Research progress of exosomes in pathogenesis and treatment of preeclampsia

AIM: Preeclampsia (PE) is a critical and severe disease in obstetrics, which seriously affects maternal and neonatal life safety and long-term prognosis. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of PE are complex, and no unified conclusion has been reached. The types and number of exosomes and their transport substances in PE patients changed. The study of exosomes in PE patients helps clarify the etiology, diagnosis, effective treatment, accurate monitoring, and prognosis. METHOD: The published articles were reviewed. RESULTS: Exosomes may affect endothelial and vascular production and function, participate in maternal-fetal immune regulation, and transport substances such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and proteins involved in the development of PE. Detection of the contents of exosomes can help in the early diagnosis of PE, and can help to improve PE by inhibiting the action of exosomes or preventing their binding to target organs. CONCLUSION: Exosomes may be involved in the development of PE, and exosomes can be used as markers for predicting the onset of PE and tracking the disease process and determining the prognosis, and exosomes have great potential in the treatment of PE.