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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension

Seung Hee Jeong1, In O Sun1

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, Republic of Korea.

Electrolyte & Blood Pressure : E & BP
|July 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in hypertension development and progression. These tiny cell-released structures show promise as biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases like hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cell Biology
  • Biomedical Science

Background:

  • Hypertension is a prevalent global health issue and a major risk factor for cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal diseases.
  • Its pathogenesis is complex, involving multiple organs and systems, including the heart, kidneys, arteries, and immune system.
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized structures mediating cell-to-cell communication, are implicated in various physiological and pathophysiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
  • To summarize the potential of EVs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hypertension.
  • To review the emerging therapeutic applications of EVs in cardiovascular disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating extracellular vesicles in hypertension.
  • Analysis of research on the involvement of EVs in the pathophysiology of hypertension.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of EVs in the development and progression of hypertension.
  • Circulating and urinary EVs are identified as promising biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension.
  • EV-mediated therapies, especially engineered EVs for targeted drug delivery, are under development for cardiovascular disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the complex pathogenesis of hypertension.
  • EVs represent valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
  • EV-based therapeutic strategies offer a promising avenue for treating hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.

Keywords:
BiomarkerExosomesHypertensionPathologyPhysiology

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