DNA methylation and incident cardiovascular disease

Authors: WESTERMAN, KENNETH - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University; ORDOVAS, JOSE - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/16/2020
Publication Date: 7/1/2020
Citation: Westerman, K.E., Ordovas, J.M. 2020. DNA methylation and incident cardiovascular disease. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 23(4):236-240. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000659.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/MCO.0000000000000659

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Purpose of review: DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that reflects both genetic and environmental influences of the life course and has the potential to be a robust biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, typical association studies linking DNA methylation and CVD are susceptible to reverse causation and may not directly translate into useful biomarkers of future disease. Studies of incident CVD can provide a crucial angle towards improving this evidence base. Recent findings: Recent investigations have started to provide links between DNA methylation and incident CVD. Epigenome-wide association studies have suggested individual genetic loci where differential methylation exists prior to disease onset, while multivariate predictive modeling approaches have made progress towards realizing the potential for DNA methylation as a predictive biomarker of CVD risk. Meanwhile, complementary analysis strategies such as Mendelian randomization have provided clues as to the causality of these epigenomic associations. Summary: Taken together, this wave of studies provides the basis for a better understanding of CVD pathophysiology and the development of more confident biomarkers for CVD risk.