Epigenetics in the development, modification, and prevention of cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Epigenetics has major relevance to all disease processes; cardiovascular (CV) disease and its related conditions are no exception. Epigenetics is defined as the study of heritable alterations in gene expression, or cellular phenotype, and goes far beyond a pure genetic approach. A more precise definition is that epigenetics represents all the meiotically and mitotically inherited changes in gene expression that are not encoded on the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence itself. Major epigenetic mechanisms are modifications of histone proteins in chromatin and DNA methylation (which does not alter the DNA sequence). There is increasing evidence for the involvement of epigenetics in human disease such as cancer, inflammatory disease and CV disease. Other chronic diseases are also susceptible to epigenetic modification such as metabolic diseases including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. There is much evidence for the modification of epigenetics by nutrition and exercise. Through these modifications, there is infinite potential for benefit for the fetus, the newborn, and the individual as well as population effects. Association with CV disease, including coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, is evident through epigenetic relationships and modification by major CV risk factors such as tobacco abuse. Aging itself may be altered by epigenetic modification. Knowledge of epigenetics and its relevance to the development, modification, and prevention of CV disease is in a very preliminary stage but has an infinite future.

Potential Mechanisms behind Physical Exercise vs. Epigenetic Regulation for Preventing Breast Cancer

“…There is growing evidence suggesting that traits of trainability (the response to exercise training) might depend on epigenetics. Environmental effects, such as nutrition, diet, and exercise can alter epigenetic marks from either DNA methylation or post-translational modifications (acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination) of histones [124]. One particular study suggests an indirect link between exercise and cardiovascular diseases through epigenetic modulation [124].…”

“…Environmental effects, such as nutrition, diet, and exercise can alter epigenetic marks from either DNA methylation or post-translational modifications (acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination) of histones [124]. One particular study suggests an indirect link between exercise and cardiovascular diseases through epigenetic modulation [124]. It has also been reported that the myogenic genes in human skeletal muscle are altered by physical activity [125].…”

“…Although the precise mechanism is not clear, chromatin remodeling through epigenetic histone modification has appeared as a critical regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression in general [125]. Other accumulating data suggest that exercise of moderate intensity causes regulation of redox homeostasis and signaling, including generation of appropriate ROS levels [99,124]. It is still unknown whether these factors might influence tumor progression, apoptosis, and metastasis.…”

Epigenetic effects of selenium and their implications for health

“…Changes to the epigenome are also associated with the onset and progression of cancer 4,5 and other complex diseases like autoimmune diseases, 6 inflammatory bowel diseases, 7 type 2 diabetes, 8 and cardiovascular disease. 9 Causality of most of these associations remains unknown, but in light of the principal alterability of epigenetic marks-in contrast to the largely stable DNA setup of a cell-, targeting the epigenome may provide a promising strategy in disease therapy and prevention. Major determinants of risk and progression of the above-mentioned common diseases are-besides genetic predispositions-environmental factors like lifestyle and diet.…”

The Golden 1,000 Days

“…Epigenetics is the way environment influences the expression of DNA; it does not alter the DNA sequence, but it can be heritable [7], changes include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. Many fine studies have shown the influence of environment on DNA for embryonic development; but also for the future development of obesity or diabetes, for the development of stress responses, of hypertension or cancer.…”