Extracellular Vesicles as a Potential Therapy for Stroke.

Although thrombolytic therapy has enjoyed relative success, limitations remain, such as a narrow therapeutic window and inconsistent efficacy. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have garnered increasing attention as a potential alternative to stem cell therapy. Because of their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia and hemorrhage, the exploration of EVs for clinical application in stroke treatment is expanding. EVs are characterized by high heterogeneity, with their composition closely mirroring that of their parent cells. This property enables EVs to distinguish between cerebral ischemia and hemorrhage, thus facilitating a more rapid and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, EVs can be engineered to carry specific molecules, such as miRNAs, targeting them to specific cells, potentially enhancing the therapeutic outcome and improving stroke prognosis. In this review, we will also explore the methodologies for the isolation and extraction of EVs, critically evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of various commonly employed separation techniques. Furthermore, we will briefly address current EV preservation and administration methods, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of EV-based therapies in stroke treatment.