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 episode of the College of Glycation, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology—examines one of the most metabolically sensitive systems in the human body: the reproductive system. Fertility, hormonal balance, vascular function, and even the health of future generations are all deeply influenced by metabolic chemistry. And when glycation accelerates, reproductive health is often one of the first systems to suffer. This lecture explores how glycation disrupts both female and male reproductive physiology. In women, Dr. Reynolds explains how AGEs accumulate in ovarian tissue, interfere with steroid hormone production, promote fibrosis, and contribute to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You’ll learn how insulin resistance—even without overt diabetes—can elevate AGE levels and disrupt ovulation, and how dietary AGE reduction has been shown to improve hormonal and metabolic markers in women with PCOS. In men, the focus turns to erectile dysfunction as an early warning sign of vascular and metabolic disease. Because erections depend on nitric oxide and healthy endothelial function, AGE accumulation in penile tissue stiffens collagen, impairs nitric oxide signaling, damages small vessel supply to nerves, and makes standard treatments less effective. The episode then shifts to pregnancy and the concept of metabolic memory. Elevated blood sugar and AGE accumulation during gestation contribute to placental dysfunction, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and altered fetal development. Emerging research suggests that high maternal AGE exposure may influence ovarian function, metabolic health, and insulin sensitivity in offspring—highlighting the possibility of transgenerational metabolic programming. Backed by peer-reviewed research, this episode connects cellular biochemistry to fertility, sexual function, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health. The message is clear: reproductive health is not isolated from metabolism—it reflects it. Topics Covered -What glycation is and how AGEs form -AGE–RAGE signaling and inflammatory cascades -PCOS, insulin resistance, and ovarian AGE accumulation -Collagen cross-linking and ovarian fibrosis -Erectile dysfunction and nitric oxide impairment -Vascular and nerve damage from glycation -Gestational diabetes and placental dysfunction -Transgenerational metabolic programming -Metabolic memory and long-lived AGE damage -Practical strategies to reduce glycation burden Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & series recap 01:09 – What glycation is and how AGEs cause damage 02:27 – Main drivers: high blood sugar, diet, oxidative stress 04:28 – Why reproductive health is metabolically sensitive 05:05 – Female & male reproductive physiology overview 08:35 – PCOS, insulin resistance, and ovarian AGE accumulation 13:41 – Dietary AGEs and hormone/metabolic effects 14:26 – Erectile dysfunction as vascular glycation damage 19:31 – Pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and placental dysfunction 22:25 – Transgenerational metabolic programming 26:09 – Metabolic memory and lasting AGE damage 26:50 – Practical strategies to reduce glycation 28:19 – Reproductive symptoms as metabolic warning signs If you're interested in fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, metabolic disease, or the biochemistry of aging, this episode reveals how deeply reproductive function depends on metabolic integrity—and why protecting your metabolism protects future generations. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and professor at Brigham Young University, known for translating complex physiology into clear, practical insights. The College of Glycation series explores how metabolic chemistry shapes aging, chronic disease, and organ system health. #Glycation #ReproductiveHealth #PCOS #Fertility #InsulinResistance #MetabolicHealth #AGEs #CollegeOfGlycation #Hormones #HealthyAging 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)