Diagnostic and Therapeutic Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging-Related Diseases

Abstract

Aging shows a decline in overall physical function, and cellular senescence is the powerful catalyst leading to aging. Considering that aging will be accompanied with the emergence of various aging-related diseases, research on new antiaging drugs is still valuable. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as tools for intercellular communication, are important components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and they can play pathological roles in the process of cellular senescence. In addition, EVs are similar to their original cells in functions. Therefore, EVs derived from pathological tissues or body fluids may be closely related to the progression of diseases and become potential biomarkers, while those from healthy cells may have therapeutic effects. Moreover, EVs are satisfactory drug carriers. At present, numerous studies have supported the idea that engineered EVs could improve drug targeting ability and utilization efficiency. Here, we summarize the characteristics of EVs and cellular senescence and focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of EVs in various aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and its complications, and skin aging.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: An Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomolecules for Neurodegenerative Disabilities

“…The MSC-EVs have emerged as a promising area of research in regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications [ 233 , 234 ]. These tiny membrane-bound vesicles carry bioactive molecules and can influence the behavior of target cells and tissues.…”

Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes and skin photoaging: From basic research to practical application

“…Third, stand-alone exosome therapy has limitations and the exploration of combined treatments with other effective drugs may be the future direction of development. 130 Fourth, the use of supraphysiological levels of exosomes requires further consideration, including the determination of optimal dosage, treatment duration, and routes of administration. Fifth, the full exploitation of the multiple information carried by exosomes to develop accurate or early-stage biomarkers for clinical decision making remains unclear.…”

“…In addition, inconsistencies between in vivo and in vitro models in different laboratories hinder the clinical translation of exosome research. Third, stand‐alone exosome therapy has limitations and the exploration of combined treatments with other effective drugs may be the future direction of development 130 . Fourth, the use of supraphysiological levels of exosomes requires further consideration, including the determination of optimal dosage, treatment duration, and routes of administration.…”

Cellular microenvironment: a key for tuning mesenchymal stem cell senescence

“…However, there are still challenges and barriers to the clinical translation of MSC-EVs, such as quality control and efficiency ( Huang et al, 2019b ; Weng et al, 2021 ). Additionally, as part of SASPs, MSC-EVs play a crucial role in promoting cellular senescence due to their paracrine effect and messaging function ( Sun Zixuan et al, 2022 ). It is worth investigating further whether senescent MSC-EVs may have different effects depending on the tissue, age, or context (such as inflammation or disease).…”