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Ciaccio AM, Tuttolomondo A. Epigenetics of cerebrovascular diseases: an update review of clinical studies. Epigenomics 2024; 16:1043-1055. [PMID: 39072474 PMCID: PMC11404611 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2377947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases, especially stroke, are critical and heterogenous clinical conditions associated with high mortality and chronic disability. Genome-wide association studies reveal substantial stroke heritability, though specific genetic variants account for a minor fraction of stroke risk, suggesting an essential role for the epigenome. Epigenome-wide association studies and candidate gene approaches show that DNA methylation patterns significantly influence stroke susceptibility. Additionally, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNA regulate gene expression in response to ischemic conditions. In this updated review, we summarized the progress of knowledge on epigenetics in the field of ischemic stroke underlying opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Ciaccio
- Internal Medicine & Stroke Care Ward, PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Internal Medicine & Stroke Care Ward, PROMISE Department, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche n.2, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Opare-Addo PA, Sarfo FS, Aikins M, Bediako SA, Ovbiagele B. Epigenetics as a target to mitigate excess stroke risk in people of African ancestry: A scoping review. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107585. [PMID: 38253246 PMCID: PMC11060795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, individuals of African ancestry have a relatively greater stroke preponderance compared to other racial/ethnic groups. The higher prevalence of traditional stroke risk factors in this population, however, only partially explains this longstanding disparity. Epigenetic signatures are transgenerational and could be a plausible therapeutic target to further bend the stroke disparities curve for people of African ancestry. There is, however, limited data on epigenetics and stroke risk in this population. PURPOSE To examine existing evidence and knowledge gaps on the potential contribution of epigenetics to excess stroke risk in people of African ancestry and avenues for mitigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a scoping review of studies published between January 2003 and July 2023, on epigenetics and stroke risk. We then summarized our findings, highlighting the results for people of African ancestry. RESULTS Of 104 studies, there were only 6 studies that specifically looked at epigenetic mechanisms and stroke risk in people of African ancestry. Results of these studies show how patterns of DNA methylation and non-coding RNA interact with lifestyle choices, xenobiotics, and FVIII levels to raise stroke risk in people of African ancestry. However, no studies evaluated epigenetic patterns as actionable targets for the influence of psychosocial stressors or social context and excess stroke risk in this population (versus others). Also, no studies interrogated the role of established or novel therapeutic agents with the potential to reprogram DNA by adding or removing epigenetic markers in people of African ancestry. CONCLUSION Epigenetics potentially offers a promising target for modifying the effects of lifestyle, environmental exposures, and other factors that differentially affect people of African ancestry and place them at relatively greater stroke risk compared to other populations. Studies that precisely assess the pathways by which epigenetic mechanisms modulate population-specific disparities in the risk of stroke are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana; Neurology Division, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, P. O. Box 1934, Kumasi, Ghana.
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Liu Y, Wang L, Yang G, Chi X, Liang X, Zhang Y. Sirtuins: Promising Therapeutic Targets to Treat Ischemic Stroke. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1210. [PMID: 37627275 PMCID: PMC10452362 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability globally, with ischemic stroke (IS) accounting for over 80% of all stroke cases. The pathological process of IS involves numerous signal molecules, among which are the highly conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent enzymes known as sirtuins (SIRTs). SIRTs modulate various biological processes, including cell differentiation, energy metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Importantly, several studies have reported a correlation between SIRTs and IS. This review introduces the general aspects of SIRTs, including their distribution, subcellular location, enzyme activity, and substrate. We also discuss their regulatory roles and potential mechanisms in IS. Finally, we describe the current therapeutic methods based on SIRTs, such as pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacological therapeutic/rehabilitative interventions, epigenetic regulators, potential molecules, and stem cell-derived exosome therapy. The data collected in this study will potentially contribute to both clinical and fundamental research on SIRTs, geared towards developing effective therapeutic candidates for future treatment of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (L.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Liuding Wang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (L.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China;
| | - Xiansu Chi
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (L.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Xiao Liang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (L.W.); (X.C.)
| | - Yunling Zhang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (L.W.); (X.C.)
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Hei C, Zhou Y, Zhang C, Gao F, Cao M, Yuan S, Qin Y, Li PA, Yang X. Rapamycin ameliorates brain damage and maintains mitochondrial dynamic balance in diabetic rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:409-418. [PMID: 35670992 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-01020-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of rapamycin on mitochondrial dynamic balance in diabetic rats subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 78) were treated with high fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection to construct diabetic model in rats. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) of 2 hours was induced and the brains were harvested after 1 and 3 days of reperfusion. Rapamycin was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days prior to and immediately after operation, once a day. The neurological function was assessed, infarct volumes were measured and HE staining as well as immunohistochemistry were performed. The protein of hippocampus was extracted and Western blotting were performed to detect the levels of mTOR, mitochondrial dynamin related proteins (DRP1, p-DRP1, OPA1), SIRT3, and Nix/BNIP3L. Diabetic hyperglycemia worsened the neurological function performance (p < 0.01), enlarged infarct size (p < 0.01) and increased ischemic neuronal cell death (p < 0.01). The increased damage was associated with elevations of p-mTOR, p-S6, and p-DRP1; and suppressions of SIRT3 and Nix/BNIP3L. Rapamycin ameliorated diabetes-enhanced ischemic brain damage and reversed the biomarker alterations caused by diabetes. High glucose activated mTOR pathway and caused mitochondrial dynamics toward fission. The protective effect of rapamycin against diabetes-enhanced ischemic brain damage was associated with inhibiting mTOR pathway, redressing mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, and elevating SIRT3 and Nix/BNIP3L expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Hei
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory for Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yujia Zhou
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Furong Gao
- Medical Audit Department, Medical Security Bureau of Jiaxiang County, Jining, China
| | - Meiling Cao
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shilin Yuan
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yixin Qin
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - P Andy Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute Technology Enterprise (BRITE), College of Health and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiao Yang
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.
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Bhagat R, Marini S, Romero JR. Genetic considerations in cerebral small vessel diseases. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1080168. [PMID: 37168667 PMCID: PMC10164974 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1080168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) encompasses a broad clinical spectrum united by pathology of the small vessels of the brain. CSVD is commonly identified using brain magnetic resonance imaging with well characterized markers including covert infarcts, white matter hyperintensities, enlarged perivascular spaces, and cerebral microbleeds. The pathophysiology of CSVD is complex involving genetic determinants, environmental factors, and their interactions. While the role of vascular risk factors in CSVD is well known and its management is pivotal in mitigating the clinical effects, recent research has identified novel genetic factors involved in CSVD. Delineating genetic determinants can promote the understanding of the disease and suggest effective treatments and preventive measures of CSVD at the individual level. Here we review CSVD focusing on recent advances in the genetics of CSVD. The knowledge gained has advanced understanding of the pathophysiology of CSVD, offered promising early results that may improve subtype identification of small vessel strokes, has led to additional identification of mendelian forms of small vessel strokes, and is getting closer to influencing clinical care through pharmacogenetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riwaj Bhagat
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sandro Marini
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - José R. Romero
- Department of Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- NHLBI’s Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: José R. Romero,
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Monsour M, Gordon J, Lockard G, Alayli A, Elsayed B, Connolly J, Borlongan CV. Minor Changes for a Major Impact: A Review of Epigenetic Modifications in Cell-Based Therapies for Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13106. [PMID: 36361891 PMCID: PMC9656972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes in stroke may revolutionize cell-based therapies aimed at reducing ischemic stroke risk and damage. Epigenetic changes are a novel therapeutic target due to their specificity and potential for reversal. Possible targets for epigenetic modification include DNA methylation and demethylation, post-translational histone modification, and the actions of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs. Many of these epigenetic modifications have been reported to modulate atherosclerosis development and progression, ultimately contributing to stroke pathogenesis. Furthermore, epigenetics may play a major role in inflammatory responses following stroke. Stem cells for stroke have demonstrated safety in clinical trials for stroke and show therapeutic benefit in pre-clinical studies. The efficacy of these cell-based interventions may be amplified with adjunctive epigenetic modifications. This review advances the role of epigenetics in atherosclerosis and inflammation in the context of stroke, followed by a discussion on current stem cell studies modulating epigenetics to ameliorate stroke damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Monsour
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Jonah Gordon
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Gavin Lockard
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Adam Alayli
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Bassel Elsayed
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Jacob Connolly
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33602, USA
| | - Cesar V. Borlongan
- Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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The Role of DNA Methylation in Stroke Recovery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810373. [PMID: 36142283 PMCID: PMC9499691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations affect the onset of ischemic stroke, brain injury after stroke, and mechanisms of poststroke recovery. In particular, DNA methylation can be dynamically altered by maintaining normal brain function or inducing abnormal brain damage. DNA methylation is regulated by DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), which promotes methylation, DNA demethylase, which removes methyl groups, and methyl-cytosine–phosphate–guanine-binding domain (MBD) protein, which binds methylated DNA and inhibits gene expression. Investigating the effects of modulating DNMT, TET, and MBD protein expression on neuronal cell death and neurorepair in ischemic stroke and elucidating the underlying mechanisms can facilitate the formulation of therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and promotion of neuronal recovery after stroke. In this review, we summarize the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and neuronal recovery after stroke according to the current knowledge regarding the effects of DNA methylation on excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and recovery after ischemic stroke. This review of the literature regarding the role of DNA methylation in neuroprotection and functional recovery after stroke may contribute to the development and application of novel therapeutic strategies for stroke.
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Liu Y, Huang H, Li Y, Cui J, Tong T, Yang H, Liu Y. Development of a Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Facial Swelling in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia by Facial Image Processing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:737662. [PMID: 35280882 PMCID: PMC8907595 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.737662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A quantitative method for the evaluation of facial swelling in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established using a mathematical method for the first time. The rat model of MCAO was established via bilateral common carotid artery ligation. Three groups of rats with the same baseline were selected (model group, positive drug group, and control group) according to their behavioral score and body weight 24 h after surgery. Drug administration was initiated on post-MCAO day 8 and was continued for 28 days. Mobile phones were used to collect facial images at different time points after surgery. In facial image analysis, the outer canthi of both eyes were used as the facial dividing line, and the outer edge of the rat's face was framed using the marking method, and the framed part was regarded as the facial area (S) of the rats. The histogram created with Photoshop CS5 was used to measure the face area in pixels. The distance between the outer canthi of both eyes (Le) and vertical line from the tip of the nose to the line joining the eyes was recorded as H1, and the line from the tip of the nose to the midpoint of the line joining the eyes was recorded as H2. The facial area was calibrated based on the relationship between H1 and H2. The distance between the eyes was inversely proportional to the distance between the rats and mobile phone such that the face area was calibrated by unifying Le. The size of Le between the eyes was inversely proportional to the distance between the rats and mobile phone. This was used to calibrate the face area. When compared with the control group, the facial area of the model group gradually increased from postoperative day 1 to day 7, and there was a significant difference in the facial area of the model group on postoperative day 7. Hence, positive drugs exhibited the effect of improving facial swelling. H1 and H2 can reflect the state of turning the head and raising the head of the rats, respectively. Facial area was calibrated according to the relationship between H1 and H2, which had no obvious effect on the overall conclusion. Furthermore, mobile phone lens was used to capture the picture of rat face, and the distance between the eyes and H1 and H2 was used to calibrate the facial area. Hence, this method is convenient and can be used to evaluate subjective judgment of the human eyes via a quantitative method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Liu
- National Clinical Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Second Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Beijing Duan-Dian Pharmaceutical Research & Development Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Yiwen Li
- National Clinical Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Cui
- National Clinical Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tiejun Tong
- Department of Mathematics, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Medical Experimental Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongjun Yang
| | - Yue Liu
- National Clinical Research Centre for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Yue Liu
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