Extracellular Vesicles as Delivery Vehicles for Non-Coding RNAs: Potential Biomarkers for Chronic Liver Diseases.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key carriers of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
• ncRNAs within EVs are stable and can serve as molecular snapshots of cellular states, making them valuable for disease biomarker discovery.
• Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) pose a significant health burden, necessitating improved diagnostic and monitoring tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of EV-enclosed ncRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of CLDs.
• To highlight specific ncRNAs, such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, and their association with various CLD subtypes and progression.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating EV-enclosed ncRNAs in CLDs.
• Analysis of identified ncRNAs (e.g., miR-122, miR-21, miR-192, HOTAIR, H19) and their correlation with CLD pathogenesis, progression, and subtypes.
• Emphasis on the advantages of EV-based biomarkers, including non-invasiveness and enhanced stability.

Main Results:

• EV-enclosed miRNAs and lncRNAs show significant potential as biomarkers for CLDs, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
• Specific miRNAs like miR-122, miR-21, and miR-192 are associated with CLD progression, inflammation, and fibrosis.
• LncRNAs such as HOTAIR and H19 are implicated in MASLD progression, MASH development, and liver cancer.

Conclusions:

• EV-enclosed ncRNAs represent a promising, non-invasive avenue for CLD diagnosis and monitoring.
• The stability and specificity of these biomarkers offer advantages over traditional methods.
• Further research into EV-ncRNA profiles can refine diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic strategies for CLDs.