Extracellular vesicles originating from the mechanical microenvironment in the pathogenesis and applications for cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The mechanical microenvironment plays a crucial regulatory role in the growth and development of cells. Mechanical stimuli, including shear, tensile, compression, and extracellular matrix forces, significantly influence cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and various other cellular functions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes, with their occurrence and secretion being strictly regulated by the mechanical microenvironment. Recent studies have confirmed that alterations in the mechanical microenvironment are present in cardiovascular diseases, and the components of EVs can respond to changes in mechanical signals, thereby impacting the progression of these diseases. Additionally, engineered EVs, created by leveraging mechanical microenvironments, can serve as natural drug-delivery vehicles for treating and managing specific diseases. This article systematically reviews the regulatory mechanisms through which the mechanical microenvironment influences EVs and summarizes the role and advancements of EVs derived from this environment in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords

• Mechanical microenvironment
• Extracellular vesicles
• Cardiovascular disease
• Shear stress
• Pressure