Biofactors. 2025 Nov-Dec;51(6):e70053. doi: 10.1002/biof.70053.
ABSTRACT
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that contain specific proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. These small vesicles are significant in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a subclass of noncoding RNAs that are expressed differently in many tissues and play essential roles in biological function. circRNAs are remarkably stable and prevalent in exosomes. These properties make them ideal candidates for biomedical research. Exosomal circRNAs function as pathogenic regulators, biomarkers, and therapy candidates in various diseases, including metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition distinguished by disruptions in the body's metabolism, encompassing obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. This syndrome is linked to a high risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the roles of exosomal circRNAs in metabolic syndrome, providing recent perspectives on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of these complicated disorders.
PMID:41221792 | DOI:10.1002/biof.70053