Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome characterized by rapid loss of renal function with a high morbidity and mortality. However, due to the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of AKI, no specific treatment for this disease is currently available. Animal models have demonstrated the protective effects of exosomes on AKI; however, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The present review focuses on the efficacy of exosomes derived from different cell sources, including mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells and tubular epithelial cells, in the treatment of AKI and the associated mechanism. Furthermore, the effects of exosomal contents, including microRNAs, circular RNAs, long non‑coding RNAs, messenger RNAs and proteins, on the repair of renal tubules, protection against renal tubular epithelial cell injury, protection against fibrosis, inhibition of early endoplasmic reticulum stress and mediation of inflammation during AKI are also summarized in the present review.