Epigenomic changes in peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with hypertension and dyscirculatory encephalopathy

Currently, the epigenomic landscape underlying hypertension and dyscirculatory encephalopathy is poorly understood. Identification of the epigenetic pattern in combination with genetic passport can provide additional information about the etiology of diseases and the risk of complications, as well as the choice of strategy and tactics of treatment. We carried out a quantitative assessment of the level of genome-wide DNA methylation and the degree of chromatin compaction in peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with hypertension and dyscirculatory encephalopathy, and also in healthy volunteers from St. Petersburg. Gender differences in the risk of developing dyscirculatory encephalopathy were revealed in patients with hypertension. It was found that the level of DNA methylation and the degree of chromatin compaction are increased in hypertension (compared to control). In the studied groups, men and women showed different epigenomic reactions of leukocytes to drug therapy in these pathologies.

hypertension, encephalopathy, genome-wide DNA methylation, chromatin compaction, leukocytes, epigenome, biomarkers, pharmacoepigenetics

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