Potential epigenetic therapeutics for atherosclerosis treatment

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Ioana Nicorescu1, Geesje M Dallinga1, Menno P J de Winther2

  • 1Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Atherosclerosis
|October 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are increasingly linked to CVD development and offer potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary global cause of mortality despite extensive research.
  • Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone alterations, are crucial in regulating gene expression.
  • Aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly recognized as contributors to the complex pathology of CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetic alterations in the development of cardiovascular disease.
  • To highlight the potential of epigenetic drugs as a therapeutic strategy for CVD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on epigenetics and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of differential epigenetic profiles (DNA methylation, histone modifications) in CVD-affected tissues and cells.

Main Results:

  • Consistent observation of altered DNA methylation, histone methylation, and acetylation in tissues like aortic lesions, vascular endothelium, and monocytes from CVD patients.
  • Evidence linking aberrant epigenetic modulation to CVD pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic dysregulation plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease development.
  • Epigenetic drugs represent a promising therapeutic avenue for cardiovascular conditions.
Keywords:
AtherosclerosisDNA methylationEpigeneticEpigenetic inhibitorsHistone modificationImmune cellsInflammation

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