scholarly journals The vascular epigenome in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes: opportunities for personalized therapies

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. H19-H28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Costantino ◽  
Shafeeq A Mohammed ◽  
Samuele Ambrosini ◽  
Francesco Paneni

Our genetic background provides limited information on individual risk of developing vascular complications overtime. New biological layers, namely epigenetic modifications, are now emerging as potent regulators of gene expression thus leading to altered transcriptional programs and vascular disease phenotypes. Such epigenetic modifications, defined as changes to the genome that do not involve changes in DNA sequence, are generally induced by environmental factors and poor lifestyle habits. Of note, adverse epigenetic signals acquired during life can be transmitted to the offspring thus leading to premature alterations of the epigenetic and transcriptional landscape eventually leading to early endothelial dysfunction and vascular senescence. Modifications of the epigenome play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic disturbances such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. In these patients, changes of DNA methylation and chromatin structure contribute to alter pathways regulating insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, adipogenesis and vascular function. In this perspective, unveiling the ‘epigenetic landscape’ in cardiometabolic patients may help to identify new players implicated in obesity and diabetes-related vascular dysfunction and may pave the way for personalized therapies in this setting. In the present review, we discuss current knowledge of the epigenetic routes implicated in vascular damage and cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic alterations.

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Forst ◽  
Matthias M. Weber ◽  
Andreas Pfützner

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive multisystemic disease accompanied by vascular dysfunction and a tremendous increase in cardiovascular mortality. Numerous adipose-tissue-derived factors and beta cell dysfunction contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with T2DM. Nowadays, numerous pharmacological interventions are available to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Beside more or less comparable glucose lowering efficacy, some of them have shown limited or probably even unfavorable effects on the cardiovascular system and overall mortality. Recently, incretin-based therapies (GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors) have been introduced in the treatment of T2DM. Beside the effects of GLP-1 on insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, and gastrointestinal motility, recent studies suggested a couple of direct cardiovascular effects of GLP-1-based therapies. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview about the current knowledge of direct GLP-1 effects on endothelial and vascular function and potential consequences on the cardiovascular outcome in patients with T2DM treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists or DPP-IV inhibitors.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samira Tajbakhsh ◽  
Kamelya Aliakbari ◽  
Damian J. Hussey ◽  
Karen M. Lower ◽  
Anthony J. Donato ◽  
...  

Vascular dysfunction is an early feature of diabetic vascular disease, due to increased oxidative stress and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. This can lead to endothelial cell senescence and clinical complications such as stroke. Cells can become senescent by shortened telomeres and oxidative stress is known to accelerate telomere attrition. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been linked to vascular health by upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), suppressing oxidative stress, and attenuating telomere shortening. Accelerated leukocyte telomere attrition appears to be a feature of clinical type 2 diabetes (T2D) and therefore the telomere system may be a potential therapeutic target in preventing vascular complications of T2D. However the effect of T2D on vascular telomere length is currently unknown. We hypothesized that T2D gives rise to shortened leukocyte and vascular telomeres alongside reduced vascular SIRT1 expression and increased oxidative stress. Accelerated telomere attrition was observed in circulating leukocytes, but not arteries, in T2D compared to control rats. T2D rats had blunted arterial SIRT1 and eNOS protein expression levels which were associated with reduced antioxidant defense capacity. Our findings suggest that hyperglycemia and a deficit in vascular SIRT1per seare not sufficient to prematurely shorten vascular telomeres.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 3775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar A. Meza ◽  
Justin D. La Favor ◽  
Do-Houn Kim ◽  
Robert C. Hickner

NADPH oxidases (NOX) are enzyme complexes that have received much attention as key molecules in the development of vascular dysfunction. NOX have the primary function of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and are considered the main source of ROS production in endothelial cells. The endothelium is a thin monolayer that lines the inner surface of blood vessels, acting as a secretory organ to maintain homeostasis of blood flow. The enzymatic production of nitric oxide (NO) by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is critical in mediating endothelial function, and oxidative stress can cause dysregulation of eNOS and endothelial dysfunction. Insulin is a stimulus for increases in blood flow and endothelium-dependent vasodilation. However, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are characterized by poor control of the endothelial cell redox environment, with a shift toward overproduction of ROS by NOX. Studies in models of type 2 diabetes demonstrate that aberrant NOX activation contributes to uncoupling of eNOS and endothelial dysfunction. It is well-established that endothelial dysfunction precedes the onset of cardiovascular disease, therefore NOX are important molecular links between type 2 diabetes and vascular complications. The aim of the current review is to describe the normal, healthy physiological mechanisms involved in endothelial function, and highlight the central role of NOX in mediating endothelial dysfunction when glucose homeostasis is impaired.


2005 ◽  
Vol 289 (1) ◽  
pp. H206-H211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Ding ◽  
Andrew G. Howarth ◽  
Malarvannan Pannirselvam ◽  
Todd J. Anderson ◽  
David L. Severson ◽  
...  

The Type 2 diabetic db/ db mouse experiences vascular dysfunction typified by changes in the contraction and relaxation profiles of small mesenteric arteries (SMAs). Contractions of SMAs from the db/ db mouse to the α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) were significantly enhanced, and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxations were significantly depressed. Drug treatment of db/ db mice with a nonthiazolidinedione peroxisome prolifetor-activated receptor-γ agonist and insulin sensitizing agent 2-[2-(4-phenoxy-2-propylphenoxy)ethyl]indole-5-acetic acid (COOH) completely prevented the changes in endothelium-dependent relaxation, but, with the discontinuation of therapy, endothelial dysfunction returned. Dysfunctional SMAs were found to specifically upregulate the expression of a 35-kDa isoform of sarcolemmal membrane-associated protein (SLMAP), which is a component of the excitation-contraction coupling apparatus and implicated in the regulation of membrane function in muscle cells. Real-time PCR revealed high SLMAP mRNA levels in the db/ db microvasculature, which were markedly downregulated during COOH treatment but elevated again when drug therapy was discontinued. These data reveal that the microvasculature in db/ db mice undergoes significant changes in vascular function with the endothelial component of vascular dysfunction specifically correlating with the overexpression of SLMAP. Thus changes in SLMAP expression may be an important indicator for microvascular disease associated with Type 2 diabetes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 185
Author(s):  
Sofia Antoniou ◽  
Katerina K. Naka ◽  
Marios Papadakis ◽  
Aris Bechlioulis ◽  
Dimitrios Makriyiannis ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with impaired vascular function in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (DM2) with and without overt cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ninety-five patients with DM2 and poor glycemic control were recruited and divided into two groups: Group 1, with known CVD (n = 38), and Group 2, without CVD (n = 57). Patients in Group 2 were further subdivided into those with short (<5 years, group 2b) and long (>5 years, group 2a) diabetes duration. Subclinical markers of atherosclerosis were assessed. Glycemic control was similar in the two groups (HbA1c: 9.2% (1.5) vs. 9.4% (1.8), p = 0.44). In Group 1, lower FMD (3.13 (2.16)% vs. 4.7 (3.4)%, p < 0.05) and higher cIMT (1.09 (0.3) mm vs. 0.96 (0.2) mm, p < 0.05) was seen compared with Group 2, whereas PWV was similar (12.1 (3.4) vs. 11.3 (3.0) m/s, p = 0.10). Patients in Group 2b had significantly lower PWV and cIMT and higher FMD compared to Group 1 (p < 0.05). Among patients with poorly controlled T2D, more pronounced vascular dysfunction was present in those with overt macrovascular disease. In patients with T2D without known CVD, vascular dysfunction was associated with disease duration. The use of vascular indices for cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with T2D requires further study.


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 247-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa H. Jones ◽  
Michelle Ficca

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin commonly found on the neck, axilla, or groin and is generally caused by hyperinsulinemia, a consequence of insulin resistance associated with obesity. Insulin resistance is a primary risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Screening for acanthosis nigricans is controversial and not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, some states, such as Texas, are implementing AN screenings in schools to identify those children who are at highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes. With the current epidemics of obesity and diabetes, school nurses will see students in the health office with AN and should be knowledgeable about this skin condition and the association with hyperinsulinemia and obesity. The school nurse’s role is to educate and assist students and their families in seeking appropriate medical advice based on current knowledge of risk factors. This article will explore the controversy associated with screening for AN and make recommendations for school nursing practice.


2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (05) ◽  
pp. 937-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Mi Hwang ◽  
Jin Sook Kim ◽  
Yun Jung Lee ◽  
Jung Joo Yoon ◽  
So Min Lee ◽  
...  

Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of vascular complications such as atherosclerosis. This study was designed to investigate whether Prunella vulgaris (APV) would inhibit diabetic atherosclerosis in db/db mice with type 2 diabetes. The db/db mice were treated with high fat/high cholesterol (HFHC) diet and an aqueous extract of APV (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks to examine the long-term effect on metabolic abnormalities and diabetic atherosclerosis. APV treatment markedly lowered blood glucose and systolic blood pressure. The db/db mice experienced an increase in blood urea nitrogen as well as a decrease of creatinine clearance, the latter of which was restored by treatment with APV. Treatment with APV markedly decreased total plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol and also increased the HDL-cholesterol. In addition, malondialdehyde and TGF-β1 were decreased by treatment of APV. On the other hand, total NO level was decreased in db/db mice. However, the NO level was increased by treatment with APV, suggesting an association with vascular dysfunction. Vascular relaxation of aortic rings by acetylcholine or SNP-inducement was ameliorated by APV in a dose-dependent manner. Damage of vascular intima and hypertrophic of media were observed in db/db mice; however its dysfunction was improved by the treatment of APV. APV treatment significantly reduced the aortic expressions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, ET-1, and nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, expression of eNOS in aortic was remarkably increased by APV treatment. Taken together, APV suppressed hyperglycemia and diabetic vascular dysfunction in HFHC diet-db/db mice. The present data suggest that Prunella vulgaris may prevent development of diabetic atherosclerosis.


2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (6) ◽  
pp. H2743-H2749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamakshi Sachidanandam ◽  
Mostafa M. Elgebaly ◽  
Alex K. Harris ◽  
Jim R. Hutchinson ◽  
Erin M. Mezzetti ◽  
...  

Vascular dysfunction, which presents either as an increased response to vasoconstrictors or an impaired relaxation to dilator agents, results in worsened cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes. We have established that the mesenteric circulation in Type 2 diabetes is hyperreactive to the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET-1) and displays increased nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation. The current study examined the individual and/or the relative roles of the ET receptors governing vascular function in the Goto-Kakizaki rat, a mildly hyperglycemic, normotensive, and nonobese model of Type 2 diabetes. Diabetic and control rats received an antagonist to either the ET type A (ETA; atrasentan; 5 mg·kg−1·day−1) or type B (ETB; A-192621; 15 or 30 mg·kg−1·day−1) receptors for 4 wk. Third-order mesenteric arteries were isolated, and vascular function was assessed with a wire myograph. Maximum response to ET-1 was increased in diabetes and attenuated by ETA antagonism. ETB blockade with 15 mg/kg A-192621 augmented vasoconstriction in controls, whereas it had no further effect on ET-1 hyperreactivity in diabetes. The higher dose of A-192621 showed an ETA-like effect and decreased vasoconstriction in diabetes. Maximum relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was similar across groups and treatments. ETB antagonism at either dose had no effect on vasorelaxation in control rats, whereas in diabetes the dose-response curve to ACh was shifted to the right, indicating a decreased relaxation at 15 mg/kg A-192621. These results suggest that ETA receptor blockade attenuates vascular dysfunction and that ETB receptor antagonism exhibits differential effects depending on the dose of the antagonists and the disease state.


2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  

The prevalence of obesity is increasing world-wide. Obesity is associated with a plethora of metabolic and clinical constraints, which result in a higher risk for the development of cardiovascular complications and metabolic disease, particularly insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is an acknowledged determinant of glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes and accounts for the majority of premature death due to cardiovascular events. Physical exercise is generally recommended in patients with diabetes in order to prevent the development of or reduce existing obesity, as adopted by every international treatment guideline so far. Regular physical exercise has a beneficial impact on body composition, cardiovascular integrity, insulin sensitivity and quality of life. However, only a minority of patients participates in regular physical exercise, due to individual or ­disease-related barriers. In type 2 diabetes, there is robust evidence for beneficial effects of physical exercise on glycemic control, cardiovascular health and the development of diabetes-related long-term complications. In type 1 diabetes and patients treated with insulin, a higher risk for exercise-­related hypoglycemia has to be considered, which requires certain prerequisites and adequate adaptions of insulin ­dosing. Current treatment guidelines do only incompletely address the development of exercise-related hypoglycemia. However, every patient with diabetes should participate in regular physical exercise in order to support and enable ­sufficient treatment and optimal glycemic control.


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