Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesNarrative ReviewEurope PMCOpen access

Exosome-delivered bioactive molecules regulate macrophage polarization in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Zhou Y., Ran G., Guo H.

Narrative Review on Cardiovascular Disease, published in Front Cardiovasc Med (2026) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesEvidence level of this study

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

  • Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
  • Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
  • Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
  • Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
  • Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
Read the A–D evidence level guide

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Narrative Review
Journal
Front Cardiovasc Med (2026)
Reported sample size
—
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
41798608
PMCID
PMC12960621
DOI
10.3389/fcvm.2026.1739907
Citations
2

Abstract (original English)

Exosomes, by carrying biologically active molecules, constitute the core network of inter-cell communication and play an important role in the regulation of macrophage polarization. The dynamic balance of macrophage polarization is a key determinant of atherosclerosis plaque stability and cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. This review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which exosomes and their specific molecules accurately regulate M1/M2 polarization of macrophages. We also focused on the mechanism of action by which exosomes play a dual role in promoting or inhibiting the physiological and pathological environment of AS and MI. In addition, the clinical transformation potential and current challenges of new biomarkers and treatment strategies (such as engineered exosomes, drug carriers) are also discussed, which is expected to bring new treatment strategies to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
  • • This is a narrative review: it collects no new patient data and does not systematically appraise evidence quality.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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