Exosomes and pancreatic diseases: mechanisms, applications, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles mediating intercellular communication.
• They carry molecular cargo reflecting parent cell states, influencing disease processes.
• Their roles in pancreatic diseases are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on exosome functions in acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.
• To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomes in these conditions.
• To identify challenges and future directions for exosome-based research and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating exosome roles in pancreatic diseases.
• Analysis of exosome involvement in inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis.
• Evaluation of exosome-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Exosomes modulate inflammation and organ injury in acute pancreatitis; mesenchymal stem cell exosomes show therapeutic promise.
• Exosomes drive fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and offer potential for diagnosis and intervention.
• Tumor-derived exosomes promote pancreatic cancer progression (immune evasion, metastasis) but are candidates for liquid biopsy and drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Exosomes are crucial mediators in pancreatic diseases with significant diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
• Standardization of methods and further translational research are essential for clinical application.
• Exosomes represent a promising frontier for improving pancreatic disease management.