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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Analysis of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Vascular Calcification Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Published on: January 27, 2023
A narrative review of exosomes in vascular calcification
Zheng Qin1, Ruoxi Liao1, Yuqin Xiong1
1Department of nephrology and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Insights
Vascular calcification (VC) involves abnormal mineral buildup in blood vessels. This review explores how exosomes, tiny cell vesicles, actively regulate VC through complex biological processes, offering new insights for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is linked to increased cardiovascular mortality in diseases like diabetes and CKD.
- Traditionally viewed as degenerative, VC is now understood as a regulated biological process.
- The precise molecular mechanisms driving VC remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of exosomes in vascular calcification.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which exosomes influence VC progression.
- To highlight exosome-mediated pathways for potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on exosomes and VC.
- Analysis of exosome-mediated intercellular communication in VC.
- Examination of exosome involvement in mineral deposition and cellular changes.
Main Results:
- Exosomes actively promote extracellular mineral deposition in VC.
- Exosomes induce phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
- Exosomes facilitate microRNA transport and regulate autophagy and oxidative stress in VC.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes play a significant, complex role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification.
- Understanding exosome-VC interactions offers novel avenues for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research is crucial to fully elucidate exosome mechanisms in VC.
Abstract:
Vascular calcification (VC) is the abnormal deposition of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals in the vessel wall and can be commonly observed in diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic inflammatory disease. It is closely associated with mortality from cardiovascular events. Traditionally, calcification is considered as a degenerative disease associated with the aging process, while increasing evidence has shown that the occurrence and development of calcification is an active biological process, which is highly regulated by multiple factors. The molecular mechanisms of VC have not yet been fully elucidated. Exosomes, as important transporters of substance transport and intercellular communication, have been shown to participate in VC. The regulation of VC by exosomes involves a number of complex biological processes, which occur through a variety of interaction mechanisms. However, the specific role and mechanism of exosomes in the process of VC are still not fully understood and require further study. This review will briefly describe the roles of exosomes in the process of VC including in the promotion of extracellular mineral deposits, induction of phenotypic conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), transport of microRNA between cells, and regulation on autophagy and oxidative stress, with the aim of providing novel ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of VC.
