Extracellular vesicles in atherosclerosis: Current and forthcoming impact

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Cellular and Molecular Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Atherosclerosis, a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is now understood as an active inflammatory process, not just cholesterol buildup.
• Despite advances, CVD patients face significant risks of thrombotic events and mortality, necessitating deeper understanding of atherogenesis.
• Novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are crucial for patient stratification in CVDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To explore the involvement of EVs in the molecular mechanisms underlying atherogenesis and arterial remodeling.
• To highlight EVs as potential tools for understanding cell-to-cell communication in atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of current research on EV composition (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) and their relation to parental cell status.
• Synthesis of findings on EVs' role in cellular processes and their potential as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.

Main Results:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their active roles in cellular processes, moving beyond their initial perception as mere cellular waste.
• EVs carry molecular cargo reflecting the physiological and pathological state of their parent cells.
• EVs show significant promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Conclusions:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial players in the complex processes of atherogenesis.
• EVs represent a promising avenue for developing novel biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• Further research into EVs can illuminate the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and improve patient management.