Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Potentials

TL;DR

This paper reviews how extracellular vesicles may contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysm development and could lead to new treatments.

Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the role of extracellular vesicles in AAA pathophysiology, biomarkers, and therapies.

Findings

Extracellular vesicles are involved in AAA development through intercellular communication.

EVs could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic tools for AAA.

Research on EVs in AAA is still limited compared to other cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease. Although AAA is generally asymptomatic, the mortality rate remains very high once rupture occurs, even with successful treatment. The pathophysiology of AAA involves inflammatory cell infiltration, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation. However, there are various unclear aspects of pathophysiology due to cellular heterogeneity and multifactorial disease. Moreover, there are no blood biomarkers or available pharmacological drugs for AAA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer particles released from every type of cell for intercellular communication. EVs include proteins, DNA, RNA (mRNA, microRNA), and lipids. EV cargos are delivered to recipient cells and modulate their biological effects. Although fewer studies have investigated EVs in AAA than in other cardiovascular diseases with similar molecular mechanisms, recent research indicates that EVs play a significant role in AAA development. Further research on EVs and AAA will contribute to the elucidation of AAA pathophysiology and the development of novel pharmacological drugs. In this review, we summarize the EV-associated pathophysiology, EV-based biomarkers, and EV-based treatment strategies in AAA. We also discuss the prospects for EVs research in AAA.

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