Fig. 2

Function of exosomes under DHD conditions. Studies have been conducted on exosomes isolated from DHD biological fluids as well as from culture media under DHD conditions. Exosomes released from patients with DHD has been demonstrated to increase calcification, plaque rupture, adverse remodeling and blood pressure in the vasculature. This was mimicked in the in vitro experiments where diabetic exosomes increased endothelial cell apoptosis, while decreasing proliferation, angiogenesis and migration. Similarly, DHD exosomes in vivo resulted in increased apoptosis, fibrosis and adverse remodeling of the heart as well as reduced cell survival. Just as in in vitro experiments, DHD exosomes promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis while reducing cardiomyocyte survival