Molecular cardioprotection and the role of exosomes: the future is not far away

Abstract Heart failure is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. Over the past several decades, research into the role of specific intracellular mediators, called exosomes, has advanced understanding of molecular cardioprotection. Exosomes and the microRNAs within them may be potential targets for the development of genetically engineered or biosimilar medications for patients in heart failure or with ischemic cardiac disease. This review will discuss anesthetic implications of exosome production and the futuristic micro-RNA applications for cardioprotection.