Abstract:

Epigenetics are traits that are inherited and reflected in the phenotype, independent of the DNA sequence. There is a genetic predisposition to hyperglycemia; however, the environment plays critical roles in its development and progress. Epigenetic changes often translate environmental stimuli into changes in gene expression. Epigenetic factors are mainly DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. Epigenetic changes, which play a role in the regulation of all biological processes, are closely related to diseases such as autoimmune/inflammatory, cardiovascular, cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are among the most important health problems in the world and in our country. In particular, chronic hyperglycemia, which plays a role in the pathogen of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, affects gene transcription through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. In this review, we focused on explaining the effects of hyperglycemia on epigenetic mechanisms and the role of epigenetic changes it causes in the pathogenesis of diseases.

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