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Extracellular Vesicles in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Ji Sun1, Dianbao Zhang2, Yiling Li1

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

Frontiers in Physiology
|June 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) involves changes in extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs play a role in MAFLD progression, offering potential as therapeutic targets and for drug delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent global liver condition linked to lifestyle factors.
  • The precise mechanisms driving MAFLD pathophysiology remain incompletely understood, with no approved pharmacological treatments.
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale particles mediating intercellular communication, are implicated in metabolic homeostasis between adipose tissue and the liver.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the progression of Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).
  • To discuss the potential of EVs as therapeutic targets for MAFLD.
  • To evaluate the application of EVs in drug delivery strategies for MAFLD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on the involvement of EVs in MAFLD pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of EV composition and function in the context of altered lipid metabolism and liver inflammation.
  • Examination of EV-mediated interactions between hepatocytes, immune cells, and hepatic stellate cells.

Main Results:

  • Dysregulated lipid metabolism in MAFLD alters the quantity and content of EVs.
  • EVs from injured hepatocytes promote monocyte migration and macrophage activation in the liver.
  • EVs influence hepatic stellate cell phenotype and activation, contributing to liver fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • EVs are integral to MAFLD progression, participating in inflammation and fibrosis.
  • Targeting EVs presents a promising therapeutic avenue for MAFLD.
  • EVs hold potential as a drug delivery system for MAFLD treatment.
Keywords:
extracellular vesiclesinflammationlipidsmetabolic associated fatty liver diseasepathogenesistreatment

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