Extracellular vesicles in chronic kidney disease: diagnostic and therapeutic roles

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue with high mortality.
• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial mediators in kidney disease pathogenesis.
• EVs influence key renal injury pathways like inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively summarize the role of EVs in the physiological and pathological aspects of CKD.
• To explore the potential of EVs as diagnostic biomarkers for CKD.
• To review the therapeutic applications of EVs in managing CKD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on extracellular vesicles and chronic kidney disease.
• Analysis of studies investigating EV involvement in renal injury pathways.
• Synthesis of data on EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CKD.

Main Results:

• EVs are implicated in modulating inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in CKD.
• Current research highlights the prevalence of EV applications in CKD diagnosis and treatment.
• Significant limitations and lack of standardized guidelines exist for EV methodologies.

Conclusions:

• EVs are integral to CKD pathophysiology and hold promise as biomarkers.
• Therapeutic applications of EVs in CKD management are under active investigation.
• Standardization of EV isolation and characterization methods is crucial for clinical translation.