Exosomes in chronic liver disease

Clin Chim Acta. 2023 Feb 1:540:117215. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.117215. Epub 2023 Jan 2.

Abstract

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is the major cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. Although there has been a significant advancement in the identification and treatment of liver diseases over time, clinical results are not satisfactory in advanced liver disease. Thus, it is crucial to develop certain technology for early detection, and curative therapies and to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind CLD's pathogenesis. The study of exosomes in CLD is a rapidly developing field. They are structurally membrane-derived nano vesicles released by various cells. In CLD, exosomes released from injured hepatic cells affect intercellular communication, creating a microenvironment conducive to the illness's development. They also carry liver cell-specific proteins and miRNAs, which can be used as diagnostic biomarkers and treatment targets for various liver diseases. End-stage liver disease can only be treated by a liver transplant, however, the low availability of compatible organs, high expenses of treatment, and surgical complications significantly lower patient survival rates. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of CLD positively affect the likelihood of curative treatment and high patient survival rates. Considering the possibility that exosomes could be employed as tools for disease diagnostics and clinical intervention, The current study briefly summarizes the roles of exosomes and their cargo in diagnosing and treating liver diseases.

Keywords: Biomarker; Chronic liver disease; Diagnosis; Exosome; Liquid biopsy; Prognosis; Treatment; miRNA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases* / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism

Substances

  • MicroRNAs