In conclusion, in our present study, we have found that a fructose-rich diet in rats induces metabolic alterations compatible with the development of MetS, additionally causing increased serum protein glycation; in the aortic tunica media, decreased elastic-to-muscular layer ratio, increased collagen content, increased AGEs accumulation and procalcifying potential; and in VSMCs isolated from aortas, induction of an osteoblastic phenotype, decreased elastic fiber production and increased RAGE expression. The gene discussed is AGER; the disease is metabolic syndrome.