A brief review on recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication within the cardiovascular system, playing essential roles in physiological homeostasis and contributing to the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents in rare cardiovascular diseases, such as valvular heart disease (VHD) and cardiomyopathies, remains largely unexplored. This review comprehensively emphasizes recent advancements in extracellular vesicle research, explicitly highlighting their growing significance in diagnosing and potentially treating rare cardiovascular diseases, with a particular focus on valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathies. We highlight the potential of extracellular vesicle-based liquid biopsies as non-invasive tools for early disease detection and risk stratification, showcasing specific extracellular vesicle-associated biomarkers (proteins, microRNAs, lipids) with diagnostic and prognostic value. Furthermore, we discussed the therapeutic promise of extracellular vesicles derived from various sources, including stem cells and engineered extracellular vesicles, for cardiac repair and regeneration through their ability to modulate inflammation, promote angiogenesis, and reduce fibrosis. By integrating the findings and addressing critical knowledge gaps, this review aims to stimulate further research and innovation in extracellular vesicle-based diagnostics and therapeutics of cardiovascular disease.