The therapeutic potential of exosomes derived from different cell sources in liver diseases

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2022 Apr 1;322(4):G397-G404. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00054.2021. Epub 2022 Feb 2.

Abstract

Exosomes are small nanovesicles with a size of approximately 40-120 nm that are secreted from cells. They are involved in the regulation of cell homeostasis and mediate intercellular communication. In addition, they carry proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that regulate the biological activity of receptor cells. Recent studies have shown that exosomes perform important functions in liver diseases. This review will focus on liver diseases (drug-induced liver injury, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, liver fibrosis, acute liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma) and summarize the therapeutic potential of exosomes from different cell sources in liver disease.

Keywords: exosomes; liver disease; role; therapeutic potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / metabolism
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy