Research Advances on Extracellular Vesicles in Hypertension and Target Organ Damage

Abstract

Hypertension represents a major global public health challenge and is the primary risk factor for target organ damage (TOD), including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a class of nanoscale membrane structures secreted by cells that encapsulate bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication. Increasing evidence in recent years indicates that EVs play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of hypertension development, target organ damage, and associated complications. They regulate key pathological processes—including endothelial function, inflammatory responses, vascular remodeling, and fibrosis—through their specific cargo (e.g., microRNAs, proteins). This review systematically summarizes recent advances in extracellular vesicle research concerning hypertension and target organ damage, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms of EVs in hypertension and its cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary circulatory target organ damage, as well as their potential as biomarkers, thereby laying the foundation for future clinical applications.