ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of icariin on autophagy induced by low-concentration of glucocorticoid and exosome production in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs).MethodsBMECs were isolated from femoral heads resected in total hip arthroplasty and then intervened with hydrocortisone of low concentration (0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.10 mg/mL), which were set as groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. On the basis of hydrocortisone intervention, 5×10?5 mol/L of icariin was added to each group (set as groups A1, B1, C1 and D1, respectively). Western blot was used to detect the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and dead bone slice 1 (p62) after 24 hours. Exosomes were extracted from BMECs treated with icariin (intervention group) and without icariin (non-intervention group), and the diameter and concentration of exosomes were evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis technique. The total protein content of exosomes was detected by BCA method, and the expressions of proteins carried by exosomes including CD9, CD81, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were assessed by Western blot. The BMECs were further divided into three groups: BMECs in the experimental group and the control group were co-cultured with exosomes secreted by BMECs treated with or without icariin, respectively; the blank control group was BMECs without exosome intervention. The three groups were treated with hydrocortisone and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of LC3B and p62. The scratching assay was used to detect cell migration ability; angiogenic ability of BMECs was also assessed.ResultsWith the increase of hydrocortisone concentration, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ increased gradually, and the protein expression of p62 decreased gradually (P<0.01). Compared with group with same concentration of hydrocortisone, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased and the protein expression of p62 increased after the administration of icariin (P<0.01). The concentration of exosomes in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the non-intervention group (t=?10.191, P=0.001); and there was no significant difference in exosome diameter and total protein content between the two groups (P>0.05). CD9 and CD81 proteins were highly expressed in the non-intervention group and the intervention group, and the relative expression ratios of VEGFA/CD9 and TGF-β1/CD9 proteins in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the non-intervention group (P<0.01). After co-culture of exosomes, the protein expression of p62 increased in blank control group, control group, and experimental group, while the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased. There were significant differences among groups (P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 12 and 24 hours, the scratch closure rate of the control group and experimental group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group (P<0.05), and the scratch closure rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 4 and 8 hours, the number of lumens, number of sprouting vessels, and length of tubule branches in the experimental group and the control group were significantly greater than those in the blank control group (P<0.05); the length of tubule branches and the number of lumens in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P<0.05).ConclusionIcariin and BMECs-derived exosomes can improve the autophagy of BMECs induced by low concentration of glucocorticoid.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) in human amnion mesenchymal stem cell exosome (hAMSC-Exo) on the migration of fibroblasts.MethodsThe hAMSC-Exo was extracted with exosomes separation kit and identified, the effect of hAMSC-Exo on fibroblasts migration was detected by scratch test. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the relative expression of miR-135a gene in hAMSC-Exo after overexpression of miR-135a. Scratch test was used to detect the effect of hAMSC-Exo on the migration of fibroblasts after overexpression and knockdown of miR-135a. Western blot was used to detect the migration related proteins of fibroblasts [large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2), E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)] after overexpression and knockdown of miR-135a. The 293T cell exosomes and hAMSC-Exo were used as control.ResultshAMSC-Exos were extracted successfully. Scratch test results showed that hAMSC group had the strongest ability to promote fibroblasts migration, and GW4869 (exosome inhibitor) treatment group had reduced ability to promote fibroblasts migration. qRT-PCR test showed that the relative expression of miR-135a gene in hAMSC-Exo increased significantly after over expression of miR-135a. Scratch test results showed that after over expression of miR-135a, hAMSC-Exo enhanced the migration ability of fibroblasts, while after knockdown of miR-135a, hAMSC-Exo weakened the migration ability of fibroblasts. Western blot results showed that the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, LATS2 were down regulated and α-SMA was up regulated in each hAMSC-Exo treatment group when compared with 293T cell exosomes group; after over expression of miR-135a, hAMSC-Exo decreased the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, LATS2 and increased the expression of α-SMA; while after knockdown of miR-135a, the ability of hAMSC-Exo was weakened.ConclusionmiR-135a in hAMSC-Exo can promote fibroblasts’ migration, inhibit the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, LATS2, and promote the expression of α-SMA.
Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticle (PELN) is a nanoscale vesicle secreted by plant cells, which has important biological functions. On the one hand, PELN can exert anti-osteoporosis (OP) effects by affecting the functions of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. On the other hand, PELN can also inhibit inflammatory reactions, protect chondrocytes, and has potential value in treating osteoarthritis (OA). This article summarizes the basic concepts, formation and components, separation and characterization methods of PELN, and focuses on the intervention effect and molecular mechanism of PELN on OP and OA.
ObjectiveTo summarize the current research progress of serum exosome microRNAs in patients with colorectal cancer.MethodsThe domestic and foreign literatures related to serum exosome microRNAs of colorectal cancer patients, which had been reported in recent years were collected through literature search. Subsequently, those literatures were used to read and review.ResultsExosomes were extracellular vesicles, which contained lipids, proteins, DNA, RNA (mRNA, microRNA, and long non-coding RNA), and other molecules. These vesicles mediated communication between cells by transporting the above molecules. Exosomes in serum were the main carriers of microRNAs in the blood circulation system. Serum exosome microRNAs could affect the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells, mediate the drug resistance of colorectal cancer cells, and could be used as biomarkers to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer.ConclusionsSerum exosome microRNAs play important role in the occurrence, development, treatment, and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. As a class of biomarker, serum exosome microRNAs have great potential in the early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal cancer.
ObjectiveTo investigate whether exosomes derived from miR-27a-overexpressing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)—exo (miR-27a) can promote bone regeneration and improve glucocorticoids (GC) induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) (GC-ONFH).MethodsThe exo (miR-27a) were intended to be constructed and identified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the effect of exo (miR-27a) in delivering miR-27a to osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1 cells). Alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate its effect on MC3T3-E1 cells osteogenesis. Dual-luciferase reporter (DLRTM) assay was used to verify whether miR-27a targeting Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 2 (DKK2) was a potential mechanism, and the mechanism was further verified by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and alizarin red staining in MC3T3-E1 cells. Finally, the protective effect of exo (miR-27a) on ONFH was verified by the GC-ONFH model in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.ResultsTransmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, and qRT-PCR detection showed that exo (miR-27a) was successfully constructed. exo (miR-27a) could effectively deliver miR-27a to MC3T3-E1 cells and enhance their osteogenic capacity. The detection of DLRTM showed that miR-27a promoted bone formation by directly targeting DDK2. Micro-CT and HE staining results of animal experiments showed that tail vein injection of exo (miR-27a) improved the osteonecrosis of SD rat GC-ONFH model.Conclusionexo (miR-27a) can promote bone regeneration and protect against GC-ONFH to some extent.
ObjectiveTo explore the involvement of miR-126 and the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-induced factor 1 α (HIF-1 α) pathway in regulating human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) exosomes (Exo) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A levels in high glucose-induced human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRECs). MethodsThe hREC was cultured in EGM-2-MV endothelial cell culture medium with 30 mmol/L glucose and placed in hypoxic cell incubator by 1% oxygen concentration. The cell model of high glucose and low oxygen was established. After modeling, divided HRECs into Exo group, phosphate buffer saline (PBS) group, PBS+anti-miR126 group, Exo+anti-miR126 group, PBS+anti-mTOR group, and PBS+anti-HIF-1 α group. High-glucose and hypoxia-induced hREC in the PBS and Exo groups were respectively co-cultured with PBS and 100 μg/ml hUCMSC Exo. PBS+anti-mTOR group, PBS+anti-HIF-1 α group: 500 nmol/L mTOR inhibitor ADZ2014, 25 μmol/L HIF-1 α inhibitor YC-1 pretreatment for hREC 12 h, and then co-culture with PBS after High-glucose and hypoxia-induced. PBS+anti-miR126 group, Exo+anti-miR126 group: miR-126 LNA power inhibitor probe was transfected with high glucose, and co-cultured with PBS and hUCMSC Exo 6 h after transfection. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) measured miRNA-126 expression levels in PBS, and Exo groups for 0, 8, 16 and 24 h. After 24 hof co-culture, the levels of mTOR and HIF-1 α in the cells of PBS and Exo groups were detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot and qPCR, respectively. Western blot, qPCR detection of VEGF-A expression levels in cells of the PBS+anti-mTOR and PBS+anti-HIF-1 α groups. The expression of VE GF-A, mTOR, and HIF-1 α mRNA was measured in cells of PBS+anti-miR126 group and Exo+anti-miR126 group by qPCR. Comparison between two groups was performed by t-test; one-way ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups. ResultsAt 0, 8, 16 and 24 h, the relative mRNA expression of miR-126 gradually increased in the Exo group (F=95.900, P＜0.05). Compared with the PBS group, The mTOR, HIF-1 α protein (t=3.466, 6.804), mRNA in HRECs in the Exo group, VEGF-A mRNA expression (t=8.642, 7.897, 6.099) were all downregulated, the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). The relative expression level of VEGF-Aprotein (t=3.337, 7.380) and mRNA (t=8.515, 10.400) was decreased in HRECs of the anti-mTOR+PBS group and anti-HIF-1 α+PBS group, differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05). The relative expression of VEGF-A, mTOR, and HIF-1 α mRNA was significantly increased in the cells of the Exo+anti-miR126 group, the differences were all statistically significant (t=4.664, 6.136, 6.247; P＜0.05). ConclusionsmiR-126 plays a role in regulating the effect of hUCMSCs exosomes on VEGF-A levels in high glucose-induced HRECs via mTOR-HIF-1 α pathway.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in the expression and significance of serum exosomal miRNAs in patients with DeBakey typeⅠacute aortic dissection (AAD). MethodsTwelve male patients with AAD and six healthy male medical examiners from our hospital were retrospectively included in this study. According to the time of chest pain, the AAD patients were divided into an AAD group within 24 h of chest pain onset, aged 47.00±8.79 years and an AAD group within 48 h of chest pain onset, aged 50.17±9.99 years. The healthy males were allocated to a control group, aged 49.17±4.26 years. Serum exosomal miRNAs were isolated, identified and quantified, and then differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were screened. The bioinformatic analyses such as GO and KEGG were performed on the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs. ResultsHigh-throughput screening results revealed differential expression of AAD serum exosomal miRNAs. The upregulated miRNAs of AAD groups was hsa-miR-574-5p (P<0.05), and downregulated miRNAs were hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, and hsa-miR-155-5p (P<0.05). Further bioinformatic analysis of the above miRNAs revealed that they were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-β, cell cycle and endoplasmic reticulum protein synthesis. ConclusionDifferential expressions of serum exosomal miRNAs in AAD patients may be related to the pathogenesis of AAD, providing new ideas and clues for further exploration of AAD diagnostic markers and pathogenesis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory role of MSC-derived exosomes in obliterative bronchiolitis after lung transplantation. MethodsThe murine lung transplantation model was established with male C57BL/6 mice, and the mice were divided into a sham group (sham, n=6), a surgery group (OB, n=6), and a treatment group (OB+MSC-exo, n=6). The in vitro model was created by stimulating RAW264.7 with lipopolysaccharide+nigericin (LPS+Nigericin), and comprised a PBS group, a LPS+Nigericin group, and a LPS+Nigericin+MSC-exo group. Immunofluorescence and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to analyze gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression, as well as lumen stenosis in lung grafts. Bioinformatics methods were employed to predict and screen target gene collagen type V alpha 1 (COL5A1). Q-PCR was used to measure mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and COL5A1 in lung grafts and macrophages. Western blot was performed to detect Cleaved-Caspase 1 protein expression in lung grafts and GSDMD protein expression in macrophages. ResultsImmunofluorescence and HE staining revealed that in vivo infusion of MSC-exo reduced GSDMD expression in grafts, ameliorated tracheal epithelial cilia loss and lumen stenosis, and decreased Cleaved-Caspase 1 protein as well as IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA expression. MSC-exo treatment or COL5A1 knockdown reduced IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression in macrophages, with comparable efficacy. MSC-exo infusion also decreased the number of COL5A1+ cells and mRNA expression levels in lung grafts. ConclusionMSC-derived exosomes alleviate obliterative bronchiolitis after lung transplantation by inhibiting COL5A1.
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of exosome microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) in the bile and its clinical diagnostic value for the patients with cholangiocarcinoma. MethodsIn this study, 45 cases of cholangiocarcinoma admitted to Dongfeng General Hospital from August 2019 to December 2021 and met the inclusion criteria were selected and 35 patients with benign diseases of bile duct (choledocholithiasis or benign stricture of bile duct) during the same period were selected as control. The exosome in the bile was extracted by hypervelocity centrifugation method and identified. The exosome miRNA was extracted from the bile using a kit, then the expression level of miRNA-21 was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. The diagnostic value of exosome miRNA-21 in the bile for cholangiocarcinoma was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). ResultsThe isolated exosome in the bile conformed to the characteristics of recognized exosome and the concentration was higher. The average expression level of exosome miRNA-21 in the bile of the patients with cholangiocarcinoma was statistically higher than that in the patients with benign diseases of bile duct (59.45 verses 25.41, t=3.445, P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.715 [95%CI (0.602, 0.827), P=0.001]. The sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-21 in the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma were 75.6% and 62.9%, respectively. ConclusionFrom the results of this study, exosome miRNA-21 expression in bile is higher and it may be a potential early diagnostic marker for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
ObjectiveTo understand the research progress of related biomarkers in early diagnosis of gastric cancer in recent years.MethodThe domestic and foregin literatures on studies of biomarkers of early diagnosis of gastric cancer in recent years were reviewed.ResultsAt present, the sensitivity and specificity of serum tumor biomarkers of gastric cancer such as CEA and CA19-9 were lower, so the molecular markers that could predict, screen, and diagnose gastric cancer in the early stage were further explored. The recent studies suggested that microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, exosome, etc. molecular markers in early diagnosis of gastric cancer had better prospects of clinilal application.ConclusionWith the continuous development of molecular biology technology, the values of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs, DNA, etc. in early diagnosis of gastric cancer would be further explored.