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 Methylglyoxal and the glyoxalase system: the hidden molecule your own metabolism produces every second as a toxic byproduct of glycolysis — hundreds to thousands of times more reactive than glucose — and the ancient, upregulatable defense system that neutralizes it to protect against aging and disease. Summary Paul Reynolds, biomedical scientist and Professor of Cell Biology, reveals the true engine room of glycation in this pivotal episode of the College of Glycation. He explains that methylglyoxal (MGO) — not glucose — is the major precursor of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), formed inevitably during glycolysis from unstable triose phosphates and even more aggressively from unregulated fructose metabolism. This creates “dicarbonyl stress,” a unifying upstream driver of cell and tissue dysfunction across aging and metabolic disease. Your body counters it with the glyoxalase system: GLO1 (the star enzyme) and GLO2, which use glutathione to convert MGO into harmless D-lactate and regenerate the antioxidant. GLO1 is controlled by Nrf2, the master cellular defense regulator, and can be upregulated on demand. A standout activator is sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts; a human clinical trial showed it improved fasting glucose and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes patients via Nrf2. Complementary protection comes from direct scavengers like carnosine, which traps MGO before it damages proteins. Reynolds ties MGO and the glyoxalase system to every prior episode — diabetic blood vessels, kidneys, brain neurodegeneration, skin aging, stiff arteries, and insulin resistance — showing it as the common thread, with dicarbonyl stress escalating from obesity to kidney failure. Practical takeaways are empowering: lower MGO production by cutting refined sugars and fructose (the low-carb principle at molecular level), support glutathione and NAD redox status, activate Nrf2 with sulforaphane, and deploy scavengers like carnosine. The system is not fixed — early human trials of GLO1 inducers already improve glycemic control, insulin resistance, and vascular function. You are not a passive victim of glycation; balance production and defense through how you eat, sleep, and live. References and more For complete show notes and references, we invite you to become an Insider subscriber. You'll enjoy a weekly newsletter, premier early access to College of Glycation episodes with full reprints of cited publications, a dedicated College of Glycation question portal with live recorded answers, Paul's Weekly Research Review Podcasts, and more. Learn more: paulreynoldsphd.com 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. Timestamps 0:01 Intro: MGO the main glycation culprit 1:14 MGO from glycolysis side reaction 2:34 Fructose drives MGO aggressively 5:25 Dicarbonyl stress unifies aging/disease 6:49 Glyoxalase (GLO1) detoxifies MGO 8:57 GLO1 glutathione-dependent 10:23 Depleted glutathione = more MGO 12:27 Nrf2 boosts GLO1 (sulforaphane) 13:56 Sulforaphane human glucose trial 15:58 Carnosine as MGO scavenger 17:15 MGO links all previous episodes 18:34 GLO1 inducer improves outcomes 19:54 Lower sugar + boost defenses 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. #Methylglyoxal #Glyoxalase #GLO1 #Sulforaphane #DicarbonylStress #AGERAGE #insulinresistance #Glycation #AGEs #inflammation #OxidativeStress #ROS #Redox #CollegeOfGlycation #Ketodiet #LowCarb #InsulinResistance #HealthyAging #SugarDamage #HealthyLiving #KetoDiet #LowCarb #HealthPodcast #AntiAging #Nutrition #BiomedicalScience #BloodSugar #Wellness #HealthTips Paul’s favorite yerba mate: https://unicity.link/121f260bfe Yerbe mate with a special formulated Balance fiber: https://ufeelgreat.com/c/PaulReynolds 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)