Modulation of the vascular endothelium functioning by dietary components, the role of epigenetics. (29th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wojtala, Martyna; Pirola, Luciano; Balcerczyk, Aneta
• Is Part Of: BioFactors. Volume 43:Number 1(2017:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 16
• Publication Date: 2016-06-29
• Subjects: endothelium -- endothelial dysfunction -- diet -- dietary components -- vascular epigenome; Vitamins -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Trace elements -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Growth factors -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Plant growth promoting substances -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Nutritional Physiological Phenomena -- Periodicals; Trace Elements -- metabolism -- Periodicals; Vitamins -- metabolism -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; 612.399
• DOI: 10.1002/biof.1306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-6433

Abstract

Abstract: Rather than being a passive barrier between circulating blood and smooth muscle cells and the underlying tissues, the endothelium is a fundamental functional component of the vasculature, and could be viewed as the largest human endocrine gland/organ, secreting multiple pro‐/antiangiogenic factors, cytokines and low‐molecular‐weight mediators controlling the vascular tone. The location of endothelium, at the interface between the circulation and the tissues, makes this epithelial layer particularly exposed to physical and chemical cues coming from the bloodstream. In response to such stimuli, the endothelium modulates its morphology and functions to maintain vascular homeostasis. Dietary components significantly affect the proper functioning of the endothelium. High‐calories and high‐fat western diets, in the long term, cause endothelial dysfunction, which is a major contributor to the development of the metabolic syndrome and its pathological consequences, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. On the contrary, plant‐derived antioxidant molecules and polyphenols have been shown to exert beneficial effects on endothelial function. Extensive research in the last decade has clearly shown the close relationship between food intake, dietary habits, and gene expression, which is driven by the action of macro‐ and micronutrients on chromatin regulation. Nutrient‐induced chromatin epigenetic modifications via DNA methylation and histone post‐translational modifications, especially in the context of the western diet, significantly contribute to the dysregulation of endothelial functioning. Here, we review the current understanding on how dietary components (macronutrients, antioxidants), acting on epigenetic mechanisms, regulate endothelial physiology, and physiopathology. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):5–16, 2017