DNA甲基化促进血管衰老及相关心脑血管疾病

DNA methylation promotes vascular aging and related cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

摘要:

血管衰老是心脑血管疾病的独立危险因素。DNA甲基化作为一种重要的表观遗传调控机制,通过多种途径参与血管衰老的进程。首先,DNA甲基化可调节氧化应激反应,导致活性氧(ROS)大量生成,进而损伤血管内皮细胞。其次,它还能诱导炎症反应,促进炎症因子释放,破坏血管的稳态平衡。此外,DNA甲基化还可影响端粒与线粒体功能,干扰端粒酶活性及线粒体能量代谢,从而加速血管细胞的衰老进程。这些病理生理机制在体内相互交织、协同作用,共同推动血管衰老,并参与冠心病、高血压、缺血性脑卒中等多种心血管事件的发生发展。因此,DNA甲基化在促进血管衰老中发挥重要作用,成为防治衰老相关心脑血管疾病的重要靶点。

Abstract:

Vascular aging is an independent risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. DNA methylation, as an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism, participates in the process of vascular aging through multiple pathways. First, DNA methylation can regulate the oxidative stress response, leading to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damages vascular endothelial cells. Second, it can also induce inflammatory responses, promote the release of inflammatory factors, and disrupt vascular homeostasis. Furthermore, DNA methylation can affect telomere and mitochondrial function by interfering with telomerase activity and mitochondrial energy metabolism, thereby accelerating the aging process of vascular cells. These pathophysiological mechanisms interact and synergize in vivo, collectively promoting vascular aging and contributing to the development of various cardiovascular events, such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, DNA methylation plays an important role in promoting vascular aging and represents a key target for the prevention and treatment of aging-related cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.