Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease constitutes a noteworthy public health challenge characterized by a pronounced incidence, frequency, and mortality rate, particularly impacting specific demographic groups, and imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare infrastructure. Risk factors such as age, gender, and smoking contribute to the prevalence of fatal cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Current challenges in clinical practice involve medication complexities, the lack of a systematic decision-making approach, and prevalent drug therapy problems. Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles stand as versatile entities with a unique molecular fingerprint, holding significant therapeutic potential across a spectrum of applications, particularly in the realm of cardio-protection. Their lipid, protein, and nucleic acid compositions, coupled with their multifaceted functions, underscore their role as promising mediators in regenerative medicine and pave the way for further exploration of their intricate contributions to cellular physiology and pathology. Here, we overview our current understanding of the possible role of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the clinical management of human cardiovascular pathologies.