Atherosclerosis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease caused by the interaction of environment and genetic factors. Epigenetic modification is a bridge between environmental factors and genetic factors. DNA methylation is an important regulatory mode of epigenetic modification, which can regulate gene expression at the pre-transcriptional level. Studies have shown that DNA methylation plays an important role in the occurrence and development process of atherosclerosis. Therefore, atherosclerosis-related DNA demethylation, especially carotid atherosclerosis-related DNA demethylation, can be achieved by natural or synthetic DNA demethylases, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing or treating atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease. This article reviews DNA methylation and its relationship with atherosclerosis and DNA demethylation therapy.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of three treatment methods including systemic thrombolysis(ST),catheter-directed thrombolysis(CDT),and AngioJet percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy(PMT)in acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis(LEDVT). Methods The data of 82 patients diagnosed with LEDVT in the Department of Vascular and Gland Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected.The patients were assigned into a ST group(n=50),a CDT group(n=16),and a PMT group(n=16)according to different treatment methods.The efficacy and safety were compared among the three groups. Results Compared with that before treatment,the circumferential diameter difference of both lower limbs on days 1,2,and 3 of treatment in the ST,CDT,and PMT groups reduced(all P<0.001).The PMT group showed smaller circumferential diameter difference of lower limbs on days 1,2,and 3 of treatment than the ST group(all P<0.001)and smaller circumferential diameter difference of the lower patellar margin on day 1 of treatment than the CDT group(P<0.001).The PMT group showed higher diminution rate for swelling of the affected limb at the upper and lower edges of the patella than the ST group(P<0.001)and higher diminution rate for swelling at the upper edge of the patella than the CDT group(P=0.026).The incidence of complications after treatment showed no significant differences among the three groups(all P>0.05).The median of hospital stay in the PMT group was shorter than that in the ST and CDT groups(P=0.002,P=0.001).The PMT group had higher thrombus clearance rate than the ST group(P=0.002)and no significant difference in the thrombus clearance rate from the CDT group(P=0.361).The vascular recanalization rates in the PMT(all P<0.001)and CDT(P<0.001,P=0.002,P=0.009)groups 3,6,and 12 months after treatment were higher than those in ST group,and there were no significant differences between PMT and CDT groups(P=0.341,P=0.210,P=0.341). Conclusions ST,CDT,and PMT demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of LEDVT,and PMT was superior to ST and CDT in terms of circumferential diameter difference of the lower limbs,diminution rate for swelling of the affected limb,thrombus clearance rate,length of hospital stay,and long-term vascular recanalization.There was no obvious difference in safety among the three therapies.
Humans ; Thrombolytic Therapy/methods* ; Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Thrombectomy/methods* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Catheters ; Retrospective Studies