New Data on the Pathophysiology of Ischemic Stroke: Epigenetic Mechanisms in Focus

Epigenetics is a branch of molecular biology studying modifications able to change the expression of genes without altering their DNA sequences. Epigenetic modulations include DNA methylation and modifications to histones, as well as noncoding RNA species. These heritable and modifiable genetic changes can be caused by lifestyle and dietary factors. Epigenetic changes have in recent years been associated with the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including diabetes mellitus, obesity, renal pathology, and various types of cancer. They have also been associated with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. In this respect, it is important to note that as epigenetic modifications are reversible processes, they may be of use in developing novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of human diseases. This mini-review presents the latest data on the influences of epigenetic modifications on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke as assessed both in animal models and in patients.