CpG methylation changes in Alu repetitive sequences in normal aging due to diastolic hypertension in human dermal fibroblasts from the facial area.

Aging fibroblasts, an important factor contributing to skin aging, are affected by numerous mechanisms, including alterations in DNA methylation and age-related diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the role of Alu methylation in aging fibroblasts and hypertension. The Alu methylation levels in dermal fibroblasts obtained from patients of different ages and blood pressure status were analyzed using the combined bisulfite restriction analysis technique. An inverse correlation was observed between Alu methylation in dermal fibroblasts and patient age. Dermal fibroblasts from the high-normal diastolic blood pressure group had higher Alu methylation levels compared with those from the normal group. The findings of the present study suggest that Alu methylation alterations can be observed with chronological aging and hypertension, and are a potential aging marker or therapeutic target.