How epigenetics impacts on human diseases.

• Epigenetics, a rapidly expanding field of biology, involves the study of changes in gene expression that don't stem from changes in the DNA sequence, but rather from chemical modifications of DNA and its associated proteins. • Epigenetic mechanisms can significantly influence gene expression, cell differentiation, tissue development, and susceptibility to diseases. • Understanding epigenetic changes is crucial for elucidating the role of environmental and lifestyle factors in health and disease, as well as the intergenerational transmission of phenotypes. • Recent studies indicate that epigenetics may play a vital role in a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. • Epigenetic modifications are potentially reversible, offering promising new therapeutic approaches for treating these diseases using epigenetic modulators. • Epigenetics also offers insights into disease pathogenesis and potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis and risk stratification. • However, there are potential risks associated with epigenetic interventions, including unintended consequences like adverse drug reactions, developmental abnormalities, and cancer. • Rigorous studies are necessary to minimize the risks associated with epigenetic therapies and to develop safe and effective interventions to improve human health. • The article provides a synthetic and historical view of the origin of epigenetics and highlights some of the most relevant achievements in the field. 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. Recent studies suggest epigenetics may be critical in various diseases, from cardiovascular disease and cancer to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Epigenetic modifications are potentially reversible and could provide new therapeutic avenues for treating these diseases using epigenetic modulators. Moreover, epigenetics provide insight into disease pathogenesis and biomarkers for disease diagnosis and risk stratification. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]