Epigenetica e patologie cardiometaboliche: nuove prospettive = Epigenetic and cardiometabolic diseases: new perspectives

In recent years the connection between metabolism and epigenetics in cardiometabolic diseases has been highlighted by numerous publications. The availability of metabolites is a crucial factor that affects not only cellular metabolism but also the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, two as- pects that can be altered in cardiometabolic diseases. In fact, epigenome modifiers are enzymes that use as intermediate substrates or cofactors of metabolism. This review emphasizes the importance of epigenetic regulation in metabolic pathologies. In particular, we examine the correlations between epigenetics and obesity and type 2 diabetes, important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Closely interconnected to these pathologies, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is also a metabolic pathology of great importance, and we examine possible relations with epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, we will discuss possible therapeutic approaches based on the remodeling of the “pathological” epigenome and of the metabolism.