CDKN2B Methylation and Aortic Arch Calcification in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Epigenetics

Background:

• The CDKN2A/2B gene locus at chromosome 9p21 is implicated in atherosclerosis and arterial calcification.
• DNA methylation of CDKN2A/2B may mediate this association by altering gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between CDKN2A/2B DNA methylation and aortic arch calcification (AAC) in patients with ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• DNA methylation levels of CDKN2A/2B were analyzed in blood samples from 322 ischemic stroke patients.
• 36 CpG sites in the promoter regions of CDKN2A/2B were examined.
• Aortic arch calcification (AAC) was quantified using Agatston scores from computed tomography angiography.

Main Results:

• Aortic arch calcification (AAC) was present in 77.0% of patients.
• Patients with AAC exhibited significantly higher CDKN2B methylation levels compared to those without AAC (5.72 vs. 4.94, P < 0.001).
• A positive correlation was found between CDKN2B methylation levels and AAC severity (β=0.275±0.116, P=0.018).

Conclusions:

• Elevated DNA methylation of CDKN2B is associated with an increased risk of aortic arch calcification (AAC).
• Further research is needed to elucidate the causal mechanisms linking CDKN2B methylation and AAC.