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Published on: February 28, 2013

Epigenetic signatures and vascular risk in type 2 diabetes: a clinical perspective

Francesco Paneni1, Sarah Costantino, Massimo Volpe

  • 1Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Physiology and University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.

Atherosclerosis
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic complications persist despite treatments. Epigenetic changes, like DNA methylation, are key to understanding and potentially treating vascular disease in diabetes by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetic complications, particularly vascular disease, remain a significant challenge despite current multifactorial interventions.
  • Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized as crucial factors influencing vascular complications in diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of epigenetic signatures in the development of vascular disease in diabetic patients.
  • To discuss the potential of targeting epigenetic modifications for therapeutic interventions against diabetic vascular complications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenetics and diabetic vascular disease.
  • Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation.
  • Discussion of specific genes (e.g., p66Shc, NF-kB p65) involved in diabetes-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation, dysregulate oxidant and inflammatory genes.
  • These epigenetic changes are linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular disease.
  • Epigenomic analyses are vital for identifying specific epigenetic variations associated with cardiovascular disease in diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic signatures represent important determinants of vascular disease in diabetes.
  • Pharmacological reprogramming of diabetes-induced epigenetic changes offers a promising strategy to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Targeting epigenetic modifications may prevent cardiovascular complications in diabetic individuals.
Keywords:
DiabetesEpigenetic changesOxidative stressVascular risk

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