Urinary exosomes: Diagnostic impact with a bioinformatic approach

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Molecular Biology
• Urology

Background:

• Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles released by cells, present in biofluids like urine.
• Urinary exosomes are accessible for non-invasive sampling, making them valuable for diagnostics.
• Their molecular cargo reflects the physiological state of their organ of origin.

Approach:

• Bibliometric analysis of keywords 'exosome(s)' and 'urine' to map research trends.
• Review of exosome isolation and characterization techniques.
• Exploration of the diagnostic and prognostic potential of urinary exosomes.

Key Points:

• Urinary exosomes contain biomarkers for various diseases.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) within urinary exosomes are significant for disease assessment.
• Exosomes play a role in the pathogenesis of diverse medical conditions.

Conclusions:

• Urinary exosomes are crucial for diagnosing, prognosing, and potentially treating diseases.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of urinary exosome research, including isolation methods and diagnostic applications.
• Further research into urinary exosomes, particularly miRNAs, is warranted.