Epigenetics and Behçet’s Disease: DNA Methylation Specially Highlighted

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem inflammatory disease with unknown etiology.
Although evidence about the pathogenesis of BD is growing, the actual cause of this
disease is unclear. Both genetic and epigenetic factors are claimed to play significant roles
in BD. Epigenetic factors such as age, gender, smoking as well as exogenous factors like
diet, infection, stress are related to the onset and clinical manifestations of BD. DNA
methylation refers to a major epigenetic element which influences gene activities with
catalyzing DNA using a set of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts). DNA methylation
status of many genes in patients with BD is different from that of healthy people. For
example, cytoskeletal gene, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) loci, Long interspersed
nuclear element (LINE-1), and Arthrobacter luteus (Alu) repetitive sequences are
different in the DNA methylation status in patients with BD and healthy controls. In this
paper we reviewed, according to previous studies, the mechanisms of epigenetic, the
epigenetic factors involved in the BD, and especially the effect of DNA methylation in
the Behcet’s disease. Future studies are needed to identify the capability of specific DNA
methylation alterations in BD in order to predict disease manifestations, medical course,
and response to treatment