Exploring the causal inference of shear stress associated DNA methylation in carotid plaque on cardiovascular risk

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease presumably initiated by endothelial activation. Low vascular shear stress is known for its ability to activate endothelial cells. Differential DNA methylation (DNAm) is a relatively unexplored player in atherosclerotic disease development and endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies showed that the expression of 11 genes was associated with differential DNAm due to low shear stress in murine endothelial cells. We hypothesized a causal relationship between DNAm of shear stress associated genes in human carotid plaque and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Source: Atherosclerosis - April 5, 2021 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ruben Methorst, Gerard Pasterkamp, Sander W. van der Laan Source Type: research