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Global Translational Medicine Epigenetics on cardiovascular diseases

mRNA translation by interacting with miRNA, (ii) serving system, innate immunity, miRNAs, and numerous disease-
as a protein scaffold; circRNAs bind to RNA-binding relevant pathways [137] .
proteins to regulate their function and transport, (iii)
potentially functioning as a molecule for transcriptional 4. Epigenetic changes following
regulation, and (iv) serving as a template for protein environmental exposures and lifestyles
synthesis, engaging in protein translation . CircRNAs Epigenetics is a highly rewarding research area that
[21]
exhibit a multitude of regulatory functions associated integrates epigenetic mechanisms with environmental,
with the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling [127] . With the nutritional inputs, and lifestyle. Consequently, epigenetic
success of high-throughput sequencing technology, it has processes, beyond serving as regulators of DNA expression,
been discovered that circRNAs exhibit stable cell-type- are intricately linked to environmental changes that
specific or tissue-specific expression and participation in influence the genesis and progression of CVDs (Figure 5).
various processes, including the risk of atherosclerotic
vascular disease [128] . CircRNAs have the potential to This association has an impact on personal features and
be biomarkers for CVDs, cancers, and autoimmune qualities, but it also affects the genes of our descendants.
diseases. Recently, there has been speculation about Environmental factors and personal lifestyles contribute
the translational potential of utilizing human blood to disease vulnerability, but the connection between the
circRNAs as liquid biopsy biomarkers for diagnosis above independent exterior risk factors and our genetic
and prognosis [129,130] . Extracellular vesicles (exosomes, mechanisms has been vague. The influence of multiple and
microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies) serve as information diverse epigenetic processes in CVDs is presently under
carriers that regulate intracellular interactions, with investigation, hoping to untangle novel biomarkers and
[8]
their load (circRNAs) being engaged in atherosclerosis. clinical approaches for precision medicine . Furthermore,
Current data emphasize the importance of extracellular the exact involvement of epigenetic factors during the
vesicle-derived circRNAs (EV-circRNAs) in the initiation development and clinical progression of CVDs is not
and progress of atherosclerosis and their potential use well understood [138] . Restricted socioeconomic status
as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic strategies [131] . and economic opportunities, psychosocial tensions, and
Although several software platforms have been developed inadequate education have emerged as social disadvantages
for precise identification, functional prediction, and and CVDs risk factors. The epigenetic patterns and
validation of circRNAs, limited cardiovascular circRNA modifications are represented in cellular memory, could be
studies have used these scientific tools [132] . Nevertheless, reversible, differ between cell types, and promote disease
the importance of circRNAs as regulatory mechanisms in predisposition by inducing prolonged changes in gene
cardiovascular physiology and pathology is recognized, transcription [139] . Complex CVDs have a genetic framework,
with emphasis on the unresolved challenges associated but the eventual phenotypic after-effect relies on the
with circRNAs in the research and treatment of CVDs [133] . patient’s environment and lifestyle; besides, in patients
CircRNAs are linked with various CVDs and accepted as with complex diseases, genomic studies have as yet verified
intracellular effector molecules in various cardiovascular only a small percentage of the risk to be inherited [140] . The
activities or as cardiovascular biomarkers, with recognized absent heritability can partly be interpreted by the presence
interactions with DNA, RNA, and proteins [134] . Dodbele of epigenetic variation. Epigenetic mechanisms are viewed
et al. [135] describe the development of new experimental as important mediating processes between genotype and
procedures, particularly methods for estimating or phenotype variability extending at all stages of CVDs
regulating circRNA expression levels. However, each of development and progression that unlock opportunities
these approaches has inherent limitations and potential for innovative preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic
pitfalls that necessitate careful consideration during strategies. This area of research is largely unexplored and
experiment design and result interpretation. Dodbele may assist in a more constructive conception of molecular
et al. provide guidelines for the reliable identification, mechanisms underlying cardiovascular epigenetics and
[141]
validation, and functional characterization of circRNAs to diseases .
enhance clarity in the field [135] . Exogenously manufactured Münzel et al. [138] state that globally, CVDs patients
circRNAs in vitro can be integrated into cells as therapeutic represent a significant fraction of non-communicable
molecules, either replicating endogenous circRNA or diseases (NCDs). Seventy percentages of the yearly global
designed artificially to modulate gene expression networks deaths can be attributed to NCDs, with most deaths
in vivo [136] . At present, it is understood that the modulation induced by CVDs; the risk of NCDs is firmly connected
of circRNA levels can give rise to a diversity of molecular to environmental stressors and genetic predisposition [138] .
and physiological phenotypes, impacting the nervous The American Heart Association (AHA) determined

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 11 https://doi.org/10.36922/gtm.1868