Abstract

FERNANDEZ GIANOTTI, Tomás  and  PIROLA, Carlos José. Epigenetics and Metabolic Syndrome. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2015, vol.52, n.1, pp.35-44. ISSN 1851-3034.

Epigenetics can be defined as stable and heritable changes in gene expression that are not produced by changes in DNA sequence. The most studied epigenetic modifications are DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. Epigenetic modifications might explain how environmental, nutritional and others factors contribute to the modulation of gene expression and the development of different diseases. Metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of mainly central obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The genetic factors of these diseases are complex, and it is known that genetic susceptibility or resistance backgrounds as well as environmental factors contribute to the development of this syndrome. We have studied the in­volvement of epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. These modifications might play an important role in the development of these diseases in adulthood, and according to our results, they might also predispose an individual from prenatal life. In this review, we describe the main epigenetic modifications, and which could be their role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Understanding how epigenetic modifications act in these diseases could not only help to identify new avenues of treatment but also to establish preventive measures from gestation. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 52:35-44, 2015 No financial conflicts of interest exist.

Keywords : Epigenetics; Metabolic syndrome; DNA methylation; Histone.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )