Exploring the role of exosomes in the pathogenesis and treatment of cardiomyopathies: A comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Exosomes, a subset of small extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in intercellular communication, have garnered significant attention for their potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathies. Cardiomyopathies, which encompass a spectrum of heart muscle disorders, present complex challenges in diagnosis and management. Understanding the role of exosomes in the etiology of cardiomyopathies such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may open new possibilities for therapeutic intervention and diagnosis. Exosomes have indeed demonstrated promise as diagnostic biomarkers, particularly in identifying cardiac conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and in the timely classification of high-risk patients with different forms of cardiomyopathy. In DCM, exosomes have been implicated in mediating pathological responses in cardiomyocytes, potentially exacerbating disease progression. Moreover, in RCM, AC, and HCM, exosomes present significant potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, offering insights into disease pathogenesis and potential avenues for intervention. Understanding the influence of exosomes on disease progression and identifying the specific molecular pathways involved in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis may significantly advance diagnostic and treatment strategies. While key findings highlight the multifaceted role of exosomes in cardiomyopathy, they also emphasize the need for further research to elucidate molecular mechanisms and translate findings into clinical practice. This review highlights the evolving landscape of exosome research in cardiomyopathies and underscores the importance of ongoing investigations to harness the full potential of exosomes in improving patient outcomes.