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Xi C, Palani C, Takezaki M, Shi H, Horuzsko A, Pace BS, Zhu X. Simvastatin-Mediated Nrf2 Activation Induces Fetal Hemoglobin and Antioxidant Enzyme Expression to Ameliorate the Phenotype of Sickle Cell Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:337. [PMID: 38539870 PMCID: PMC10968127 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a pathophysiological condition of chronic hemolysis, oxidative stress, and elevated inflammation. The transcription factor Nrf2 is a master regulator of oxidative stress. Here, we report that the FDA-approved oral agent simvastatin, an inhibitor of hydroxymethyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, significantly activates the expression of Nrf2 and antioxidant enzymes. Simvastatin also induces fetal hemoglobin expression in SCD patient primary erythroid progenitors and a transgenic mouse model. Simvastatin alleviates SCD symptoms by decreasing hemoglobin S sickling, oxidative stress, and inflammatory stress in erythroblasts. Particularly, simvastatin increases cellular levels of cystine, the precursor for the biosynthesis of the antioxidant reduced glutathione, and decreases the iron content in SCD mouse spleen and liver tissues. Mechanistic studies suggest that simvastatin suppresses the expression of the critical histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 to reduce both global and gene-specific histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation. These chromatin structural changes promote the assembly of transcription complexes to fetal γ-globin and antioxidant gene regulatory regions in an antioxidant response element-dependent manner. In summary, our findings suggest that simvastatin activates fetal hemoglobin and antioxidant protein expression, modulates iron and cystine/reduced glutathione levels to improve the phenotype of SCD, and represents a therapeutic strategy for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Xi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (C.X.); (C.P.)
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA (A.H.)
| | - Chithra Palani
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (C.X.); (C.P.)
| | - Mayuko Takezaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (C.X.); (C.P.)
| | - Huidong Shi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA (A.H.)
| | - Anatolij Horuzsko
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA (A.H.)
| | - Betty S. Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (C.X.); (C.P.)
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA (A.H.)
| | - Xingguo Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (C.X.); (C.P.)
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA (A.H.)
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Wołowiec A, Wołowiec Ł, Grześk G, Jaśniak A, Osiak J, Husejko J, Kozakiewicz M. The Role of Selected Epigenetic Pathways in Cardiovascular Diseases as a Potential Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13723. [PMID: 37762023 PMCID: PMC10531432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813723] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is a rapidly developing science that has gained a lot of interest in recent years due to the correlation between characteristic epigenetic marks and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Epigenetic modifications contribute to a change in gene expression while maintaining the DNA sequence. The analysis of these modifications provides a thorough insight into the cardiovascular system from its development to its further functioning. Epigenetics is strongly influenced by environmental factors, including known cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and low physical activity. Similarly, conditions affecting the local microenvironment of cells, such as chronic inflammation, worsen the prognosis in cardiovascular diseases and additionally induce further epigenetic modifications leading to the consolidation of unfavorable cardiovascular changes. A deeper understanding of epigenetics may provide an answer to the continuing strong clinical impact of cardiovascular diseases by improving diagnostic capabilities, personalized medical approaches and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. The aim of the study was to present selected epigenetic pathways, their significance in cardiovascular diseases, and their potential as a therapeutic target in specific medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wołowiec
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Biochemistry and Biogerontology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Łukasz Wołowiec
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Grześk
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Albert Jaśniak
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Joanna Osiak
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Jakub Husejko
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kozakiewicz
- Department of Geriatrics, Division of Biochemistry and Biogerontology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
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Gorica E, Mohammed SA, Ambrosini S, Calderone V, Costantino S, Paneni F. Epi-Drugs in Heart Failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:923014. [PMID: 35911511 PMCID: PMC9326055 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.923014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unveiling the secrets of genome’s flexibility does not only foster new research in the field, but also gives rise to the exploration and development of novel epigenetic-based therapies as an approach to alleviate disease phenotypes. A better understanding of chromatin biology (DNA/histone complexes) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has enabled the development of epigenetic drugs able to modulate transcriptional programs implicated in cardiovascular diseases. This particularly applies to heart failure, where epigenetic networks have shown to underpin several pathological features, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and microvascular dysfunction. Targeting epigenetic signals might represent a promising approach, especially in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where prognosis remains poor and breakthrough therapies have yet to be approved. In this setting, epigenetics can be employed for the development of customized therapeutic approaches thus paving the way for personalized medicine. Even though the beneficial effects of epi-drugs are gaining attention, the number of epigenetic compounds used in the clinical practice remains low suggesting that more selective epi-drugs are needed. From DNA-methylation changes to non-coding RNAs, we can establish brand-new regulations for drug targets with the aim of restoring healthy epigenomes and transcriptional programs in the failing heart. In the present review, we bring the timeline of epi-drug discovery and development, thus highlighting the emerging role of epigenetic therapies in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Era Gorica
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Shafeeq A Mohammed
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Samuele Ambrosini
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Cardiology, University Heart Center, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Ageing affects subtelomeric DNA methylation in blood cells from a large European population enrolled in the MARK-AGE study. GeroScience 2021; 43:1283-1302. [PMID: 33870444 PMCID: PMC8190237 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ageing leaves characteristic traces in the DNA methylation make-up of the genome. However, the importance of DNA methylation in ageing remains unclear. The study of subtelomeric regions could give promising insights into this issue. Previously reported associations between susceptibility to age-related diseases and epigenetic instability at subtelomeres suggest that the DNA methylation profile of subtelomeres undergoes remodelling during ageing. In the present work, this hypothesis has been tested in the context of the European large-scale project MARK-AGE. In this cross-sectional study, we profiled the DNA methylation of chromosomes 5 and 21 subtelomeres, in more than 2000 age-stratified women and men recruited in eight European countries. The study included individuals from the general population as well as the offspring of nonagenarians and Down syndrome subjects, who served as putative models of delayed and accelerated ageing, respectively. Significant linear changes of subtelomeric DNA methylation with increasing age were detected in the general population, indicating that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes are typical signs of ageing. Data also show that, compared to the general population, the dynamics of age-related DNA methylation changes are attenuated in the offspring of centenarian, while they accelerate in Down syndrome individuals. This result suggests that subtelomeric DNA methylation changes reflect the rate of ageing progression. We next attempted to trace the age-related changes of subtelomeric methylation back to the influence of diverse variables associated with methylation variations in the population, including demographics, dietary/health habits and clinical parameters. Results indicate that the effects of age on subtelomeric DNA methylation are mostly independent of all other variables evaluated.
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Mohammadzadeh N, Montecucco F, Carbone F, Xu S, Al-Rasadi K, Sahebkar A. Statins: Epidrugs with effects on endothelial health? Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13388. [PMID: 32854143 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic events involving the methylation of CpG cites in DNA, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs correlated with many essential processes in human cells and diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)-the LDL cholesterol-lowering drugs-are broadly used in cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases. It is well established that statins exert pleiotropic functions, but how they exert effects on epigenetic modifications independently of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition is not yet clear. Thereby, understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for further clinical application of statin therapy. DESIGN Following and electronic database search, studies reporting substantial effects of statins on epigenetic reprogramming in both cultured cells and in vivo models were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in cellular development and function, and data collected in the past few years have revealed that many of the pleiotropic properties of statins are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, those 'nonclassical' effects are not limited to CV field but they would extend to other conditions such as malignancies. CONCLUSION This review suggests that the epigenetic effects of statins mediate, at least in part, the pleiotropic actions of these drugs but further validation of such effects in clinical studies is yet to be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy.,First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Carbone
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy.,First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Suowen Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland
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Mangge H, Herrmann M, Almer G, Zelzer S, Moeller R, Horejsi R, Renner W. Telomere shortening associates with elevated insulin and nuchal fat accumulation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6863. [PMID: 32322021 PMCID: PMC7176638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63916-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and relative leucocyte telomere length (RTL) are both linked to accelerated aging and premature mortality. We examined if nuchal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness, a surrogate marker of central trunk-weighted obesity, is an independent predictor of RTL that provides information beyond BMI, metabolic and inflammatory markers. RTL and nuchal SAT thickness were determined in 362 participants of the STYJOBS/EDECTA study (STYrian Juvenile Obesity Study, Early DEteCTion of atherosclerosis), which included overweight individuals and matched eutrophic controls. Fasting plasma samples were used for the measurement of leptin, resistin, adiponectin, glucose, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), liver enzymes, creatinine, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, homocysteine and uric acid. Furthermore, all participants underwent carotid artery ultrasound. Obese individuals had markedly higher body mass index (BMI), nuchal SAT thickness, hip and waist circumferences and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) than eutrophic controls. In addition, they showed typical biochemical abnormalities related to energy metabolism, systemic inflammation and liver function. RTL was inversely correlated with nuchal SAT thickness, IMT, hs-CRP, alkaline phosphatase, insulin, resistin, and leptin. Positive correlations were seen with homocysteine and creatinine. Stepwise linear regression analyses identified nuchal SAT thickness and insulin as the only significant predictors of RTL. In conclusion, nuchal SAT thickness is a robust predictor of RTL that provides information beyond traditional obesity-related metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. This suggests an important role of fat depots at the neck for accelerated telomere shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gunter Almer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sieglinde Zelzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Reinhard Moeller
- Otto Loewi Research Center (for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Renate Horejsi
- Otto Loewi Research Center (for Vascular Biology, Immunology and Inflammation), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wilfried Renner
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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