: AGEs Increase Insulin Resistance 00:06:42 How AGEs Trigger Inflammation & Oxidative Stress 00:07:22 Chronic Inflammation → DNA Damage → Cancer 00:08:11 AGE–RAGE Interaction (Inflammatory Signaling) 00:08:55 How AGEs Boost Tumor Growth & Reduce Cell Death 00:09:42 Obesity, Diabetes & Cancer Risk via Glycation 00:10:25 Hyperinsulinemia & the Glycation Feedback Loop 00:11:06 Glycation’s Role in Cancer Susceptibility 00:11:48 RAGE Receptor – A Cancer “Turbocharger” 00:12:34 Warburg Effect – Cancer’s Sugar Preference 00:13:16 Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessels for Tumors) 00:13:59 Breast Cancer & Dietary AGE Intake 00:14:48 Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular) & Glycation 00:15:35 Colorectal Cancer, Gut Inflammation & AGEs 00:16:15 Reducing AGE Intake – Smarter Cooking Methods 00:16:59 Lower-AGE Cooking Tips (Steam, Boil, Marinate) 00:17:44 Antioxidants That Reduce AGE Formation 00:18:32 Glycemic Load, Exercise & Insulin Sensitivity 00:19:16 Lifestyle Choices to Lower Cancer Risk 00:19:59 Closing Thoughts – Stay Metabolically Vigilant Whether you're working to reduce cancer risk, supporting a loved one, or seeking to understand how metabolism and lifestyle influence long-term health, this episode sheds light on the biochemical forces linking sugar exposure to cancer—and offers clear, practical tools to fight back. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and educator at Brigham Young University, known for making complex mechanistic biology accessible and actionable. Through the College of Glycation series, he reveals the hidden biochemical processes shaping our health, aging, and resilience. #cancer #cancerawareness #insulinresistance #diabetes #obesity #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/C63EE3 Paul’s favorite source for clean, earth-sourced essentials such as salt, elecrolytes, 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)