Introduction:
The kidney is the primary organ apparatus in humans, possessing a multifaceted organizational framework and a range of pathological alterations strongly linked to other organ systems. Extracellular vesicles originate from several intracellular vesicles or local cell membranes. Their dimensions range from tens of nanometers to several micrometers.
They transport chemicals between cells in the kidney and extrarenal organs and deliver different information from the source cells. They are crucial for the flow of signals inside the kidney and between it and other organs. Renal and nonneoplastic disorders can be tracked by identifying alterations in extracellular vesicles and the information they contain. Kidney problems may be partially treated with extracellular vesicles containing bioactive molecules from different stem cells.
What Are Extracellular Vesicles?
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a diverse group of bilayered lipid vesicles released by most cell types. They are thought to represent an essential interaction messenger between cells. EVs can be classified into three primary groups based on their size and place of origin: apoptotic bodies, which are released by dying cells and range in size from 1 micrometer to 5 micrometers; microvesicles, which are released from the plasma membrane and have a size of 100 nanometer-1 micrometer; and small exosomes, local microdomains assembled in endocytic membranes. EVs also include the massive tumor-derived vesicles known as oncosomes and the mitochondrial-originated vesicles known as mitovesicles.
Even though EVs are varied and heterogeneous, normal cells release them into humor, circulating endlessly and playing a significant role in various physiological and pathological states. Body fluids are rich in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are simple to isolate and concentrate. Their complex payload reflects the pathological and physiological state of the source cells. EVs can effectively pass through target cells' cell membranes, allowing for intercellular communication and modifying target cell function and gene expression.
One of the vital organs that must be stable in the internal environment is the kidney. EVs are a component of renal physiology and play a major role in the development and course of many kidney disorders. It helps treat renal illnesses and can be used to diagnose kidney problems.
What Is the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Kidney Disease Progression?
Kidney disease progression is significantly influenced by extracellular vesicles (EVs). These microscopic particles, which are expelled by cells, include a variety of proteins, genetic elements, and other substances that are indicative of the kidneys' state.
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Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Cell-to-Cell Communication in Kidney: Extracellular vesicles, or EVs, are little messengers that carry information between the renal tubules and glomerulus, among other kidney sections. They transport chemicals such as proteins and RNAs, facilitating communication and keeping the kidney's electrolyte and acidity levels in check. These EVs carry crucial chemicals from the higher to the lower tubule cells. EVs can affect several organs via circulation and beyond the kidney. For example, extracellular matrix (EV) derived from the placenta or these illnesses might impact kidney function in cases like preeclampsia or autoimmune disorders. Additionally, EVs are involved in conditions like hemolytic uremia syndrome and heart problems brought on by chronic renal disease. They are also linked to abnormal calcium deposition in blood arteries, a disease known as vascular calcification. These microscopic particles significantly impact the kidney, other organs, and a host of medical disorders.
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Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers of Renal Disease: EVs are released by active cells and resemble small, disc-shaped bubbles covered in lipid layers. They could be somewhat larger or extremely tiny. These globules originate from smaller ones within the cells or combine with certain cell components. They transport various genetic elements, proteins, and lipids between cells. They are essential for exchanging materials between kidney cells and other cells they come into contact with in the kidney. The possibility that these bubbles may be utilized as novel indicators of renal issues excites scientists. They transport unique material from kidney cells, which are shielded by their bubble walls.
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Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers of Renal Cell Carcinoma: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 3 percent of adult bladder cancer cases. RCC is a subtype of kidney cancer. Early detection might be challenging because there are sometimes no identifiable symptoms. Surgery and targeted therapy are part of the current therapeutic options. However, they are not always successful. Tests other than ultrasonography are used to diagnose RCC. Sadly, only a small percentage of cases, roughly 17 percent, have a good prognosis and have migrated to other locations. Better therapy depends on early detection and forecasting whether it will spread. Because EVs, minuscule indicators found in the body, have unique information that may help identify this disease sooner and determine its propensity to spread, scientists are investigating them.
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Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers of Renal Tubulointerstitial Injury: Extracellular vesicles can reveal the extent of renal scarring and inflammation. Certain particular markers found in these EVs, such as miR-29c and CD2AP mRNA, can provide information on the degree of kidney scarring and function. Urine EV indicators can predict the course of some kidney disorders, such as IgA nephropathy and hypertension-related kidney problems. Variations in extracellular vesicles (EVs) also reveal modifications in the control of water and salt in the kidney during illnesses or injuries, offering insights into renal function and possible issues with the kidney's ion-transporting channels.
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Extracellular Vesicles as Diagnostic Markers for Glomerular Injury: A protein called WT1 present in these EVs suggests early glomerular issues in situations like diabetic nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Changes in urine EVs reflect kidney glomerular illness, such as podocyte destruction. Urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain specific chemicals that aid in the early diagnosis of certain kidney illnesses, such as thin basement membrane nephropathy and IgA nephropathy, in children and adults. These microscopic particles in urine may serve as important indicators for early kidney disease detection.
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Extracellular Vesicles Role as Drug Carriers: Raising protein levels has been shown to aid in treating several illnesses. However, pure protein medications are difficult to utilize in therapy due to their size and instability. Scientists discovered a solution using EVs, or minuscule carriers contained in the body. To increase the stability of the protein and improve its capacity to target kidney injury, they loaded these EVs with IL-10. These loaded EVs, also known as IL-10 and EVs, enhanced blood flow-related kidney damage by encouraging cell self-cleaning and lowering toxic responses. In a different research, EVs were treated with a protein called srIκB, which helped minimize renal cell damage and inflammation following reduced blood flow.
Conclusion:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the subject of fast-moving research, opening the door for their use in kidney disease diagnostics and therapy. The basis for EV-based indicators and treatments has been established via preclinical research. Scientists need additional studies on how EVs function in renal disorders, better techniques for separating and purifying EVs, and a large body of clinical data before we can apply this in real medicine. This will contribute to the routine use of EV-based methods in diagnosing and treating renal issues.
