New Epigenetic Markers of Age-Dependent Changes in the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases remain a predominant global cause of mortality, with a noteworthy rise in the risk of morbidity with advancing age. Besides, it accompanied by a phenomenon of disease rejuvenation in the circulatory system. Currently, epigenetic modifications play a key role in the genesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), influencing the complex interaction between genotype and phenotype variability. Consequently, delving into the realm of epigenetic markers offers a promising avenue to unravel the molecular underpinnings of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. This study endeavors to pinpoint epigenetic markers intricately linked with age-related transformations in the cardiovascular system. The study revealed a robust correlation with age for two cardiological parameters: R wave tension in the augmented left arm lead (RaVL) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Moreover, these parameters exhibited a strong correlation with the DNA methylation level of 21 CpG-sites (CpGs) examined through the Illumina EPIC array. Notably, the majority of these identified CpG-sites are affiliated with genes involved in the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.