Extracellular vesicles are a new research focus for understanding the causes of some endocrine illnesses like cancer and diabetes, as well as developing new treatments for these disorders, according to a new Scientific Statement released today by the Endocrine Society.
Extracellular vesicles and their hormone-like role in cell-to-cell communication have piqued the interest of endocrine experts over the last decade.
The remark sheds light on the roles of extracellular vesicles, which are produced into bodily fluids by all cells and carry endocrine signals that allow cells to communicate with distant parts of the body.
“We’re really excited about this new area of research that can help us better understand how people develop common endocrine conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer,” said Carlos Salomon Ph.D., D.Med.Sc., M.Sc., B.Sc., Associate Professor of The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia.
“The statement highlights the likely uses of extracellular vesicles in detecting and monitoring disease progression and their role as next-generation drug delivery vehicles.”
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that generate and release hormones that regulate a variety of biological activities, including the body’s ability to convert calories into energy that fuels cells and organs. Endocrine problems are usually classified into two groups:
- Hormone imbalance is an endocrine disorder that occurs when a gland generates too much or too little of an endocrine hormone.
- Endocrine disease is caused by endocrine system abnormalities (such as nodules or tumors) that may or may not alter hormone levels.
We’re really excited about this new area of research that can help us better understand how people develop common endocrine conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. The statement highlights the likely uses of extracellular vesicles in detecting and monitoring disease progression and their role as next-generation drug delivery vehicles.
Carlos Salomon
Extracellular vesicles can help researchers better understand how to diagnose and forecast the progression of endocrine-related illnesses like cancer. Extracellular vesicles’ usefulness as a cancer biomarker could extend to predicting real-time therapy response.
Extracellular vesicles also play a role in diagnosing and treating diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Extracellular vesicles, particularly those produced from stem cells, have showed promise in treating diabetes in recent research. The study of vesicles sheds light on the origins of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in obese people.
Extracellular vesicles play a key part in the progression of heart disease and may be beneficial in risk prediction. They can also be used as biomarkers for high blood pressure and may have therapeutic or blood pressure-lowering properties.
“We hope this statement brings awareness to the significance of extracellular vesicles in endocrinology and encourages more research on their potential as biomarkers and therapeutics,” Salomon said.
