Extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular Communication
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading global cause of mortality, necessitating novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
• Cardiovascular function relies on intricate communication between various cardiac cell types.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators of intercellular communication, transporting bioactive molecules like micro-ribonucleic acids (miRs) and proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To explore the potential of EVs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents for CVDs.
• To highlight how EV cargo composition changes in pathological conditions, influencing disease progression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cardiovascular research.
• Analysis of the molecular cargo (miRs, proteins) within EVs and their functional impact.
• Examination of EV roles in both physiological and pathological cardiovascular states.

Main Results:

• EVs derived from cardiovascular cells modulate recipient cell functions, impacting gene expression and cellular behavior.
• Under physiological conditions, EVs contribute to maintaining cardiac structure and function.
• Pathological conditions alter EV cargo, promoting the development and progression of CVDs.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a significant mechanism for intercellular communication relevant to cardiovascular health.
• Dysregulated EV function and cargo are implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• EVs hold substantial promise for the development of innovative strategies for CVD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.