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Global Translational Medicine Epigenetics on cardiovascular diseases

H3K27 in VSMCs from atherosclerotic lesions, correlating regarding the standardization of collected samples from
with the degree of plaque damage. Furthermore, H3K9 pathology departments. Issues related to sample firmness,
and H3K27 methylation were markedly decreased magnitude, and coherence present challenges that need to
in atherosclerotic plaques, further highlighting their be addressed to ensure the reliability and applicability of
association with disease severity . Yang et al. emphasize findings .
[72]
[73]
[78]
the importance of histone methylation and explore the
effects of histone methyltransferases and demethylases 3.3.1. Small noncoding ribonucleic acids (microRNAs
on the pathogenesis of CVDs. They also discuss the or miRNAs)
therapeutic potential of inhibitors of histone methylation MiRNAs constitute a group of approximately 21- to
and demethylation in the context of CVDs. 25-nucleotide small RNAs that exert negative control
over gene expression at the post-transcriptional stage,
3.3. Non-coding ribonucleic acids
significantly enhancing our understanding of complex
The ncRNAs are transcribed from the genome and gene regulatory networks . However, careful attention
[79]
function at the RNA level without being translated into is required, as miRNAs typically target multiple mRNAs
proteins. Representing a diverse category of molecules, from various genes, and each gene can be targeted
ncRNAs play roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and by multiple miRNAs. The complexity of this network
metabolism . Their significance, especially in relation to demands thorough scrutiny before a specific miRNA can be
[74]
mRNA’s fundamental role in overseeing gene functioning, considered a reliable biomarker for a disease . Extensive
[80]
has reshaped our understanding of cellular processes. reviews have covered the biogenesis, identification,
Epigenetic regulation relies on the mechanisms of ncRNAs, mechanism of action, and degradation pathways of
which vary in size from very small 22-nucleotide miRNAs miRNAs [81,82] . While the operative number of miRNAs in
to transcripts exceeding 200 nucleotides (lncRNA). These humans ranges from 556 to 758, the functionally active
molecules participate in translation and gene regulation, ones expressed at adequately high levels in tissue are more
with established communication between ncRNAs and limited. In the cardiovascular system, 150 miRNAs are
other epigenetic factors. Furthermore, ncRNAs serve as operative, and this number is further restricted to 30–35
dominant post-transcriptional mechanistic regulators miRNAs in experimental in vivo models [83-85] . MiRNAs
of mRNA throughout all stages of atherosclerosis [2,75,76] . regulate gene expression by inhibiting translation through
The emergence of epigenetic biomarkers in CVDs the repression or degradation of targeted mRNAs at the
has revolutionized personalized medicine, enhancing post-transcriptional level [86-88] . Dysregulated expression
diagnostic and prognostic capabilities, and predicting of miRNAs is associated with various cellular processes,
the risk of future comorbidities . Within atherosclerotic including hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, DM, and
[52]
lesions and circulation, specific ncRNAs or clusters CVDs . In a study by Kong et al. involving 326 patients
[89]
[88]
of ncRNAs have been identified as therapeutic targets with DM and 342 healthy controls in a northern Chinese
or biomarkers for atherosclerotic plaque progression. Han population, the CC genotype of rs4705342 was found
Clinicopathological discoveries, alongside studies in to increase the expression of miRNA-143, potentially
animal models, have elucidated the effects of ncRNAs acting as a risk factor for DM. However, the relationship
on the formation and progression of atherosclerosis . between circulating and tissue miRNAs remains unclear,
[2]
Macvanin et al. address the increasing prevalence of as many surveys reveal that miRNA levels in the blood may
[77]
diabetes mellitus (DM) and CVDs worldwide, highlighting not accurately reflect alterations in tissue levels, given that
numerous regulatory ncRNAs associated with these miRNAs can also be produced by immune cells .
[90]
conditions. NcRNAs are also explored as prognostic
biomarkers and potential therapeutic elements for DM and (a) miRNAs in atherosclerosis
CVDs. MiRNAs hold promise as stable molecular biomarkers
The scientific expertise in the field of ncRNAs and potential drug targets, with modifications tailored
encounters certain limitations, primarily stemming to specific tissues or diseases. However, the current
from the absence of multicenter surveys with persuasive literature lacks extensive records on miRNA expression
verification for clinical applicability. The possibility of in human atherosclerosis, and the role of miRNAs
diverse formations containing various ncRNAs and other in human atherosclerotic arteries remains largely
[91]
biomarkers suggested that, with the help of AI, more specific undefined . In a mouse model featuring proatherogenic
diagnostic and prognostic procedures for CVDs may be apoE mice, the presence of miRNA-217 was associated
-/-
developed . Selecting a cluster of biomarkers for a specific with diminished nitric oxide production and increased
[48]
CVD poses a challenge, compounded by uncertainties endothelial dysfunction, suggesting therapeutic potential
Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/gtm.1868