Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous vesicles naturally secreted by cells.

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The physiological purpose of generating EVs can be understood in two ways: Firstly, remove constituents from cells that may be erroneously produced or are in excess (i.e. due to abnormal functions linked to an existing disease). Secondly, carry bioactive molecules to local or distant recipient cells (to prevent or spread a disease). Therefore, EVs play an important role in regulating both cellular homeostasis and intercellular communication.

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Extracellular vesicles transport intact cellular components including DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and metabolites, either locally or in distant sites via the circulation.

Liver-derived EVs are therefore perfect circulating snapshots of the pathological state of liver if they are analysed.