RESUMO
Atherosclerosis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease caused by the interaction of environment and genetic factors. Epigenetic modification is a bridge between environmental factors and genetic factors. DNA methylation is an important regulatory mode of epigenetic modification, which can regulate gene expression at the pre-transcriptional level. Studies have shown that DNA methylation plays an important role in the occurrence and development process of atherosclerosis. Therefore, atherosclerosis-related DNA demethylation, especially carotid atherosclerosis-related DNA demethylation, can be achieved by natural or synthetic DNA demethylases, thereby achieving the purpose of preventing or treating atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease. This article reviews DNA methylation and its relationship with atherosclerosis and DNA demethylation therapy.