Ivana Škrlec

By Ivana Škrlec, Svjetlana Marić and Aleksandar Včev

Human physiological activity and condition during illness are under the control of the circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms handle a wide diversity of physiological and metabolic functions, and the interruption of these rhythms has been linked to obesity, sleep disorders, metabolic and psychological disorders, and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and vascular death. Disruption of circadian rhythms increases the risk of developing myocardial infarction, indicating that circadian genes might play an essential role in determining disease susceptibility. It is well known that many cardiovascular processes show daily variations depending on the circadian rhythm (blood pressure, heart rate), and the gene expression of the cardiomyocyte circadian clock influences myocardial contractile function, metabolism, and other gene expressions. We present a review of the latest knowledge on the impact of circadian rhythm and circadian rhythm genes on myocardial infarction. Today, in a time of personalized medicine, it is essential to know each person’s circadian rhythm for its treatment and possible inclusion in the diagnostic procedures.

Part of the book: Visions of Cardiomyocyte

By Ivana Škrlec

Circadian rhythm influences the regulation of homeostasis and physiological processes, and its disruption could lead to metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CVDs are still the dominant cause of death worldwide, which are related to numerous environmental and hereditary risk factors. Environmental and hereditary factors can clarify a small fraction of the CVD risk discrepancy. Epigenomics is a very bright strategy that will complement the knowledge of the genetic basis of CVDs. Epigenetic mechanisms allow cells to reply promptly to environmental changes and include DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA alterations. According to research data, the circadian rhythm regulates many epigenetic regulators. The challenge is to understand how epigenetic events happen rhythmically in tissues that are involved in the development of CVDs. Epigenetic events are possibly reversible through their interface with environmental and nutritional factors, allowing innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular diseases.

Part of the book: Cardiac Diseases