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Updated: Jan 29, 2026

In Silico Clinical Trials for Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: May 27, 2022
Epigenetic Regulation and Molecular Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review of Recent Advances and
Ewelina Młynarska1, Kinga Bojdo1, Anna Bulicz1
1Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with growing evidence indicating that epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in their onset and progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on the epigenetic regulation and molecular mechanisms involved in CVDs, as well as their potential therapeutic implications. The findings demonstrate that DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are key regulators of gene expression associated with cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Interactions between epigenetic alterations and inflammatory or oxidative stress pathways further contribute to endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and RNA-based therapeutics, show promising cardioprotective effects in experimental and early clinical studies. Overall, this review underscores the significance of epigenetic regulation in cardiovascular pathophysiology and highlights the potential of epigenetic-based interventions as a foundation for precision medicine and novel therapeutic approaches in cardiology.
Insights
Epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications are crucial in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Targeting these epigenetic factors offers promising new therapies for heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of mortality.
- Epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly recognized for their role in CVD development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of epigenetic regulation in CVDs.
- To explore molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications of epigenetics in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on epigenetics and cardiovascular diseases.
- Analysis of studies on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in CVD models.
- Examination of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic pathways.
Main Results:
- DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs are key regulators of gene expression in cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.
- Epigenetic alterations interact with inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, impacting endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling.
- Emerging epigenetic therapies, including HDAC and DNMT inhibitors, show potential cardioprotective effects.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic regulation is significantly implicated in cardiovascular pathophysiology.
- Epigenetic-based interventions represent a promising avenue for precision medicine and novel therapeutic approaches in cardiology.
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