Reversing advanced glycosylation cross-links using heterocyclic-substituted thiazolium compounds

A method of treating or reducing progression of (i) stiffening of blood vasculature (ii) atherosclerosis, (iii) retinopathy, (iv) cataracts, (v) peripheral neuropathy or (vi) osteoarthritis in an animal, comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula

• wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an alkyl group, which can be substituted by a hydroxy group;
• Y is a group of the formula —CH2C(═O)R wherein R is a heterocyclic group other than alkylenedioxyaryl containing 4-10 ring members and 1-3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, the heterocyclic group can be substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, oxo, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, aryl, and aralkyl groups;
• and said one or more substituents can be substituted by one or more alkyl or alkoxy groups;
• or group of the formula —CH2C(═O)—NHR′ wherein R′ is a heterocyclic group other than alkylenedioxyaryl containing 4-10 ring members and 1-3 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, the heterocyclic group can be substituted by one or more alkoxycarbonylalkyl groups;
• and
• X is a pharmaceutically acceptable ion;
• and a carrier therefor.