Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential of Exosomes in Valvular Heart Disease

Valvular heart disease (VHD), a category of diseases severely affecting circulatory system function caused by structural or functional abnormalities in heart valves, significantly reduces patients 'quality of life and life expectancy. Although pharmacological interventions and surgical procedures can alleviate clinical symptoms to some extent, achieving valve tissue regeneration and functional reconstruction remains challenging. In recent years, exosomes have gained widespread attention as an emerging therapeutic strategy. These nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells are rich in various bioactive components and play crucial roles in intercellular communication, inflammation regulation, tissue repair, and pathological process modulation. Studies indicate that during the development of cardiac valvular lesions, exosomes demonstrate significant therapeutic potential by regulating inflammatory responses, promoting tissue regeneration, and improving valve function. However, the specific mechanisms of exosomes in valvular disease treatment remain complex, with clinical translation facing multiple challenges including improvements in isolation and purification techniques, enhancement of in vivo stability, and systematic elucidation of action mechanisms. This systematic review examines the pathogenesis of valvular heart disease, discusses exosomes' biological characteristics and their potential as biomarkers and targeted therapies, while exploring current research progress and key scientific issues to provide theoretical foundations for further exploration and clinical application in this field.