Extracellular vesicles and atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease

Atherogenesis involves a complex multifactorial process including chronic inflammation that requires the participation of several cell types and molecules. In addition to their role in vascular homeostasis, extra-cellular vesicles also appear to play an important role in atherogenesis, including monocyte transmigra-tion and foam cell formation, SMC proliferation and migration, leukocyte transmigration, and thrombosis. Peripheral arterial disease, a major form of peripheral vascular disease, is characterized by structural or functional impairment of peripheral arterial supply, often secondary to atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of extracellular vesicles have been demonstrated in patients with peripheral arterial disease and implicated in the development of atherosclerosis within peripheral vascular beds. However, extracellular vesicles also appear capable of delivering cargo with atheroprotective effects. This capability has been exploited in vesicles engineered to carry content capable of neovascularization, suggesting potential for therapeutic angiogenesis. This dual capacity holds substantial promise for diagnosis and therapy, including possibly limb-and life-saving options for peripheral arterial disease management. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Atherogenesis is a complex process involving chronic inflammation and the participation of various cell types and molecules. Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in this process, contributing to monocyte transmigration, foam cell formation, smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, leukocyte transmigration, and thrombosis. Peripheral arterial disease, a common type of peripheral vascular disease, is characterized by impaired blood supply due to atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of extracellular vesicles have been found in patients with peripheral arterial disease and are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. However, extracellular vesicles also have the potential to deliver cargo with atheroprotective effects, offering opportunities for therapeutic angiogenesis in the management of peripheral arterial disease.