Acesulfame potassium triggers inflammatory bowel disease via the inhibition of focal adhesion pathway.

Acesulfame potassium (ACK) was generally regarded as innocuous and extensively ingested. Nevertheless, ACK has recently gained attention as a burgeoning pollutant that has the potential to induce a range of health hazards, particularly to the digestive system. Herein, we uncover that ACK initiates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice and zebrafish, as indicated by the aggregation of macrophages in the intestine and the inhibition of intestinal mucus secretion. Transcriptome analysis of mice and zebrafish guts revealed that exposure to ACK typically impacts the cell cycle, focal adhesion, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Using pharmacological approaches, we demonstrate that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by cell division are not significant factors in the initiation of IBD caused by ACK. Remarkably, inhibition of the focal adhesion pathway is responsible for the IBD onset induced by ACK. Our results indicate the detrimental impacts and possible underlying mechanisms of ACK on the gastrointestinal system and provide insights for making informed choices about everyday dietary habits.

Effect of Implementing an Informatization Case Management Model on the Management of Chronic Respiratory Diseases in a General Hospital: Retrospective Controlled Study.

Background: The use of chronic disease information systems in hospitals and communities plays a significant role in disease prevention, control, and monitoring. However, there are several limitations to these systems, including that the platforms are generally isolated, the patient health information and medical resources are not effectively integrated, and the "Internet Plus Healthcare" technology model is not implemented throughout the patient consultation process. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the application of a hospital case management information system in a general hospital in the context of chronic respiratory diseases as a model case. Methods: A chronic disease management information system was developed for use in general hospitals based on internet technology, a chronic disease case management model, and an overall quality management model. Using this system, the case managers provided sophisticated inpatient, outpatient, and home medical services for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Chronic respiratory disease case management quality indicators (number of managed cases, number of patients accepting routine follow-up services, follow-up visit rate, pulmonary function test rate, admission rate for acute exacerbations, chronic respiratory diseases knowledge awareness rate, and patient satisfaction) were evaluated before (2019-2020) and after (2021-2022) implementation of the chronic disease management information system. Results: Before implementation of the chronic disease management information system, 1808 cases were managed in the general hospital, and an average of 603 (SD 137) people were provided with routine follow-up services. After use of the information system, 5868 cases were managed and 2056 (SD 211) patients were routinely followed-up, representing a significant increase of 3.2 and 3.4 times the respective values before use (U=342.779; P<.001). With respect to the quality of case management, compared to the indicators measured before use, the achievement rate of follow-up examination increased by 50.2%, the achievement rate of the pulmonary function test increased by 26.2%, the awareness rate of chronic respiratory disease knowledge increased by 20.1%, the retention rate increased by 16.3%, and the patient satisfaction rate increased by 9.6% (all P<.001), while the admission rate of acute exacerbation decreased by 42.4% (P<.001) after use of the chronic disease management information system. Conclusions: Use of a chronic disease management information system improves the quality of chronic respiratory disease case management and reduces the admission rate of patients owing to acute exacerbations of their diseases.

DNA tetrahedron-based dual-signal fluorescence detection of apoE4 gene sites on a microplate reader.

As a neurodegenerative disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and behavioral impairment. Among the various genetic risk factors for AD, apoE4 gene plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of AD, and detection of apoE4 gene holds significance for prevention and early diagnosis of AD. Herein, dual-signal fluorescence detection of fragments associated with apoE ε4 allele near codon 112 (Tc1) and codon 158 (Tc2) was achieved using DNA tetrahedron nanostructure (DTN). The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process in the DTN was initiated in which the nucleic acid intercalating dye thiazole orange (TO) served as the donor and the cyanine dyes of cyanine3 (Cy3) and cyanine5 (Cy5) at the two vertices of DTN served as the acceptors. In the presence of Tc1 and Tc2, the FRET process between TO and the cyanine dyes was hindered by the enzymatic cleavage reaction, which ensures the dual-signal fluorescence assay of apoE4 gene sites. The limit of detection for Tc1 and Tc2 was estimated to be 0.82 nM and 0.77 nM, respectively, and the whole assay was accomplished within 1 h on a microplate reader. The proposed method thus possesses the advantages of easy operation, short detection time, and high-throughput capability.

Effect of Strain Rate, Temperature, Vacancy, and Microcracks on Mechanical Properties of 8-16-4 Graphyne.

The 8-16-4 graphyne, a recently identified two-dimensional carbon allotrope, exhibits distinctive mechanical and electrical properties, making it a candidate material for flexible electronic applications. This study endeavors to enhance our comprehension of the fracture behavior and mechanical properties of 8-16-4 graphyne. The mechanical properties of 8-16-4 graphyne were evaluated through molecular dynamics simulations, examining the impact of boundary conditions, temperature, and strain rate, as well as the coupled interactions between temperature, vacancy defects, and microcracks. The findings reveal that 8-16-4 graphyne undergoes fracture via the cleavage of ethylene bonds at a critical strain value of approximately 0.29. Variations in boundary conditions and strain rate influence the fidelity of tensile simulation outcomes. Temperature, vacancy concentration, and the presence of microcracks markedly affect the mechanical properties of 8-16-4 graphyne. In contrast to other carbon allotropes, 8-16-4 graphyne exhibits a diminished sensitivity to vacancy defects in its mechanical performance. However, carbon vacancies at particular sites are more prone to initiating cracks. Furthermore, pre-existing microcracks within the material can potentially alter the fracture mode.

A Review of the Distribution and Health Effect of Organophosphorus Flame Retardants in Indoor Environments.

As a replacement for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) have been widely used and detected in different indoor environments all over the world. This paper comprehensively describes the concentration levels and distribution information of 11 kinds of OPFRs from 33 indoor dust and 10 air environments, from which TBOEP, TCIPP, and TDCIPP were observed to have higher concentrations in indoor environments. The ΣOPFRs displayed higher concentrations in indoor dust than in indoor air due to the higher molecular weight and vapor pressure of ΣOPFRs in building decoration materials, specifically for TCIPP and TDCIPP compounds. Considering that it is inevitable that people will be exposed to these chemicals in the indoor environments in which they work and live, we estimated their potential health risks through three human exposure pathways and found that the ingestion exposure to TBOEP for toddlers in Japan may reach up to 1270.80 ng/kg/day, which comprises a significant pathway compared to dermal contact and indoor air inhalation. Specifically, the combined total exposure to OPFRs by air inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal contact was generally below the RfD values for both adults and toddlers, with a few notable higher exposures of some typical OPFRs.

Lian-Mei-Yin formula alleviates diet-induced hepatic steatosis by suppressing Yap1/FOXM1 pathway-dependent lipid synthesis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, with a global prevalence of 25%. Patients with NAFLD are more likely to suffer from advanced liver disease, cardiovascular disease, or type II diabetes. However, unfortunately, there is still a shortage of FDA-approved therapeutic agents for NAFLD. Lian-Mei-Yin (LMY) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula used for decades to treat liver disorders. It has recently been applied to type II diabetes which is closely related to insulin resistance. Given that NAFLD is another disease involved in insulin resistance, we hypothesize that LMY might be a promising formula for NAFLD therapy. Herein, we verify that the LMY formula effectively reduces hepatic steatosis in diet-induced zebrafish and NAFLD model mice in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistically, LMY suppresses Yap1-mediated Foxm1 activation, which is crucial for the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Consequently, lipogenesis is ameliorated by LMY administration. In summary, the LMY formula alleviates diet-induced NAFLD in zebrafish and mice by inhibiting Yap1/Foxm1 signaling-mediated NAFLD pathology.

Synthesis and superconductivity in yttrium-cerium hydrides at high pressures.

Further increasing the critical temperature and/or decreasing the stabilized pressure are the general hopes for the hydride superconductors. Inspired by the low stabilized pressure associated with Ce 4f electrons in superconducting cerium superhydride and the high critical temperature in yttrium superhydride, we carry out seven independent runs to synthesize yttrium-cerium alloy hydrides. The synthetic process is examined by the Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction measurements. The superconductivity is obtained from the observed zero-resistance state with the detected onset critical temperatures in the range of 97-141 K. The upper critical field towards 0 K at pressure of 124 GPa is determined to be between 56 and 78 T by extrapolation of the results of the electrical transport measurements at applied magnetic fields. The analysis of the structural data and theoretical calculations suggest that the phase of Y0.5Ce0.5H9 in hexagonal structure with the space group of P63/mmc is stable in the studied pressure range. These results indicate that alloying superhydrides indeed can maintain relatively high critical temperature at relatively modest pressures accessible by laboratory conditions.

Baicalin ameliorates insulin resistance and regulates hepatic glucose metabolism via activating insulin signaling pathway in obese pre-diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes belongs to the most prevalent metabolic diseases worldwide, which is featured with insulin resistance, closely associated with obesity and urgently needs to be treated. Baicalin, belonging to natural flavonoids, has been reported to inhibit oxidative stress or inflammatoin. PURPOSE: This study investigated the properties of baicalin on modulating abnormal glucolipid metabolism, as well as the underlying in-vitro and in-vivo mechanisms. METHODS: Insulin-resistant (IR)-HepG2 cells were stimulated by dexamethasone (20 µM) and high glucose (50 mM) for 48 h and incubated with or without baicalin or metformin for another 16 h. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD, 60 % kcal% fat) during the total 14 weeks. Obese mice were then administered with baicalin (50 and 100 mg/kg) or vehicle solution everyday through oral gavage during the last 4-week period. Moreover, baicalin metabolisms in vitro and in vivo were determined using UPLC/MS/MS to study its metabolism situation. RESULTS: Exposure to dexamethasone and high glucose damaged the abilities of glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake with elevated oxidative stress and increased generation levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in HepG2 cells. These impairments were basically reversed by baicalin treatment. Four-week oral administration with baicalin ameliorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in HFD-induced obese and pre-diabetic mice. Downregulation of IRS/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway accomplished with reduced GLUT4 expression and enhanced GSK-3ß activity was observed in insulin resistant HepG2 cells as well as liver tissues from pre-diabetic mice; and such effect was prevented by baicalin. Moreover, baicalin and its matabolites were detected in IR-HepG2 cells and mouse plasma. CONCLUSION: The study illustrated that baicalin alleviated insulin resistance by activating insulin signaling pathways and inhibiting oxidative stress and AGEs production, revealing the potential of baicalin to be a therapeutic natural flavonoid against hepatic insulin and glucose-lipid metabolic disturbance in pre-diabetes accompanied with obesity.

Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolism.

The gut microbiota plays a central role in maintaining human health and has been linked to many gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis (UC). Agaricus bisporus is a famous edible mushroom, and Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides (ABPs) and the two purified fractions (ABP-1 and ABP-2) were demonstrated to exhibit immunomodulatory activity in our previous study. Herein, we further found that ABPs, ABP-1, and ABP-2 possessed therapeutic effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. ABPs, ABP-1, and ABP-2 could relieve body weight loss, colon atrophy, and histological injury, increase tight junction proteins, restore gut-barrier function, and inhibit inflammation. ABP-2 with a lower molecular weight (1.76 × 104 Da) showed a superior therapeutic effect than ABP-1 with a higher molecular weight (8.86 × 106 Da). Furthermore, the effects of ABP-1 and ABP-2 were microbiota-dependent, which worked by inducing Norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Akkermansia and inhibiting Escherichia-Shigella and Proteus. In addition, untargeted fecal metabolomic analysis revealed distinct modulation patterns of ABP-1 and ABP-2. ABP-1 mainly enriched steroid hormone biosynthesis, while ABP-2 significantly enriched bile secretion and tryptophan metabolism. In summary, ABPs, especially low-molecular-weight fraction, represent novel prebiotics for treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

Protective effects of methyl protodioscin against lipid disorders and liver injury in hyperlipidemic gerbils.

Methyl protodioscin (MPD) is the main component of total diosgenin, which was reported to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels potentially. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of MPD against lipid disorder in hyperlipidemic gerbils induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Hyperlipidemia was induced in gerbils by feeding them with HFD for six weeks, and a daily oral dose of MPD solution (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was administered. This study investigated blood lipid levels and hepatic lipid accumulation in hyperlipidemic gerbils. The potential mechanism of MPD was explored by detecting the expression level of genes, including SREBPs, ACC, FASN, HMGCR, PCSK9, and LDL-R. The results showed that MPD treatment decreased the body weight, the relative weight of the liver, blood lipid, and hepatic lipid levels of gerbils fed with HFD. The administration of MPD alleviates liver steatosis and injury in gerbils fed with an HFD. MPD treatment reduced the expression of HMGCR, increased the expression of LDL-R, and decreased the expression of PCSK9 for cholesterol reduction. Additionally, MPD treatment reduced the expression of hepatic ACC and FASN for triglycerides reduction. The underlying mechanisms for these effects are attributed to MPD-induced inhibition of protein expression of LXR, SREBP1, and SREBP2. This study demonstrates that MPD protects gerbils against lipid disorders and liver injury by suppressing hepatic SREBPs expression.

Synthesis of superconducting phase of La0.5Ce0.5H10at high pressures.

Clathrate hydrideFm3-m-LaH10has been proven as the most extraordinary superconductor with the critical temperatureTcabove 250 K upon compression of hundreds of GPa in recent years. A general hope is to reduce the stabilization pressure and maintain the highTcvalue of the specific phase in LaH10. However, strong structural instability distortsFm3-mstructure and leads to a rapid decrease ofTcat low pressures. Here, we investigate the phase stability and superconducting behaviors ofFm3-m-LaH10with enhanced chemical pre-compression through partly replacing La by Ce atoms from both experiments and calculations. For explicitly characterizing the synthesized hydride, we choose lanthanum-cerium alloy with stoichiometry composition of 1:1. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements reveal the stabilization ofFm3-m-La0.5Ce0.5H10in the pressure range of 140-160 GPa. Superconductivity withTcof 175 ± 2 K at 155 GPa is confirmed with the observation of the zero-resistivity state and supported by the theoretical calculations. These findings provide applicability in the future explorations for a large variety of hydrogen-rich hydrides.

Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Mg3(Bi,Sb)2 Nanocomposites: A First-Principles Study.

Mg3(BixSb1-x)2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanocomposites are a highly appealing class of thermoelectric materials that hold great potential for solid-state cooling applications. Tuning of the lattice thermal conductivity is crucial for improving the thermoelectric properties of these materials. Hereby, we investigated the lattice thermal conductivity of Mg3(BixSb1-x)2 nanocomposites with varying Bi content (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0) using first-principles calculations. This study reveals that the lattice thermal conductivity follows a classical inverse temperature-dependent relationship. There is a significant decrease in the lattice thermal conductivity when the Bi content increases from 0 to 0.25 or decreases from 1.0 to 0.75 at 300 K. In contrast, when the Bi content increases from 0.25 to 0.75, the lattice thermal conductivity experiences a gradual decrease and reaches a plateau. For the nanohybrids (x = 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), the distribution patterns of the phonon group velocity and phonon lifetime are similar, with consistent distribution intervals. Consequently, the change in lattice thermal conductivity is not pronounced. However, the phonon group speed and phonon lifetime are generally lower compared to those of the pristine components with x = 0 and x = 1.0. Our results suggest that the lattice thermal conductivity is sensitive to impurities but not to concentrations. This research provides valuable theoretical insights for adjusting the lattice thermal conductivity of Mg3(BixSb1-x)2 nanocomposites.

Effect of Thermophilic Microbial Agents on Crude Fiber Content, Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme Genes, and Microbial Communities during Chinese Medicine Residue Composting.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of thermophilic bacteria on crude fiber content, carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes, and associated microbial communities during Chinese medicine residues composting. The study examines changes over 15 days of composting with (T) and without (CK) thermophilic microbial agents. Results show that the group T compost temperature reached a maximum of 71.0 °C and remained above 70 °C for 2 days, while the group CK maximum temperature was only 60.9 °C. On Day 15, the seed germination index (GI) of group T reached 98.7%, while the group CK GI was only 56.7%. After composting, the degradation rates of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in group T increased by 5.1, 22.5, and 18.5%, respectively, compared to those in group CK. Thermophilic microbial agents changed the microbial communities related to CAZymes, increasing unclassified_o_Myxococcales and Sphaerobacter abundance and reducing Acinetobacter and Sphingobacterium abundance. Thermophilic microbial agents also increased the abundance of the GT4, GT2_Glycos_transf_2, and AA3 gene families. These results show that thermophilic microbial agents can increase composting temperature, accelerate compost maturation, and promote crude fiber degradation. Therefore, they have broad application potential.

Assessing Effects of van der Waals Corrections on Elasticity of Mg3Bi2-xSbx in DFT Calculations.

As a promising room-temperature thermoelectric material, the elastic properties of Mg3Bi2-xSbx (0 ≤ x ≤ 2), in which the role of van der Waals interactions is still elusive, were herein investigated. We assessed the effects of two typical van der Waals corrections on the elasticity of Mg3Bi2-xSbx nanocomposites using first-principles calculations within the frame of density functional theory. The two van der Waals correction methods, PBE-D3 and vdW-DFq, were examined and compared to PBE functionals without van der Waals correction. Interestingly, our findings reveal that the lattice constant of the system shrinks by approximately 1% when the PBE-D3 interaction is included. This leads to significant changes in certain mechanical properties. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of the elastic performance of Mg3Bi2-xSbx, including Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, etc., for different concentration of Sb in a 40-atom simulation box. The presence or absence of van der Waals corrections does not change the trend of elasticity with respect to the concentration of Sb; instead, it affects the absolute values. Our investigation not only clarifies the influence of van der Waals correction methods on the elasticity of Mg3Bi2-xSbx, but could also help inform the material design of room-temperature thermoelectric devices, as well as the development of vdW corrections in DFT calculations.

Superconductivity Above 100 K Predicted in Carbon-Cage Network.

To explore carbide superconductors with higher transition temperature, two novel carbon structures of cage-network are designed and their superconductivity is studied by doping metals. MC6 and MC10 are respectively identified as C24 and C32 cage-network structures. This study finds that both carbon structures drive strong electron-phonon interaction and can exhibit superconductivity above liquid nitrogen temperature. Importantly, the superconducting transition temperatures above 100 K are predicted to be achieved in C24 -cage-network systems doped by Na, Mg, Al, In, and Tl at ambient pressure, which is far higher than those in graphite, fullerene, and other carbides. Meanwhile, the superconductivity of cage-network carbides is also found to be sensitive to the electronegativity and concentration of dopant M. The result indicates that the higher transition temperatures can be obtained by optimizing the carbon-cage-network structures and the doping conditions. The study suggests that the carbon-cage-network structure is a direction to explore high-temperature superconducting carbides.

Identification of Efficacy-Associated Markers to Discriminate Flos Chrysanthemum and Flos Chrysanthemi Indici Based on Fingerprint-Activity Relationship Modeling: A Combined Evaluation over Chemical Consistence and Quality Consistence.

Monitoring the quality consistency of traditional Chinese medicines, or herbal medicines (HMs), is the basis of assuring the efficacy and safety of HMs during clinical applications. The purpose of this work was to characterize the difference in hydrophilic antioxidants and related bioactivities between Flos Chrysanthemum (JH) and its wild relatives (Chrysanthemum indicum L.; YJH) based on the establishment of fingerprint-efficacy relationship modeling. The concentrations of the total phenolics and flavonoids of JH samples were shown to be generally higher than those of YJH, but the concentration distribution ranges of YJH were significantly greater compared to JH samples, possibly related to environmental stress factors leading to the concentration fluctuations of phytochemicals during the growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum cultivars. Correspondingly, the total antioxidant capabilities of JH were greatly higher than those of YJH samples, as revealed by chemical assays, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and FRAP assays. In addition, cellular-based antioxidant activities confirmed the results of chemical assays, suggesting that the differences in antioxidant activities among the different types of Chrysanthemums were obvious. The extracts from YJH and JH samples showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and lipase-inhibitory activity, implying the modulatory effects on lipid and glucose metabolisms, which were also confirmed by an untargeted cell-based metabolomics approach. The selected common peaks by similarity analysis contributed to the discrimination of YJH and JH samples, and the modeling of the fingerprint-bioactivity relationship identified neochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and linarin as efficacy-associated chemical markers. These results have demonstrated that integrating HPLC fingerprints and the analysis of similarity indexes coupled with antioxidant activities and enzyme-inhibitory activities provides a rapid and effective approach to monitoring the quality consistency of YJH/JH samples.

SAIF plays anti-angiogenesis via blocking VEGF-VEGFR2-ERK signal in tumor treatment.

Shark cartilage was created as a cancer-fighting diet because it was believed to have an element that may suppress tumor growth. Due to overfishing, sharks have become endangered recently, making it impossible to harvest natural components from shark cartilage for therapeutic development research. Previously, we identified a peptide SAIF from shark cartilage with an-tiangiogenic and anti-tumor effects, successfully expressed it in Escherichia coli by using genetic engineering techniques. However, we did not elucidate the specific target of SAIF and its antiangiogenic molecular mechanism, which hindered its further drug development. Therefore, in this work, the exact mechanism of action was studied using various techniques, including cellular and in vivo animal models, computer-aided simulation, molecular target capture, and transcriptome sequencing analysis. With VEGF-VEGFR2 interaction and preventing the activation of VEGFR2/ERK signaling pathways, SAIF was discovered to decrease angiogenesis and hence significantly limit tumor development. The findings further demonstrated SAIF's strong safety and pharmaceutically potential. The evidence showed that SAIF, which is expressed by, is a potent and safe angiogenesis inhibitor and might be developed as a candidate peptide drug for the treatment of solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and other conditions linked with angiogenic overgrowth.

Proposing Signaling Molecules as Key Optimization Targets for Intensifying the Phytochemical Biosynthesis Induced by Emerging Nonthermal Stress Pretreatments of Plant-Based Foods: A Focus on γ-Aminobutyric Acid.

Emerging evidence has confirmed the role of emerging nonthermal stressors (e.g., electromagnetic fields, ultrasonication, plasma) in accumulating bioactive metabolites in plant-based food. However, the signal decoding mechanisms behind NonTt-driven phytochemical production remain unclear, hindering postharvest bioactive component intensification. This study aims to summarize the association between signaling molecules and bioactive secondary metabolite production under nonthermal conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of enhancing phytochemical accumulation through signaling molecule crosstalk manipulation. Nonthermal elicitors were found to be capable of inducing stress metabolisms and activating various signaling molecules, similar to conventional abiotic stress. A simplified pathway model for nonthermally induced γ-aminobutyric acid accumulation was proposed with reactive oxygen species and calcium signaling being versatile pathways responsive to nonthermal elicitors. Manipulating signal molecules/pathways under nonthermal conditions can intensify phytochemical biosynthesis. Further research is needed to integrate signaling molecule responses and metabolic network shifts in nonthermally stressed plant-based matrices, balancing quality modifications and intensification of food functionality potential.

Extracellular vesicles: a rising star for therapeutics and drug delivery.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized, natural, cell-derived vesicles that contain the same nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids as their source cells. Thus, they can serve as natural carriers for therapeutic agents and drugs, and have many advantages over conventional nanocarriers, including their low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility, natural blood-brain barrier penetration, and capacity for gene delivery. This review first introduces the classification of EVs and then discusses several currently popular methods for isolating and purifying EVs, EVs-mediated drug delivery, and the functionalization of EVs as carriers. Thereby, it provides new avenues for the development of EVs-based therapeutic strategies in different fields of medicine. Finally, it highlights some challenges and future perspectives with regard to the clinical application of EVs.