Research progress of exosomes in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Supeng Tai1,2,3, Weibo Wang1,2,3, Guangyue Luo1,2,3

  • 1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.

Insights

Exosomes show promise for treating kidney damage from reduced blood flow. This review explores exosome therapy mechanisms, bioengineering, and delivery for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury with limited treatment options.
  • Exosomes (Exos), nano-sized vesicles, are emerging as key mediators in pathophysiological processes and potential therapeutics.
  • There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to manage RIRI effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of exosome mechanisms in RIRI.
  • To detail advancements in exosome therapy for RIRI, including renoprotective and pathogenic effects.
  • To highlight bioengineering strategies, delivery platforms, and diagnostic potential for exosome-based RIRI management.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature on exosomes and RIRI.
  • Analysis of exosome renoprotective and pathogenic mechanisms.
  • Exploration of bioengineering, delivery systems, and diagnostic applications.

Main Results:

  • Exosomes exhibit diverse mechanisms in RIRI, offering both protective and potentially detrimental effects.
  • Various bioengineering strategies and delivery platforms are being developed for exosome-based therapies.
  • Exosomes hold diagnostic potential for RIRI assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Exosome therapy presents a promising avenue for RIRI treatment, with significant potential for clinical translation.
  • Addressing translational barriers and standardizing methodologies are crucial for advancing exosome-based RIRI management.
  • Further research into bioengineering and delivery is essential to optimize exosome therapeutic applications for RIRI.