Published 4 issues per year
ISSN Print: 2155-014X
ISSN Online: 2155-0158
Epigenetics of Arterial Hypertension
ABSTRACT
The literature review summarizes current data on the role of epigenetic effects (DNA methylation, post-translational modification of histones, RNA interference) in the mechanisms of primary arterial hypertension development. The contribution of oxidative stress to violation of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in hypertension has been pointed out, as well as the role of hyperhomocysteinemia (homocysteine is an epigenetic by-product of protein DNA/RNA methylation) in the formation of vascular stiffness. Mechanisms of regulation of cytoprotective function of autophagy are considered. On the basis of epigenetic effects, the following prospects are promising: 1) prevention and treatment of hypertension with the use of resveratrol (it activates SIRT1, reduces oxidative stress, and increases the activity of endothelial NO synthase); folates (they prevent the hypomethylation of DNA); probiotics (affecting the microRNA); melatonin (it reduces dimethylation of the endothelial NO synthase promoter); 2) prevention of disease progression by the use of inhibitors of DNA methylation and autophagy modulators to reduce fibrosis and myocardial hypertrophy.