Blood-Based DNA Methylation Biomarkers to Identify Risk and Progression of Cardiovascular Disease

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of mortality, with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) responsible for 50% of NCD deaths.
• CVD onset can precede clinical symptoms, necessitating research into underlying molecular changes for early intervention.
• Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, act as crucial links between genetic, environmental, and disease phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on blood-based DNA methylation alterations and their association with CVD in humans.
• To identify promising differentially methylated genes as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for CVD.
• To discuss limitations and future directions for DNA methylation research in CVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating DNA methylation and CVD.
• Analysis of differentially methylated genes implicated in CVD pathogenesis.
• Synthesis of findings regarding the role of DNA methylation in early CVD events.

Main Results:

• Numerous studies implicate DNA methylation in the early stages of CVD development.
• Specific differentially methylated genes show potential as blood-based biomarkers for CVD diagnosis and prognosis.
• Epigenetic screening in asymptomatic individuals may aid early CVD detection and treatment response prediction.

Conclusions:

• Blood-based DNA methylation alterations are increasingly recognized as important in CVD pathogenesis.
• Further research and replication in diverse populations are needed to validate CVD biomarker candidates.
• Addressing methodological limitations is crucial for advancing DNA methylation-based CVD diagnostics and therapeutics.