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Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Exosomes in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Septic Lung Injury
Published on: May 21, 2018
Exosomes in obstructive sleep apnea-related diseases
Zhifeng Chen1,2,3,4, Yulin Shang5, Yanru Ou1,2,3,4
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
Abstract:
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a global public health concern characterized by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep. Research indicates that OSA is a risk factor for the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, respiratory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by most cell types, play a key role in intercellular communication by transporting their contents-such as microRNA, messenger RNA, DNA, proteins, and lipids-to target cells. Intermittent hypoxia associated with OSA alters circulating exosomes and promotes a range of cellular structural and functional disturbances involved in the pathogenesis of OSA-related diseases. This review discusses the potential roles of exosomes and exosome-derived molecules in the onset and progression of OSA-associated diseases, explores the possible underlying mechanisms, and highlights novel strategies for developing exosome-based therapies for these conditions.
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