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 essential episode of the College of Glycation series, Dr. Paul Reynolds—Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology—uncovers how glycation silently sabotages one of our most vital organs: the liver. Following earlier explorations of glycation’s impact on the brain and heart, Dr. Reynolds now examines how sugar-driven molecular damage fuels fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cirrhosis—conditions that are surging worldwide. Glycation, through its toxic byproducts known as AGEs (advanced glycation end products), acts like molecular graffiti—stiffening tissues, sparking inflammation, and hijacking liver metabolism. Combined with insulin resistance and excess dietary sugars, this biochemical chaos accelerates the rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its dangerous progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Drawing on decades of clinical and laboratory research, Dr. Reynolds reveals why glycation is the hidden accelerant behind liver failure and transplantation crises across the globe. This lecture explores the historical and mechanistic arc of glycation research, from the role of hepatic stellate cells and RAGE signaling to cutting-edge dietary and lifestyle interventions that can halt or reverse early disease. Most importantly, it empowers viewers with practical tools to protect their liver and metabolic health. Topics Covered: -What glycation is and why the liver is “ground zero” -The role of insulin resistance in fueling fatty liver -How AGEs activate stellate cells and drive fibrosis -RAGE signaling as an amplifier of NAFLD and NASH -Global rise of fatty liver disease and why it’s often silent -Evidence-based lifestyle strategies: low-carb diets, fasting, exercise, and stress reduction -Emerging insights into biomarkers, oxidative stress, and anti-glycation nutrition Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:36 – What is Glycation? (Molecular Graffiti & Aging) 01:14 – Focus on the Liver: NAFLD & NASH 01:58 – Glycation Refresher (Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance) 02:41 – The Liver as Ground Zero 03:22 – Fatty Liver Epidemic (1 in 3 Adults Affected) 04:05 – Insulin Resistance & Fat Buildup 04:43 – Fructose, Triglycerides & Fatty Liver 05:31 – Insulin Resistance as the Hallmark of NAFLD 06:13 – The Vicious Cycle: Fat, Sugar & Glycation 06:55 – Fibrosis & Stellate Cells Activation 07:38 – How Glycation Drives Fibrosis 08:20 – Fibrosis Progression to Cirrhosis 09:03 – RAGE Receptors & Inflammatory Signaling 09:47 – Animal Studies on AGE-RAGE Pathway 10:27 – How Blocking RAGE Reduces Damage 11:13 – From Fat to Irreversible Scars 11:58 – Global Prevalence & Rising Transplants 12:42 – Early Symptoms & Missed Warnings 13:25 – Strategies to Fight Glycation (Diet, Exercise, Stress) 14:08 – Diet Approaches (Low-Carb, Keto, Fasting) 14:54 – Clinical Trials on Fasting & NAFLD 15:40 – Exercise as a Non-Negotiable 16:17 – Aerobic & Resistance Training Benefits 16:59 – Metabolic Fatty Liver (MAFLD) Updates 17:41 – Stress Management & Cortisol Effects 18:24 – Mindfulness & Antioxidant Defense 19:07 – Practical Stress-Relief Tips 19:53 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Whether you’re navigating diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or simply looking to future-proof your liver health, this episode provides the knowledge and strategies you need to take action. About Dr. Paul Reynolds Dr. Reynolds is a biomedical scientist and educator at Brigham Young University, known for making complex metabolic science clear and engaging. His College of Glycation series helps people understand and fight back against the hidden molecular processes that drive aging and chronic disease. #liver #fattyliver #cirrhosis #nafld #RAGE #liverhealth #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #CellularHealth #Keto #KetoCommunity 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)