Epigenetic mechanisms of hyperglycemic memory.
Recently the concept emerged that prolonged exposure to altered metabolic conditions, including hyperglycemia, may epigenetically imprint human cells permitting vertical or horizontal transfer to "descendants". Although mechanistically ill understood, the hyperglycemic/epigenetic memory may represent one of the major limitations for the application of cell therapy to treatment of chronic heart disease where a relatively prolonged period of ex vivo cellular expansion is required. Hyperglycemic memory, in fact, seems to contribute to the establishment of an epigenetic "reminiscence" of the altered metabolic state, to which, cells from diseased bodies have been exposed. This review summarizes the most relevant concepts and observations about the mechanisms underlying the onset of stable information inside the epigenome leading to the development of a diseased phenotype. Special attention is given to epigenetic drugs and how they have been used in experimental, preclinical and clinical settings to treat dysmetabolism, diabetes and their complications.
Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany. Electronic address: pitini@hotmail.it.
Chiara
C
Cencioni
Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany. Electronic address: fspallotta@gmail.com.
Francesco
F
Spallotta
Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy. Electronic address: greco.simona@gmail.com.
Simona
S
Greco
Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy. Electronic address: fabio.martelli@grupposandonato.it.
Fabio
F
Martelli
Internal Medicine Clinic III, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany. Electronic address: zeiher@em.uni-frankfurt.de.
Andreas M
AM
Zeiher
Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60596, Germany. Electronic address: gaetano@em.uni-frankfurt.de.
Carlo
C
Gaetano
D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*
DNA methylation; Epigenetics; Histone acetylation; Hyperglycemia; Hyperglycemic memory