AIM:Exosomes are bi-lipid membrane originated in the cell endocytosis system and secreted into the extracellular matrix .The cells secrete exosomes into extracellular matrix to impact target cells with the significant func -tions of cell-cell information transmission and immunological regulation .Recent studies show that cell-cell communication regulated by exosomes can be found in both physiological and pathological conditions of cardiovascular diseases ( CVD ) . Exosomes derived from many types of cells ( such as myocardial cells , endothelial cells and stem cells ) play an important regulatory role in the pathogenetic mechanism of CVD .Meanwhile , exosome-based investigations have shown huge potential for the treatment of CVD .This review will focus on the biological characteristics and functions of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of CVD .

作者：肖静；余细勇

来源：中国病理生理杂志 2014 年 4期