Extracellular Vesicles in Aging: An Emerging Hallmark?

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed particles secreted by cells and circulating in body fluids. Initially considered as a tool to dispose of unnecessary material, they are now considered an additional method to transmit cell signals. Aging is characterized by a progressive impairment of the physiological functions of tissues and organs. The causes of aging are complex and interconnected, but there is consensus that genomic instability, telomere erosion, epigenetic alteration, and defective proteostasis are primary hallmarks of the aging process. Recent studies have provided evidence that many of these primary stresses are associated with an increased release of EVs in cell models, able to spread senescence signals in the recipient cell. Additional investigations on the role of EVs during aging also demonstrated the great potential of EVs for the modulation of age-related phenotypes and for pro-rejuvenation therapies, potentially beneficial for many diseases associated with aging. Here we reviewed the current literature on EV secretion in senescent cell models and in old vs. young individual body fluids, as well as recent studies addressing the potential of EVs from different sources as an anti-aging tool. Although this is a recent field, the robust consensus on the altered EV release in aging suggests that altered EV secretion could be considered an emerging hallmark of aging.

Characteristics of the Follicular Fluid Extracellular Vesicle Molecular Profile in Women in Different Age Groups in ART Programs

“…In a study by Khayrullin et al, a lipidomic analysis of serum extracellular vesicles revealed that the serum EVs of older women were highly enriched in ceramide and were significantly different from those of younger women [34]. Very long chain lipotoxic ceramides can cause mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and cell death in cardiomyocytes [5]. Thus, EV-derived ceramide represents a novel factor in the aging process that may contribute to degeneration in many organs and tissues [34].…”

Utilizing Extracellular Vesicles for Eliminating ‘Unwanted Molecules’: Harnessing Nature’s Structures in Modern Therapeutic Strategies

“…To combat these effects of aging, researchers are exploring various strategies and trying to develop anti-aging therapies [ 125 , 126 ]. Recent studies suggest that EVs isolated from different types of stem cells may be a promising tool for combating aging-related inflammation and dysfunction of macromolecules [ 126 , 127 , 128 ]. EVs can transport a variety of bioactive molecules, such as microRNAs and proteins, that have the potential to modulate various cellular processes and promote tissue regeneration [ 129 ].…”

Impact of Microbiome–Brain Communication on Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

“…Notably, advanced age stands as one of the primary risk factors for AD [41]. Aging is associated with an increase in the BBB as well as intestinal permeability, which, in turn, has been linked to elevated blood levels of host and bacterial vesicles [260][261][262][263]. When orally administered to mice, BEVs from Paenalcaligenes hominis (P. hominis)-bacteria that are found at significantly higher levels in the gut microbiota of elderly individuals-triggered microglia activation, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment [239].…”