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Isolation of Tissue Extracellular Vesicles from the Liver
Published on: August 21, 2019
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Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Liver Disease
Rocío Muñoz-Hernández1,2, Ángela Rojas1,2, Sheila Gato1,2
1SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of cell communication in liver disease. Research highlights their potential for early diagnosis and targeted therapy in various hepatic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Hepatology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by various liver cells and mediate intercellular communication.
- EVs carry diverse biomolecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) that can alter recipient cell function.
- Their roles in physiological and pathological liver conditions require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the role of hepatic EVs in liver diseases.
- To discuss the potential of EVs in early diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy for liver conditions.
- To summarize current research on EV isolation methods and their clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hepatic EVs in liver diseases.
- Analysis of studies investigating EV biogenesis, cargo, and function.
- Synthesis of data on EV applications in diagnosis and therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Hepatic EVs play significant roles in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- EVs show promise as 'liquid biopsies' for early disease detection, monitoring, and prognosis.
- EVs are being explored as novel targets and nanovectors for drug delivery in liver disease treatment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding hepatic EV mechanisms is crucial for advancing liver disease management.
- EVs represent a high-potential source for non-invasive diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.
- Optimized EV isolation and characterization are essential for clinical translation.
