This scientific review from Molecular Medicine explores the intricate link between diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular complications, focusing on the emerging role of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone alterations. The authors highlight how these heritable changes in gene function, influenced by environmental factors like hyperglycaemia, contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms and the "metabolic memory" seen in diabetic vascular damage. Furthermore, the article discusses potential therapeutic strategies targeting these epigenetic processes, including “epidrugs” like BET inhibitors and the observed epigenetic activity of existing antidiabetic medications, ultimately considering the future of personalised epigenetic therapies for diabetes-related cardiovascular disease.

Research paper:

Damiano, G., Rinaldi, R., Raucci, A. et al. Epigenetic mechanisms in cardiovascular complications of diabetes: towards future therapies. Mol Med 30, 161 (2024).

Click here to read the article

Voiced by NotebookLM

Disclaimer