Epigenetic regulation as a promising tool for treatment of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) that primarily involves mid size and large arteries. Atherosclerosis is associated with disruption of lipid metabolism and chronic inflammatory processes. One approach for treatment of atherosclerosis is by virtue of epigenetic control by noncoding RNAs (ncRNA) including miRNA, siRNA and lncRNA, commonly employing miRNA antagonists and mimic compounds. Here, we review such usages as well as other approaches for correcting the molecular lesions of atherosclerosis including specific activation of atheroprotective miRNAs, as well as use of siRNAs and lcRNA to control aberrant lipid metabolism. We also discuss some of these technologies that have already shown to be effective in clinical trials and are likely to enter the clinical arena.