Angiogenesis is the process through which new blood vessels are formed from pre-existing ones. Exosomes are involved in angiogenesis in cancer progression by transporting numerous pro-angiogenic biomolecules like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and microRNAs. Exosomes promote angiogenesis by suppressing expression of factor-inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Uptake of tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) by normal endothelial cells activates angiogenic signaling pathways in endothelial cells and stimulates new vessel formation. TEX-driven cross-talk of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with immune cells blocks their anti-tumor activity. Effective inhibition of tumor angiogenesis may arrest tumor progression. Bevacizumab, a VEGF-specific antibody, was the first antiangiogenic agent to enter the clinic. The most important clinical problem associated with cancer therapy using VEGF- or VEFGR-targeting agents is drug resistance. Combined strategies based on angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapy effectively enhances therapies in various cancers, but effective treatment requires further research.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases responsible for tissue remodeling and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. MMPs may modulate various cellular and signaling pathways in atherosclerosis responsible for progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. The effect of MMPs polymorphisms and the expression of MMPs in both the atherosclerotic plaque and plasma was shown. They are independent predictors of atherosclerotic plaque instability in stable coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Increased levels of MMPs in patients with advanced cardiovascular disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was associated with future risk of cardiovascular events. These data confirm that MMPs may be biomarkers in plaque instability as they target in potential drug therapies for atherosclerosis. They provide important prognostic information, independent of traditional risk factors, and may turn out to be useful in improving risk stratification.

Tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) are involved in cancer development, metastasis, and disease progression. They can modulate angiogenesis to elevate the malignant degree of tumor cells. TEX carry immunosuppressive factors affecting the antitumor activities of immune cells. Tumor cells as well as immune cells secrete immunologically active exosomes which affect intercellular communication, antigen presentation, activation of immune cells, and immune surveillance. Cell proliferation and immune response suppression create a favorable microenvironment for tumor. TEX can inhibit immune cell proliferation, induce apoptosis of activated CD8+ Teffs, suppress NK cell activity, interfere with monocyte differentiation, and promote Treg as well as MDSC expansion. Exosomes of microenvironment cells may also contribute to the development of drug resistance in cancer therapy. An important role of TEX in modulating the sensitivity of tumor cells to immunotherapy is a promising area of research to make the cancer therapy more successful.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality among men in the developed world. Conventional anti-PCa therapies are not effective for patients with advanced and/or metastatic disease. In most cases, cancer therapies fail due to an incomplete depletion of tumor cells, resulting in tumor relapse. Exosomes are involved in tumor progression, promoting the angiogenesis and migration of tumor cells during metastasis. These structures contribute to the dissemination of pathogenic agents through interaction with recipient cells. Exosomes may deliver molecules that are able to induce the transdifferentiation process, known as "epithelial to mesenchymal transition". The composition of exosomes and the associated possibilities of interacting with cells make exosomes multifaceted regulators of cancer development. Extracellular vesicles have biophysical properties, such as stability, biocompatibility, permeability, low toxicity and low immunogenicity, which are key for the successful development of an innovative drug delivery system. They have an enhanced circulation stability and bio-barrier permeation ability, and they can therefore be used as effective chemotherapeutic carriers to improve the regulation of target tissues and organs. Exosomes have the capacity to deliver different types of cargo and to target specific cells. Chemotherapeutics, natural products and RNA have been encapsulated for the treatment of prostate cancers.

A series of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethylthiourea derivatives were prepared by condensation of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethanamine with appropriate aryl/alkylisothiocyanates in anhydrous media. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and the molecular structures of 8 and 28 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. All obtained compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative rods and for antifungal activity. Microbiological evaluation was carried out over 20 standard strains and 30 hospital strains. Compound 6 showed significant inhibition against Gram-positive cocci and had inhibitory effect on the S. aureus topoisomerase IV decatenation activity and S. aureus DNA gyrase supercoiling activity. Compounds were tested for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against a large panel of DNA and RNA viruses, including HIV-1 and other several important human pathogens. Interestingly, derivative 8 showed potent activity against HIV-1 wild type and variants bearing clinically relevant mutations. Newly synthesized tryptamine derivatives showed also a wide spectrum activity, proving to be active against positive- and negative-sense RNA viruses.