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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

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Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
Apoptotic Bodies: Decoding Their Functional Messages in Physiology and Pathology.
Shanshan Xi1, Weiran Meng1, Xiaochi Zhu1
1Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Apoptotic bodies (ABs), vesicles from programmed cell death, are key for tissue balance. These ABs mediate cell communication and show promise for treating diseases and aiding tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Apoptosis is programmed cell death vital for tissue homeostasis.
- Apoptotic bodies (ABs) were once seen as debris but now known to mediate intercellular communication.
- ABs deliver biomolecules, influencing physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on apoptotic bodies (ABs).
- To outline the pathophysiological roles of ABs.
- To assess the clinical applications, challenges, and opportunities for ABs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on apoptotic bodies.
- Analysis of studies detailing ABs' biological properties and functions.
- Synthesis of information on ABs in disease and regeneration.
Main Results:
- ABs are recognized for their role in intercellular communication.
- ABs demonstrate therapeutic potential in cancer, cardiovascular, bone, neurodegenerative, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases.
- ABs show promise for promoting tissue regeneration.
- ABs in bodily fluids serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Conclusions:
- Apoptotic bodies are crucial mediators of intercellular communication with diverse biological functions.
- ABs hold significant therapeutic potential across various diseases and in tissue regeneration.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize the full clinical potential of ABs.
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