European journal of internal medicine
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Epigenetics is a rapidly growing field of biology that studies the changes in gene expression that are not due to alterations in the DNA sequence but rather the chemical modifications of DNA and its associated proteins. Epigenetic mechanisms can profoundly influence gene expression, cell differentiation, tissue development, and disease susceptibility. Understanding epigenetic changes is essential to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the increasingly recognized role of environmental and lifestyle factors in health and disease and the intergenerational transmission of phenotypes. ⋯ Nevertheless, epigenetic interventions have the potential for unintended consequences and may potentially lead to increased risks of unexpected outcomes, such as adverse drug reactions, developmental abnormalities, and cancer. Therefore, rigorous studies are essential to minimize the risks associated with epigenetic therapies and to develop safe and effective interventions for improving human health. This article provides a synthetic and historical view of the origin of epigenetics and some of the most relevant achievements.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Aug 2023
Comparative effectiveness and safety for the treatments despite optimized renin-angiotensin system blockade among IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Approximately 20-40% of IgA nephropathy patients would develop end-stage renal disease, for whom safety concerns remained a major setback when using conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Evidence is lacking for optimal selection of effective and safe pharmaceuticals to slow the disease progression. To compare the effectiveness and safety profile of different treatments despite optimized RAS blockade for IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression. ⋯ PROSPERO CRD42022374418.