Atherosclerosis (AS) manifested by lipid accumulation, extracellular matrix protein deposition, and calcification in the intima and media of the large to medium size arteries promoting arterial stiffness and reduction of elasticity. It has been accepted that AS leads to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies indicated that genetic abnormalities play an important role in the development of AS. Specific genetic mutation and histone modification have been found to induce AS formation. Furthermore, specific RNAs such as microRNAs and circular RNAs have been identified to play a crucial role in the progression of AS. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which genetic mutation, DNA and histone modification, microRNAs and circular RNA induce AS still remain elusive. This review describes specific mechanisms and pathways through which genetic mutation, DNA and histone modification, microRNAs and circular RNA instigate AS. This review further provides a therapeutic strategic direction for the treatment of AS targeting genetic mechanisms.
BackgroundA higher prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in people with diabetes. We investigated the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass profiles and alterations of particle size in CHD patients with diabetes or without diabetes.MethodsPlasma HDL subclasses were quantified in CHD by 1-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunodetection.ResultsAlthough the particle size of HDL tend to small, the mean levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) have achieved normal or desirable for CHD patients with or without diabetes who administered statins therapy. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), TC, LDL-C concentrations, and HDL3 (HDL3b and 3a) contents along with Gensini Score were significantly higher; but those of HDL-C, HDL2b+preβ2, and HDL2a were significantly lower in CHD patients with diabetes versus CHD patients without diabetes; The preβ1-HDL contents did not differ significantly between these groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Gensini Score was significantly and independently predicted by HDL2a, and HDL2b+preβ2.ConclusionsThe abnormality of HDL subpopulations distribution and particle size may contribute to CHD risk in diabetes patients. The HDL subclasses distribution may help in severity of coronary artery and risk stratification, especially in CHD patients with therapeutic LDL, TG and HDL levels.
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