Fig. 4: Intercellular communication by extracellular vesicles in aortic aneurysm.
From: Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain various contents with biological activity, including proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, nucleic acids, enzymes, and proteins. EVs are released from donor cells to the bloodstream and are delivered to target cells or organs. Depending on the cargo in EVs, EVs can promote or prevent the progression of aortic aneurysms. MSC mesenchymal stem cell, ADSC adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell, ECM extracellular matrix, MMPs matrix metalloproteinases, SMC smooth muscle cell, ROS reactive oxygen species.
