The value of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (literature review)

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles that are secreted by cells into the extracellular environment. EVs are cell-produced communication molecules that can affect a range of target cells in their cellular environment and may also have a long-range effect. Currently, EVs are considered to be highly sensitive biomarkers of chronic liver diseases. The article gives an overview of the current literature on the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as the diagnostic value of EVs in the context of NAFLD. The article deals with the classification of EVs, the structure of EV, describes molecules that make up EV. Attention is paid to the issues of EV identification in the blood serum. The role of EV in the formation and progression of NAFLD is discussed in detail. The article demonstrates that progression of NAFLD is associated with EVs derived from hepatocytes, as well as extrahepatic and bacterial EVs. It is shown that the value of EV in NAFLD is not limited to the formation of dysmetabolic changes, but includes the development of inflammation and liver fibrosis. On the other hand, EVs can be used as transporters of exogenous RNA molecules to the liver cells. EV-associated ncRNAs are confidently recognized as important regulators of biological processes in both physiological and pathological conditions.

Keywords

• extracellular vesicles
• biomarkers
• chronic liver disease