Epigenetic Signatures in Arterial Hypertension: Focus on the Microvasculature

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Epigenetics
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Systemic arterial hypertension (AH) is linked to vascular aging and significant cardiometabolic risks.
• The precise pathogenesis of AH is not fully understood, and effective treatments are limited.
• Epigenetic signals are increasingly recognized for their role in regulating genes involved in vascular remodeling and sympathetic activation in AH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the emerging role of epigenetic modifications in hypertensive-related microvascular disease.
• To explore the cellular and tissue-specific epigenetic changes in endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and perivascular adipose tissue.
• To examine the influence of mechanical and hemodynamic factors, such as shear stress, on these epigenetic alterations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in arterial hypertension.
• Analysis of studies investigating cellular and molecular changes in microvasculature.
• Inclusion of research on the impact of hemodynamic forces on epigenetic regulation.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic changes play a significant role in maladaptive vascular remodeling and cardiometabolic alterations predisposing to AH.
• These epigenetic alterations can have persistent effects on gene dysregulation, often resisting reversal.
• Microvascular dysfunction is a central component of AH, influenced by epigenetic factors across various cell types.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic modifications are crucial in the development and persistence of hypertensive microvascular disease.
• Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms offers potential new therapeutic targets for managing AH.
• The interplay between cellular epigenetic changes and hemodynamic forces is vital in AH pathogenesis.