Extracellular vesicles in atherosclerosis
- Clin Chim Acta. 2019 Aug:495:109-117. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.04.051.
- 1. Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China.
- 2. Clinic Medicine Department, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China.
- 3. Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China; Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of south China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China. Electronic address: [email protected].
- 4. Pathophysiology Department, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang City, Hunan Province 421001, PR China. Electronic address: [email protected].
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which exist in human blood, are increased in some inflammation-related cardiovascular diseases. EVs are involved in inflammation, immunity, signal transduction, cell survival and Apoptosis, angiogenesis, thrombosis, and Autophagy, all of which are highly significant for maintaining homeostasis and disease progression. Therefore, EVs are also associated with key steps in Atherosclerosis, including cellular Lipid Metabolism, endothelial dysfunction and vascular wall inflammation, ultimately resulting in vascular remodelling. In this review, we summarize recent studies on EV contents and biological function, focusing on their potential effect in Atherosclerosis, including Cholesterol metabolism, vascular inflammation, angiogenesis, coagulation and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. EVs may represent potential biomarkers and pharmacological targets for atherosclerotic diseases.