Unraveling the Signaling Dynamics of Small Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiac Diseases

Abstract

Effective intercellular communication is essential for cellular and tissue balance maintenance and response to challenges. Cellular communication methods involve direct cell contact or the release of biological molecules to cover short and long distances. However, a recent discovery in this communication network is the involvement of extracellular vesicles that host biological contents such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, influencing neighboring cells. These extracellular vesicles are found in body fluids; thus, they are considered as potential disease biomarkers. Cardiovascular diseases are significant contributors to global morbidity and mortality, encompassing conditions such as ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, electrical heart diseases, and heart failure. Recent studies reveal the release of extracellular vesicles by cardiovascular cells, influencing normal cardiac function and structure. However, under pathological conditions, extracellular vesicles composition changes, contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Investigating the loading of molecular cargo in these extracellular vesicles is essential for understanding their role in disease development. This review consolidates the latest insights into the role of extracellular vesicles in diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, exploring the potential applications of extracellular vesicles in personalized therapies, shedding light on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular medicine.