International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 132-143 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 132 Feature Review Open Access Epigenetic Biomarkers in Patients with Hypertensive Heart Disease Jianli Zhong Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: zhongjianli@hibio.org International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijmms.2024.14.0016 Received: 09 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 12 May, 2024 Published: 22 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhong, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhong J.L., 2024, Epigenetic biomarkers in patients with hypertensive heart disease, International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 14(2): 132-143 (doi: 10.5376/ijmms.2024.14.0016) Abstract This study explores the role of epigenetic biomarkers in patients with hypertensive heart disease (HHD). The research identifies that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of HHD. Specific biomarkers like miR-21 and LAPTM5 have shown potential in diagnosing and prognosticating HHD. These biomarkers not only aid in early detection but also provide deep insights into disease mechanisms, facilitating the development of personalized treatments. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating epigenetic data with clinical parameters to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. Despite the promising findings, further large-scale, multicenter studies are needed to validate these biomarkers and explore their applicability across diverse populations and clinical settings. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of advanced technologies, epigenetic biomarkers hold significant promise for the prevention and management of HHD. Keywords Hypertensive heart disease; Epigenetic biomarkers; DNA methylation; Non-coding RNAs; Personalized medicine 1 Introduction Hypertensive Heart Disease (HHD) refers to heart conditions caused by high blood pressure, including heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Chronic hypertension leads to an increased workload on the heart, which can cause structural changes such as thickening of the heart muscle (LVH), enlargement of the heart chambers, and ultimately heart failure if left untreated. These changes reduce the efficiency of the heart's pumping ability, leading to inadequate blood supply to organs and tissues (Khalique and Bello, 2019). Additionally, HHD is a major risk factor for sudden cardiac death and other cardiovascular events. The prevalence of HHD continues to rise globally, paralleling increases in hypertension rates, especially in aging populations and those with poor lifestyle habits. Effective management and early diagnosis are essential to prevent the progression of HHD. This can include lifestyle changes, medication to control blood pressure, and monitoring for early signs of cardiac damage. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications (Shenasa and Shenasa, 2017). Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence itself. These changes can affect how genes are turned on or off and can have significant implications for health and disease. Major epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modification, and the expression of non-coding RNAs. DNA methylation involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA, typically acting to repress gene transcription. Histone modifications can either condense or relax DNA structure, thereby influencing gene expression (Tsioufis et al., 2019). Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, can regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental factors, lifestyle, and disease states, making them crucial for understanding complex diseases like HHD. In cardiovascular diseases, epigenetic modifications can affect heart development, response to injury, and disease progression. These changes can be reversible, offering potential for new therapeutic strategies. The study of epigenetic biomarkers in HHD aims to uncover how these molecular changes can be used to diagnose the disease early, predict its progression, and develop personalized treatments (Muka et al., 2016).
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