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Afzal A, Khan M, Gul Z, Asif R, Shahzaman S, Parveen A, Imran M, Khawar MB. Extracellular Vesicles: the Next Frontier in Pregnancy Research. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1204-1214. [PMID: 38151656 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vehicles (EVs) have been involved in several aspects of pregnancy, including endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and embryo-maternal communication showing them associated with pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth. Further research is warranted to fully comprehend the exact pathophysiological roles of EVs and to develop new therapies targeting EVs thereby improving pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we review the recent knowledge on the multifaceted roles of EVs during pregnancy and address the majority of the molecular interactions between EVs, maternal, and fetal cells with an emphasis on disorders of pregnancy under the influence of EVs. Moreover, we also discuss its applications in clinical trials followed by prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Madeeha Khan
- College of Allied Health Sciences, Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Zaman Gul
- Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rameen Asif
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sara Shahzaman
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asia Parveen
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
- Applied Molecular Biology & Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan.
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Iavarone I, Molitierno R, Fumiento P, Vastarella MG, Napolitano S, Vietri MT, De Franciscis P, Ronsini C. MicroRNA Expression in Endometrial Cancer: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Implications. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:486. [PMID: 38541212 PMCID: PMC10972089 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60030486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: An extracellular vesicle is part of a class of submicron particles derived from cells, mediating cellular crosstalk through microRNA (miRNA). MiRNA is a group of RNA molecules, each of which consists of 15-22 nucleotides and post-transcriptionally modulates gene expression. The complementary mRNAs-onto which the miRNAs hybridize-are involved in processes such as implantation, tumor suppression, proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis that define the entire tumor microenvironment. The endometrial biopsy is a standard technique used to recognize cellular atypia, but other non-invasive markers may reduce patient discomfort during the use of invasive methods. The present study aims to examine the distribution and the regulation of the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and EV-derived substances in women with endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases in April 2023, adopted the string "Endometrial Neoplasms AND Exosomes", and followed the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We selected all the studies that included patients with endometrial cancer and that described the regulation of miRNA molecules in that context. The differences in molecule expression between patients and controls were evaluated as significant when the proteins had a fold change of ±1.5. Results: Seventeen records fulfilled the inclusion criteria: a total of 371 patients and 273 controls were analyzed. The upregulated molecules that had the widest delta between endometrial cancer patients and controls-relative expression ≥ 1 > 3 log2(ratio)-were miR-20b-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-15a-5p, and miR-320a. In particular, miR-20b-5p and miR-204-5p were extracted from both serum and endometrial specimens, whereas miR-15a-5p was only isolated from plasma, and miR-320a was only extracted from the endometrial specimens. In parallel, the most downregulated miRNA in the endometrial cancer patients compared to the healthy subjects was miR-320a, which was found in the endometrial specimens. Conclusions: Although their epigenetic regulation remains unknown, these upregulated molecules derived from EVs are feasible markers for the early detection of endometrial cancer. The modulation of these miRNA molecules should be assessed during different treatments or if recurrence develops in response to a targeted treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Iavarone
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Rossella Molitierno
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Pietro Fumiento
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Maria Giovanna Vastarella
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Stefania Napolitano
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Vietri
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale De Franciscis
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
| | - Carlo Ronsini
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (I.I.); (R.M.); (P.F.); (M.G.V.); (P.D.F.)
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Ronsini C, Fumiento P, Iavarone I, Greco PF, Cobellis L, De Franciscis P. Liquid Biopsy in Endometriosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076116. [PMID: 37047088 PMCID: PMC10094565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite laparoscopy being a standardized option to diagnose pelvic endometriotic implants, non-invasive biomarkers are necessary to avoid the discomfort of invasive procedures. Recent evidence suggests a potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as feasible biomarkers for the early diagnosis of endometriosis. Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct in January 2023. We provided no restriction on the country and year of publication, and considered English published articles. We selected studies including patients with endometriosis and describing miRNA regulation in the context of endometriosis. Overall, 45 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 2045 patients with endometriosis and 1587 controls were screened. Patients were analyzed concerning miRNAs expression and sources, stage of disease, and symptoms, and compared to controls. Among DEMs, the ones with the widest delta between endometriosis patients and controls-Relative Expression ≥ 4 Log2(ratio)-were miR-145, miR-191, miR-195, miR-21-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-451a, miR-200c, miR-20a-5p, and miR-15a-5p. Although the epigenetic regulation is partially unclear, miRNAs are valid biomarkers to diagnose endometriotic lesions in symptomatic and non-symptomatic women. MiRNAs modulation should be clarified, especially during therapies or relapse, to plan targeted management protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Ronsini
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Fumiento
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Irene Iavarone
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pier Francesco Greco
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, A. Gemelli, IRCCS, University Hospital Foundation, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Cobellis
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Franciscis
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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Zierden HC, Marx-Rattner R, Rock KD, Montgomery KR, Anastasiadis P, Folts L, Bale TL. Extracellular vesicles are dynamic regulators of maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4568. [PMID: 36941297 PMCID: PMC10027885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation of the maternal milieu during pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal health. The placenta facilitates critical communication between maternal and fetal compartments, in part, through the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs enable tissue synchrony via cell-cell and long-distance communication and are at their highest circulating concentration during pregnancy. While much work has been done investigating how physiological challenges in pregnancy affect the fetus, the role of placental communication in maternal health has not been well examined. We previously identified placental O-glycosyl transferase (OGT), a glucose-sensing enzyme, as a target of maternal stress where OGT levels and activity affected the O-glycosylation of proteins critical for EV cargo loading and secretion. Here, we hypothesized that placental OGT plays an essential role in maternal homeostatic regulation during pregnancy via its regulation of maternal circulating EV concentrations. Our studies found that changes to key metabolic factors over the circadian cycle, including glucocorticoids, insulin, and glucose, were significantly associated with changes in circulating EV concentration. Targeting placental OGT in mice, we found a novel significant positive relationship between placental OGT and maternal circulating EV concentration that was associated with improving maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Finally, an intravenous elevation in EVs, matching the concentration of EVs during pregnancy, shifted non-pregnant female glucose sensitivity, blunted glucose variance, and improved synchrony of glucose uptake. These data suggest an important and novel role for circulating EVs as homeostatic regulators important in maternal health during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Zierden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Ruth Marx-Rattner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Kristen R Montgomery
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pavlos Anastasiadis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lillian Folts
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Center for Epigenetic Research in Child Health and Brain Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Chair in Women's Integrated Mental and Physical Health Research at the Ludeman Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Ren J, Jin H, Zhu Y. The Role of Placental Non-Coding RNAs in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055030. [PMID: 36902459 PMCID: PMC10003511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcribed from the genome and do not encode proteins. In recent years, ncRNAs have attracted increasing attention as critical participants in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. Different categories of ncRNAs, which mainly include microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are involved in the progression of pregnancy, while abnormal expression of placental ncRNAs impacts the onset and development of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Therefore, we reviewed the current status of research on placental ncRNAs and APOs to further understand the regulatory mechanisms of placental ncRNAs, which provides a new perspective for treating and preventing related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Ren
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Heyue Jin
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Correspondence:
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Small extracellular vesicles: a new player in GDM pathogenesis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1873-1875. [PMID: 36545930 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In a recent article published in Clinical Science, James-Allan et al. examined the effect of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) on glucose intolerance in pregnancy. This editorial commentary summarizes major findings from this study and discusses the impact on our understanding of the role of EVs in pregnancy.
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Buca D, D'Antonio F, Buca D, Di Sebastiano F, Simeone P, Di Girolamo R, Bologna G, Vespa S, Catitti G, Liberati M, Miscia S, Lanuti P. Extracellular Vesicles in pregnancy: Their potential role as a liquid biopsy. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 154:103734. [PMID: 36063658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived particles released during different pathophysiological processes, circulating in many body fluids and mediating the inter-cellular crosstalk. We have analyzed, for the first time, different EV phenotypes and concentrations in the peripheral blood of uncomplicated pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN In this prospective case-control study, uncomplicated singleton pregnant women at term (N = 59) and aged matched non-pregnant women (N = 21) were enrolled. Freshly drowned peripheral blood samples were stained for flow cytometry analyses of EVs. RESULTS EVs derived from platelets, leukocytes, endothelial and epithelial cells were identified and counted. Platelet-derived EVs were higher in pregnant compared to non-pregnant women, both in terms of absolute counts (2064.4 ± 1156.3 vs 701.1 ± 378.8; p < 0.0001) and percentages (27.6 ± 17.2 vs 10.7 ± 5.9; p < 0.0001). The opposite pattern was observed both for concentrations of endothelial-EV counts (525.8 ± 499.6 vs 844.7 ± 652.9; p = 0.007) and percentages (6.1 ± 5.5 vs 11.8 ± 8.0; p < 0.0001) and leukocyte-derived EV percentages (10.2 ± 7.4 vs 17.9 ± 11.2; p = 0.002) EVs. CONCLUSIONS Uncomplicated pregnancies are characterized by a specific EV signature. These cell-derived particles may therefore represent promising biomarkers of different pathological conditions complicating pregnancies, such as preeclampsia or preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Buca
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Francesco D'Antonio
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Davide Buca
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Francesca Di Sebastiano
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Simeone
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Di Girolamo
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina Bologna
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Simone Vespa
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giulia Catitti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Marco Liberati
- Center for Fetal Care and High-Risk Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Miscia
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (C.A.S.T.), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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The Mystery of Exosomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2169259. [PMID: 35720179 PMCID: PMC9200544 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2169259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the common pregnancy complications, which increases the risk of short-term and long-term adverse consequences in both the mother and offspring. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of GDM is still poorly understood. Inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress are considered critical factors in the occurrence and development of GDM. Although the lifestyle intervention and insulin are the primary treatment, adverse pregnancy outcomes still cannot be ignored. Exosomes have a specific function of carrying biological information, which can transmit information to target cells and play an essential role in intercellular communication. Their possible roles in normal pregnancy and GDM have been widely concerned. The possibility of exosomal cargos as biomarkers of GDM is proposed. This paper reviews the literature in recent years and discusses the role of exosomes in GDM and their possible mechanisms to provide some reference for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of GDM and improve the outcome of pregnancy.
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Extracellular Vesicles as an Index for Endothelial Injury and Cardiac Dysfunction in a Rodent Model of GDM. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094970. [PMID: 35563365 PMCID: PMC9101204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal cardiovascular complications. It is widely believed that maternal endothelial dysfunction is a critical determinant of these risks, however, connections to maternal cardiac dysfunction and mechanisms of pathogenesis are unclear. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging biomarkers that may provide insights into the pathogenesis of GDM. We examined the impact of GDM on maternal cardiac and vascular health in a rat model of diet-induced obesity-associated GDM. We observed a >3-fold increase in circulating levels of endothelial EVs (p < 0.01) and von Willebrand factor (p < 0.001) in GDM rats. A significant increase in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within circulating extracellular vesicles was also observed suggesting possible mitochondrial dysfunction in the vasculature. This was supported by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide deficiency in aortas of GDM mice. GDM was also associated with cardiac remodeling (increased LV mass) and a marked impairment in maternal diastolic function (increased isovolumetric relaxation time [IVRT], p < 0.01). Finally, we observed a strong positive correlation between endothelial EV levels and IVRT (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). In summary, we observed maternal vascular and cardiac dysfunction in rodent GDM accompanied by increased circulating endothelial EVs and EV-associated mitochondrial DNA. Our study highlights a novel method for assessment of vascular injury in GDM and highlights vascular mitochondrial injury as a possible therapeutic target.
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Ghafourian M, Mahdavi R, Akbari Jonoush Z, Sadeghi M, Ghadiri N, Farzaneh M, Mousavi Salehi A. The implications of exosomes in pregnancy: emerging as new diagnostic markers and therapeutics targets. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:51. [PMID: 35414084 PMCID: PMC9004059 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell and membranous particles originating from different cell compartments. EVs participate in many essential physiological functions and mediate fetal-maternal communications. Exosomes are the smallest unit of EVs, which are delivered to the extracellular space. Exosomes can be released by the umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic fluid, and amniotic membranes and are involved in angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, and embryo implantation. Also, various diseases such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction can be related to the content of placental exosomes during pregnancy. Due to exosomes' ability to transport signaling molecules and their effect on sperm function, they can also play a role in male and female infertility. In the new insight, exosomal miRNA can diagnose and treat infertilities disorders. In this review, we focused on the functions of exosomes during pregnancy. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Ghafourian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roya Mahdavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Zahra Akbari Jonoush
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahvash Sadeghi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nooshin Ghadiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Science Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Abdolah Mousavi Salehi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
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11
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Bathla T, Abolbaghaei A, Reyes AB, Burger D. Extracellular vesicles in gestational diabetes mellitus: A scoping review. Diab Vasc Dis Res 2022; 19:14791641221093901. [PMID: 35395915 PMCID: PMC9021497 DOI: 10.1177/14791641221093901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy worldwide. Despite extensive study, the molecular mechanisms leading to GDM and associated perinatal complications are not well understood. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of future cardiometabolic disease in both mothers and their offspring. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of effective screening tools and to identify novel molecular mechanisms responsible for the short and long-term risks associated with GDM. In this regard, extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer promise as novel biomarkers of GDM-mediated changes to both mother and fetus. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of studies examining EVs in the context of GDM. EMBASE and Ovid Medline were searched for articles published from inception to December 2020. We update current knowledge in this area and identify key knowledge gaps with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvi Bathla
- Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Akram Abolbaghaei
- Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Agafe Bless Reyes
- Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Dylan Burger
- Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Extracellular Vesicles—New Players in Cell-To-Cell Communication in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020462. [PMID: 35203669 PMCID: PMC8962272 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Research in extracellular vesicles (EVs) has contributed to a better understanding of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Biologically active cargo, such as miRNAs and proteins, is critical in many different biological processes. In this context, pregnancy is one of the most complex physiological states, which needs a highly regulated system to ensure the correct nourishment and development of the baby. However, pre-existent maternal conditions and habits can modify the EV-cargo and dysregulate the system leading to pregnancy complications, with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) being one of the most reported and influential. Calcification and aging of muscle cells, protein modification in vascular control or variations in the levels of specific miRNAs are some of the changes observed or led by EV populations as adaptation to GDM. Interestingly, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance changes are not fully understood to date. Nevertheless, the increasing evidence generated has opened new possibilities in the biomarker discovery field but also in the understanding of cellular mechanisms modified and involved in GDM. This brief review aims to discuss some of the findings in GDM and models used for that purpose and their potential roles in the metabolic alterations during pregnancy, with a focus on insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
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13
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Sun X, Sun H, Li P. Association of circulating inflammatory cells and platelets with gestational diabetes and pregnancy outcomes. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 523:87-96. [PMID: 34508686 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common cause of hyperglycemia during pregnancy, and its prevalence has increased over the past decades. GDM is directly related to the recent obstetric outcomes and long-term maternal and child health, which can be greatly improved by early identification and diagnosis of GDM. However, the prediction of the disease has always been a difficult problem due to the lack of simple and practical serological markers. Despite the controversy, recent studies have identified that circulating inflammatory cells and platelets, routinely included in the obstetric blood tests, are related to the development of GDM and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we summarized the studies in this field based on the recent literature. The inflammatory cell components we included were the total number of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets, which were routinely examined in the blood tests in pregnancy. The aim of this review is not only to enrich our understanding of the pathogenesis of GDM but also to provide evidence for the value of these novel and practical serological markers in early identification of GDM and the prevention and its adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshi Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - He Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.
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Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228762. [PMID: 33228245 PMCID: PMC7699467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived submicron vesicles released under physiological or pathological conditions. EVs mediate the cellular crosstalk, thus contributing to defining the tumor microenvironment, including in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The available literature investigating the role of EVs in EOC has been reviewed following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on the role of EVs in early disease diagnosis, metastatic spread, and the development of chemoresistance in EOC. Data were identified from searches of Medline, Current Contents, PubMed, and from references in relevant articles from 2010 to 1 April 2020. The research yielded 194 results. Of these, a total of 36 papers, 9 reviews, and 27 original types of research were retained and analyzed. The literature findings demonstrate that a panel of EV-derived circulating miRNAs may be useful for early diagnosis of EOC. Furthermore, it appears clear that EVs are involved in mediating two crucial processes for metastatic and chemoresistance development: the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and tumor escape from the immune system response. Further studies, more focused on in vivo evidence, are urgently needed to clarify the role of EV assessment in the clinical management of EOC patients.
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