Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease associated with high morbidity and mortality in the setting of acute rupture. Recently, advances in surgical and endovascular repair of AAA have been achieved; however, pharmaceutical therapies to prevent AAA expansion and rupture remain lacking. This highlights an ongoing need to improve the understanding the pathological mechanisms that initiate formation, maintain growth, and promote rupture of AAA. Over the past decade, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, have emerged as important regulators of cellular function. Accumulating studies reveal the importance of epigenetic enzymes in the dynamic regulation of key signaling pathways that alter cellular phenotypes and have emerged as major intracellular players in a wide range of biological processes. In this review, we discuss the roles and implications of epigenetic modifications in AAA animal models and their relevance to human AAA pathology.
Highlights
Modifications in Abdominal AorticAortic aneurysms are a relatively common disease characterized by permanent dilation of the aorta with regional specificity [1]
It is worthwhile to mention that this study assessed HDAC9 deletion in atherosclerosis, and whether it plays a role in endothelial cells in Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) remains to be studied
This study showed that miRNA-504, which is upregulated in healthy aortic tissue, is downregulated in AAA tissue and limits p53induced SMC apoptosis
Summary
Aortic aneurysms are a relatively common disease characterized by permanent dilation of the aorta with regional specificity [1]. The lack of effective therapies is associated with an inadequate understanding of the mechanisms that form AAAs. Pathological risk factors for the development of AAAs include both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Through characterization of human tissue samples and animal models, a complex picture of cellular processes has been shown to play pivotal roles in AAA development In this brief review, we will discuss recent findings that provide mechanistic insight into the role of epigenetics in pathological development of AAAs. we will highlight preclinical studies that seek to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these conditions
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