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Review
. 2022 Oct 18;23(20):12452.
doi: 10.3390/ijms232012452.

Epigenetic Regulation by microRNAs in Hyperhomocysteinemia-Accelerated Atherosclerosis

Affiliations
Review

Epigenetic Regulation by microRNAs in Hyperhomocysteinemia-Accelerated Atherosclerosis

Raquel Griñán et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Increased serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is specifically linked to various diseases of the vasculature such as atherosclerosis. However, the precise mechanisms by which Hcy contributes to this condition remain elusive. During the development of atherosclerosis, epigenetic modifications influence gene expression. As such, epigenetic modifications are an adaptive response to endogenous and exogenous factors that lead to altered gene expression by methylation and acetylation reactions of different substrates and the action of noncoding RNA including microRNAs (miRNAs). Epigenetic remodeling modulates cell biology in both physiological and physiopathological conditions. DNA and histone modification have been identified to have a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis. However, the potential role of miRNAs in hyperHcy (HHcy)-related atherosclerosis disease remains poorly explored and might be essential as well. There is no review available yet summarizing the contribution of miRNAs to hyperhomocystein-mediated atherogenicity or their potential as therapeutic targets even though their important role has been described in numerous studies. Specifically, downregulation of miR-143 or miR-125b has been shown to regulate VSCMs proliferation in vitro. In preclinical studies, downregulation of miR-92 or miR195-3p has been shown to increase the accumulation of cholesterol in foam cells and increase macrophage inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque formation, respectively. Another preclinical study found that there is a reciprocal regulation between miR-148a/152 and DNMT1 in Hcy-accelerated atherosclerosis. Interestingly, a couple of studies have shown that miR-143 or miR-217 may be used as potential biomarkers in patients with HHcy that may develop atherosclerosis. Moreover, the current review will also update current knowledge on miRNA-based therapies, their challenges, and approaches to deal with Hcy-induced atherosclerosis.

Keywords: endothelial cells; hyperhomocysteinemia; macrophages; microRNAs; vascular smooth muscle cells and atherosclerosis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism. Biosynthesis of Hcy occurs through the transmethylation of methionine via three sequential steps. Methionine is the only known source of Hcy and is acquired from diet protein. Metabolism of Hcy is at the intersection of two alternative pathways: it may be re-methylated back to methionine via folate-dependent/independent remethylation pathway or irreversibly degraded to cysteine via transsulfuration pathway. These pathways require vitamin-derived cofactors, including pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12), and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Abbreviations; BHMT, betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase; CBS, cystathionine β-synthase; CSE, cystathionine γ-lyase; MAT, methionine adenosyltransferase; MS, methionine synthase; MT, methyltransferase; MTHFR, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; SAH, S-adenosylhomocysteine; SAHH, S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase; SAM, S-adenosylmethionine; SHMT, serine hydroxymethyltransferase; THF, tetrahydrofolate.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic overview of the underlying mechanisms that mediate the adverse effects of HHcy in CVD. Elevated Hcy levels induce impaired vasodilation, inflammation, and oxidative stress leading to endothelial dysfunction. Oxidative stress can further stimulate platelet activation and apoptosis as well as alter lipoprotein metabolism, resulting in macrophage foam cell formation. Additionally, HHcy promotes the dedifferentiation of VSMCs into a proliferative phenotype, contributing to vascular remodeling. MicroRNAs that could be involved in some of the mechanisms have been also included. In green are those miRNAs that are downregulated and in red upregulated. Abbreviations: ECM, extracellular matrix; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases; NF-κB, Nuclear factor-κB; NO, nitric oxide; oxLDL, oxidized low-density lipoprotein; ROS, reactive oxygen species; VSMCs, vascular smooth muscle cells.

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