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Published on: February 7, 2018
Histone Methylation and Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin Yi1,2,3, Qiu-Xia Zhu1,2,3, Xing-Liang Wu1,2,3
1Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
Abstract:
Oxidative stress occurs when ROS overproduction overwhelms the elimination ability of antioxidants. Accumulated studies have found that oxidative stress is regulated by histone methylation and plays a critical role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Targeting the underlying molecular mechanism to alter the interplay of oxidative stress and histone methylation may enable creative and effective therapeutic strategies to be developed against a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Recently, some drugs targeting epigenetic modifiers have been used to treat specific types of cancers. However, the comprehensive signaling pathways bridging oxidative stress and histone methylation need to be deeply explored in the contexts of cardiovascular physiology and pathology before clinical therapies be developed. In the present review, we summarize and update information on the interplay between histone methylation and oxidative stress during the development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic macro- and microvascular pathologies.
Insights
Oxidative stress and histone methylation are key in cardiovascular diseases. Understanding their interplay offers new therapeutic targets for conditions like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Oxidative Stress Research
Background:
- Oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelming antioxidant defenses, is implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
- Histone methylation is increasingly recognized as a regulator of oxidative stress.
- The link between oxidative stress and histone methylation is critical for cardiovascular health and disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between histone methylation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting this molecular mechanism.
- To highlight the need for further research into bridging signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of studies on histone methylation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular contexts.
- Examination of therapeutic implications of epigenetic modifications.
Main Results:
- Histone methylation significantly influences oxidative stress levels in cardiovascular disease development.
- Cardiovascular pathologies including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetic vascular complications are linked to this interplay.
- Epigenetic modifiers show promise as therapeutic targets, similar to cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the interplay between oxidative stress and histone methylation presents novel therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular disorders.
- Further exploration of the comprehensive signaling pathways is essential for clinical translation.
- This review consolidates current knowledge, guiding future research in cardiovascular epigenetics and oxidative stress.
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