Clinical Theragnostic Signature of Extracellular Vesicles in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

ACS Chem Neurosci. 2023 Sep 6;14(17):2981-2994. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00386. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of disability and fatality worldwide. Depending on the clinical presentation, it is a type of acquired brain damage that can be mild, moderate, or severe. The degree of patient's discomfort, prognosis, therapeutic approach, survival rates, and recurrence can all be strongly impacted by an accurate diagnosis made early on. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), along with neuroimaging (MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT scan), is a neurological assessment tools used to evaluate and categorize the severity of TBI based on the patient's level of consciousness, eye opening, and motor response. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a growing domain, explaining neurological complications in a more detailed manner. EVs, in general, play a role in cellular communication. Its molecular signature such as DNA, RNA, protein, etc. contributes to the status (health or pathological stage) of the parental cell. Brain-derived EVs support more specific screening (diagnostic and prognostic) in TBI research. Therapeutic impact of EVs are more promising for aiding in TBI healing. It is nontoxic, biocompatible, and capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to transport therapeutic molecules. This review has highlighted the relationships between EVs and TBI theranostics, EVs and TBI-related clinical trials, and related research domain-associated challenges and solutions. This review motivates further exploration of associations between EVs and TBI and develops a better approach to TBI management.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Extracellular vesicles; Therapeutics; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries*
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic*
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Humans