Exosomal MicroRNAs: An Emerging Important Regulator in Acute Lung Injury

Abstract

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinically life-threatening form of respiratory failure with a mortality of 30%–40%. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the aggravated form of ALI. Exosomes are extracellular lipid vesicles ubiquitous in human biofluids with a diameter of 30–150 nm. They can serve as carriers to convey their internal cargo, particularly microRNA (miRNA), to the target cells involved in cellular communication. In disease states, the quantities of exosomes and the cargo generated by cells are altered. These exosomes subsequently function as autocrine or paracrine signals to nearby or distant cells, regulating various pathogenic processes. Moreover, exosomal miRNAs from multiple stem cells can provide therapeutic value for ALI by regulating different signaling pathways. In addition, changes in exosomal miRNAs of biofluids can serve as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ALI. This study aimed to review the role of exosomal miRNAs produced by different sources participating in various pathological processes of ALI and explore their potential significance in the treatment and diagnosis.

Expression profile of urinary exosomal miRNAs in patients with diabetic kidney disease and their associated with kidney damage

“…Such, exosomal miRNAs hold promise as a biomarker for some diseases [24] . Exosomal miRNAs stemed from different cells possess speci c expression pro les of miRNAs, and these miRNAs can be transferred to target cells, subsequently regulating the physiological and pathological processes of the human body [25] . Because the circulating exosomes secreted from the different tissue cells in the body cannot cross the glomerular ltration barrier, urinary exosomes can only be generated from the kidney cells including podocytes, TECs and epithelial cells, etc [26] .…”

Mitigation of Oxidative Stress in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Exosome-Mediated Therapies

“… 107 The regulatory function of exosome-delivered miRNAs and lncRNAs adds a layer of complexity to the network that influences redox balance and cellular responses to oxidative stress conditions. 108 This approach is promising in developing therapeutic interventions to the specific molecular intricacies of oxidative stress in IPF. 109 Beyond direct antioxidant mechanisms, exosomes contribute to the reduction of inflammation and fibrosis, both of which are intertwined with oxidative stress in IPF.…”