Researchers from a leading Asian university have shown that nanoscale structures released by red blood cells can influence how the body processes fat. This discovery points to a potential mechanism for slowing the buildup of fat in arteries by guiding immune system activity. Published in a respected scientific journal, these findings could pave the way for innovative therapies aimed at atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, with implications for people in Canada, the United States, and beyond [Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles].
Atherosclerosis involves fat, cholesterol, and other substances depositing on the inner walls of arteries. Over time, this accumulation forms plaque that narrows vessels, heightening the risk of heart attack and stroke. Grasping how plaques originate and persist is vital for strategies that protect heart health across diverse populations in North America and other regions [Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles].
Extracellular vesicles are tiny, membrane‑bound particles shed by various cell types, including red blood cells. In the latest work, researchers demonstrated that these vesicles can reduce inflammation within the blood vessel wall by interacting with macrophages, a core component of the immune system. This insight adds a new dimension to the function of extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular disease and helps explain how immune responses contribute to the development of atherosclerosis [Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles].
Under the influence of extracellular vesicles, macrophages showed heightened activity of an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage. At the same time, these immune cells improved their ability to take up fats, which can slow fat accumulation that forms arterial plaques. Such changes in macrophage behavior may translate into meaningful reductions in plaque growth and help stabilize existing lesions in adults at risk of cardiovascular events.
The study points to a possible path for new drugs targeting atherosclerosis, with preclinical work and early human trials needed to establish safety and effectiveness. Beyond heart disease, the anti-inflammatory signals carried by vesicles may also offer benefits for other conditions driven by chronic inflammation, aligning with current public health priorities in North America and globally [Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles].
In addition to these findings, researchers noted that time-honored questions about brain recovery after a stroke could be revisited through this new mechanism. By exploring how brain cells respond to inflammatory cues and how extracellular vesicles might modulate those responses, scientists may uncover complementary approaches that support neurological repair and functional recovery after cerebrovascular events [Source: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles].