Exosomes: A Novel Tool in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are considered the leading cause of mortality worldwide. According to World Health Organization statistics in 2022, these diseases resulted in the deaths of nearly 19.8 million people globally. The early diagnosis and timely treatment are among the main challenges in managing these diseases. Generally, since some of the currently used biomarkers lack specificity; therefore, a stronger need for more specific markers in this area is felt. Exosomes, as one of the extracellular vesicles, are produced in almost all eukaryotic cells. These microvesicles are covered with a bilayer phospholipid membrane and carry proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc.

The current narrative review research included studies available in the international databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Various factors, including stress, cellular damage, medications, and toxins can influence the production and secretion of exosomes. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communications and can serve as biological markers for diagnostic and prognostic strategies. Additionally, exosomes have therapeutic potential and act as biological carriers for targeted drug delivery to the heart.

Based on the findings obtained, the use of the exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases could aid in the better management of these conditions; however, its application may be clinically challenging. Moreover, the present study explores the potential of using exosomes as a novel tool in the medical field.