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Published on: November 28, 2015
Epigenetic Regulation of Macrophage Polarization in Cardiovascular Diseases
Sumra Komal1, Sheng-Na Han1, Liu-Gen Cui1
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications influence macrophage polarization, a key factor in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Understanding these changes offers potential for new epigenetic therapies to combat heart disease progression and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular biology
- Epigenetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health concern, leading to significant hospitalization and mortality.
- Chronic inflammation and macrophage infiltration are critical in CVD initiation and progression.
- Epigenetic modifications regulate cardiomyocyte functions and macrophage polarization, impacting cardiac disease development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key epigenetic modifications influencing macrophage polarization in CVDs.
- To explore the role of these modifications in cardiac disease pathophysiology.
- To highlight potential epigenetic therapies for CVDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on epigenetic modifications and CVDs.
- Analysis of the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA modifications.
- Examination of cardiac macrophage polarization and its contribution to disease.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic modifications significantly impact cardiomyocyte functions and macrophage polarization.
- These modifications are involved in inflammatory responses, tissue repair, and remodeling in the context of CVDs.
- Specific epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, myocardial injury, and heart failure.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are crucial regulators in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in cardiac macrophages presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Further research into epigenetic therapies could lead to advanced treatments for CVDs.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide, especially in developing countries. The increased prevalence rate and mortality due to CVDs, despite the development of several approaches for prevention and treatment, are alarming trends in global health. Chronic inflammation and macrophage infiltration are key regulators of the initiation and progression of CVDs. Recent data suggest that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and RNA modifications, regulate cell development, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, immunity, calcium signaling, and aging in cardiomyocytes; and are involved in macrophage polarization and contribute significantly to cardiac disease development. Cardiac macrophages not only trigger damaging inflammatory responses during atherosclerotic plaque formation, myocardial injury, and heart failure but are also involved in tissue repair, remodeling, and regeneration. In this review, we summarize the key epigenetic modifications that influence macrophage polarization and contribute to the pathophysiology of CVDs, and highlight their potential for the development of advanced epigenetic therapies.
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