Epigenetics and metabolic syndrome: From the comprehension of epigenetic mechanisms to the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders

The metabolic syndrome is a sum of metabolic disorders with severe complications and a constantly rising prevalence. Multiple genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors contribute to its development, with epigenetic mechanisms being under intensive research, because of their acknowledged part in both the maintenance of health and manifestation of disease. To date, the most commonly studied epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs as regulators of basic cellular processes. Key points are, on the one hand, crosstalk and inter-regulation of epigenetic modifications leading to the formation of an epigenetic profile, and on the other hand, epigenetic inheritance. It appears that epigenetic programming is dependent on micro- and macronutrients, physical exercise and lifestyle in general, as well as on environmental endocrine disruptors. Epigenetic inheritance appears to follow either an intergenerational or a transgenerational pattern, through epimutations passed on to descendants, and it is characterized by plasticity. The above observations led to the emergence of epigenetic targets that, along with the use of biomarkers and epidrugs, could contribute to the prevention, timely diagnosis and targeted personalized treatment in early stages of the metabolic syndrome, without the adverse effects of the usual medication.