Extracellular vesicles: Mediators of microenvironment in hypoxia-associated neurological diseases

Abstract

Hypoxia is a prevalent characteristic of numerous neurological disorders including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are minute particles released by cells that contain diverse biological materials, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They have been implicated in a range of physiological and pathological processes including intercellular communication, immune responses, and disease progression. EVs are believed to play a pivotal role in modulating the microenvironment of hypoxia-associated neurological diseases. These EVs are capable of transporting hypoxia-inducible factors such as proteins and microRNAs to neighboring or remote cells, thereby influencing their behavior. Furthermore, EVs can traverse the blood-brain barrier, shielding the brain from detrimental substances in the bloodstream. This enables them to deliver their payload directly to the brain cells, potentially intensifying the effects of hypoxia. Nonetheless, the capacity of EVs to breach the blood-brain barrier presents new opportunities for drug delivery. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of EVs as mediators of information exchange during tissue hypoxia, a pathophysiological process in ischemic stroke and malignant gliomas. We also investigated their involvement in the progression and regression of major diseases of the central nervous system, which are pertinent to the development of therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.

Keywords: Extracellular vesicles; Hypoxia; Neurological disorders.