Extracellular vesicles released in response to respiratory exposures: implications for chronic disease

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are secreted signaling entities that enhance various pathological processes when released in response to cellular stresses. Respiratory exposures such as cigarette smoke and air pollution exert cellular stresses and are associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases. The aim of this review was to examine the evidence that modifications in EV contribute to respiratory exposure-associated diseases. Publications were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar with the search terms (cigarette smoke OR tobacco smoke OR air pollution OR particulate matter) AND (extracellular vesicles OR exosomes OR microvesicles OR microparticles OR ectosomes). All original research articles were included and reviewed. Fifty articles were identified, most of which investigated the effect of respiratory exposures on EV release in vitro (25) and/or on circulating EV in human plasma (24). The majority of studies based their main observations on the relatively insensitive scatter-based flow cytometry of EV (29). EV induced by respiratory exposures were found to modulate inflammation (19), thrombosis (13), endothelial dysfunction (11), tissue remodeling (6), and angiogenesis (3). By influencing these processes, EV may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and possibly lung cancer and allergic asthma. The current findings warrant additional research with improved methodologies to evaluate the contribution of respiratory exposure-induced EV to disease etiology, as well as their potential as biomarkers of exposure or risk and as novel targets for preventive or therapeutic strategies.

Nasal Microbiota Modifies the Effects of Particulate Air Pollution on Plasma Extracellular Vesicles

“…In addition, PM exposure can trigger inflammatory response [32], worsen chronic conditions spread all over the body sites, and also heighten the risk for acute and chronic diseases [33][34][35][36][37][38]. Several epidemiological studies showed how the effects exerted by PM exposure on human health can be attributed, at least in part, to plasmatic EV modifications, which include variations in the transcriptomic and proteomic content, as well as in the circulating amount of different EV types [39][40][41][42][43]. In addition, documentation shows that PM exposure may trigger EV release in a dose-dependent manner [41], inducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL6 and TNF-α [44].…”

Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Exosomes could, therefore, help in regulating damaged processes within our bodies. Patients with chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases and other chronic degenerative diseases may benefit from including exosomes in their treatment [28][29][30]. Currently, exosome therapy is also used to treat orthopedic injuries and for anti-aging management [31,32], indicating that exosomes are reaching a wider use in regenerative medicine.…”

Molecular techniques for respiratory diseases: MicroRNA and extracellular vesicles

“…Almost all cells release several types of EV, including microvesicles and exosomes. Exosomes and microvesicles are both extracellular granules with a diameter of ~100 nm that are enclosed in a lipid bilayer …”