摘要:
Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by almost all cells, mediating intercellular communication by delivering bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. In diabetic complications, they act as a “double-edged sword”: pathologically, they propagate damaging signals that exacerbate disease progression, whereas therapeutic exosomes from specific sources exert multi-targeted therapeutic effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), characterized by unique holistic regulation, can modulate the secretion and cargo composition of exosomes in vivo, thereby offering a novel synergistic strategy for the treatment of diabetic complications. This paper reviews the latest research progress on exosomes and exosome-TCM combination strategies in five diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetes complicated with cerebral infarction, diabetic wound healing, and diabetic retinopathy. This review analyzes their cell source specificity and TCM-regulated mechanisms. It also discusses the potential of exosomes as early diagnostic biomarkers and as engineered TCM-related delivery platforms. Current exosome research still faces challenges, such as heterogeneity control, large-scale preparation, and clinical supervision. However, emerging technologies including genetic modification and artificial intelligence combined with personalized TCM regulation strategies are accelerating their clinical translation, providing a systemic reference for the integrated research and clinical development of exosome-TCM in the field of diabetic complications.
Hanyi Li, Chenxi Yin, Shiqi Tan, Dongsheng Zong, Yuting Li.
Study and application of exosomes combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of diabetic-related diseases
[J]. 亚洲传统医药, 2026, 21(3): 179-194.
Hanyi Li, Chenxi Yin, Shiqi Tan, Dongsheng Zong, Yuting Li.
Study and application of exosomes combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of diabetic-related diseases
[J]. Asian Journal of Traditional Medicines, 2026, 21(3): 179-194.