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Published on: June 12, 2013

Epigenetic regulation in monocyte/macrophage: A key player during atherosclerosis

Su-Jie Jia1,2, Ke-Qin Gao2, Ming Zhao1

  • 1Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Cardiovascular Therapeutics
|April 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetics significantly influences atherosclerosis by regulating monocyte and macrophage functions. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms offers new therapeutic targets for this chronic inflammatory disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by monocyte and macrophage activity.
  • The precise regulatory mechanisms governing monocyte and macrophage function in atherosclerosis remain incompletely understood.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms are emerging as critical regulators in cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic regulation in monocyte and macrophage differentiation and activation.
  • To elucidate how epigenetic modifications contribute to the inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis.
  • To identify potential novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Analysis of studies investigating monocyte and macrophage biology in atherosclerosis.
  • Synthesis of current evidence on epigenetic regulation in cardiovascular inflammation.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone modification, play a crucial role in modulating monocyte and macrophage phenotypes.
  • These epigenetic changes directly impact inflammatory responses and cellular functions relevant to atherosclerosis development.
  • Evidence highlights the significant contribution of epigenetics to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic regulation is a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
  • Targeting epigenetic pathways in monocytes and macrophages presents a promising strategy for atherosclerosis treatment.
  • Further research into epigenetic biomarkers could improve atherosclerosis diagnosis and management.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisEpigeneticsInflammationMacrophageMonocyte

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