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Review
. 2025 Feb 3;14(2):177.
doi: 10.3390/antiox14020177.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Age-Related Disorders

Bharathi Hassan Ganesh  1   2 , Himabindu Padinjarathil  1   2 , Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran  3   4   5 , Prasanna Ramani  1   2 , Prakash Gangadaran  3   4   5 , Byeong-Cheol Ahn  3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Aging and Age-Related Disorders

Bharathi Hassan Ganesh et al. Antioxidants (Basel). .

Abstract

A variety of molecular and cellular changes distinguish the multifaceted biological process of aging. Recent studies in this decade have demonstrated the essential role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the aging process. Mitochondrial malfunction and increased oxidative stress are major contributors for the aging process. This review investigates the role of EVs in intercellular communication, tissue regeneration, and inflammation in the context of aging. We also discuss the exosome and its utility to reduce oxidative stress, which is a key part of aging, as well as the possibility of using the exosomes (EVs) as anti-aging drugs. Changes in cargo composition can influence the aging phenotype and impact the functionality of cells and tissues. Additionally, the role of EVs in oxidative stress during the aging process addresses potential treatment strategies and the development of biomarkers for age-associated disorders. The review also highlighted the role of exosomes in providing antioxidant properties, which help reduce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and strengthen cellular defenses against oxidative stress. Additionally, it emphasized the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in age-related pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and immunosenescence, offering insights into targeted interventions for promoting healthy aging. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current body of knowledge regarding the therapeutic effects of EVs on aging, with a particular emphasis on the implications of this emerging field of research and its relationship to oxidative stress.

Keywords: age-related diseases; cargo composition; extracellular vesicles; intercellular communication; therapeutic strategies.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The role of EVs released from blood as biomarkers for various age-associated diseases [27,28]. Plasma-isolated exosome treatments may enhance cell bioenergetics by eliminating free radicals and act as diagnostic tools. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Role of EVs released from blood–brain barrier as biocarrier of anti-oxidant proteins, anti-inflammatory drugs, and exosome as derived from MSC for treatment in neurodegenerative disorders The arrow pointing indicates up, and down-regulation, whereas red increases the ageing and green suppresses the aging process Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Age-related changes in cellular senescence. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Exosome-based transport pathways involved in aging. Abbreviations: MHC II, Major histocompatibility class II; miRNA, MicroRNA; mtDNA, Mitochondrial DNA; TNF-α/Fas, Tumor necrosis factor α and Fas membrane-bound protein; PTK, Protein tyrosine kinase. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Exosomal MSC-based ocular therapy. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024). Abbreviations: MSCs, Mesenchymal stomal cells; APCs, Antigen-presenting cells. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Overview on hallmarks of aging, isolation sources, diseases, and therapeutic strategies. Created with BioRender.com (accessed on 23 December 2024).
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