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Global Translational Medicine Epigenetics on cardiovascular diseases

theory and the holistic principle of SB, which analyzes pattern of DNA methylation in different tissues, providing
the structural organization and regulation of biological insights into the regulation of gene expression at the DNA
networks, and (v) the promising potential of artificial or chromatin level or both. The Oxford conference “The
intelligence (AI) to interconnect epigenetic disease-related Many Faces of Epigenetics: Multidisciplinary Perspectives
networks with CVD networks, encompassing clinical ‘over’ Genetics,” held in December 2017, underscored
progression, prediction, and prevention (Figure 1). the transdisciplinary nature of epigenetics, situated at
the crossroads of different fields of study. Epigenetics
2. Epigenetics, ethics, and the holistic intersects Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Philosophy
principle of systems biology of Science, History, and Social and Political Sciences,
offering the opportunity to explore molecular or medical
Systems biology investigates the effects of biological subjects from diverse perspectives. Trans-disciplinary
networks, pathways, and molecular spatial constructions studies in epigenetics can address specific issues requiring
in both single-cellular and multicellular systems, collaboration among experts from different scientific
addressing complex diseases and personalized medicine. areas . Nicolosi and Ruivenkamp argue that the
[18]
[19]
This approach has demonstrated its significance across epigenetic interpretation of life is grounded in the concept
various scientific domains, including philosophy, politics, of the remarkable plasticity of organisms, emphasizing the
environment, economy, social sciences, and humanities. significance of the synergy between organisms and their
In addition, the implication of epigenetics in the conflict environments, with implications for social sciences. Cavalli
between the gene-based reductionist theory and the and Heard analyze the connection between epigenetics
[20]
holistic principle of SB significantly influences the genesis and DNA sequence differences, exploring the entanglement
and progression of complex CVDs. of epigenetics in cellular memory and plasticity, including
intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic
2.1. The emergence of epigenetics
inheritance. Furthermore, the development of drugs related
Originally coined by Conrad Waddington in 1942, the to epigenetics holds promising prospects, potentially
term “epigenetics” was intended to elucidate the causal offering increased specificity, reduced side effects, and
mechanisms through which genes give rise to phenotypic lower drug resistance for patients with CVDs .
[21]
effects . Epigenetics, as defined by Russo et al. ,
[14]
[15]
encompasses heritable changes not explained by the DNA 2.2. Ethical and social implications
sequences. This notion was revised with advancements in Chiapperino , in an invited review published in the British
[22]
molecular research technologies and the recognition of Medical Bulletin (2018), argues that the field of epigenetics
variations in gene expression influenced by environmental within the biosciences has equally inspired biomedical,
factors . In a historical overview, Holliday suggested social sciences, and humanities. Epigenetics does not
[16]
[17]
that the human epigenome proposal would unravel the introduce new ethical issues different from those related

Figure 1. Complexities of CVDs: The implementation of the holistic principle of systems biology on epigenetic modifications to understand the
pathophysiology and clinical course of CVD phenotypes.
Abbreviations: CVD: Cardiovascular diseases; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid.

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/gtm.1868