Recent advances in the role of exosomes in liver fibrosis

Abstract

Background and aim: We aim to summarize the current status of research on the role of exosomes in liver fibrosis.

Methods: A review of the relevant literature was performed and the key findings were presented.

Results: Most studies focused on the role of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells, other types of stem cells, and liver resident cells including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. Exosomes have been reported to play an essential role in the inactivation or activation of hepatic stellate cells through the delivery of non-coding RNAs and proteins. In recent years, this exosome cargo has become a research hotspot.

Conclusions: Recent studies have indicated the potential therapeutic benefit of exosomes in liver fibrosis.

Keywords: exosome; hepatic stellate cell; liver fibrosis; mesenchymal stem cell; microRNA; vesicle.