Characterization of serum-derived extracellular vesicles in relation to women's health
Embargo Date
2027-10-27
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
This pilot study aimed to establish an optimal method for isolating and characterizing exosomes derived from human serum and investigate their effects on vaginal immune function. Two isolation methods, Invitrogen and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) were compared for efficacy in isolating exosomes from human serum. While both methods effectively isolated particles within the exosome diameter range (~30 – 150 nm), the Invitrogen method proved more cost-effective and time efficient. Using the Invitrogen method, clinically characterized serum-derived exosomes were isolated and administered to vaginal (VK2/E6E7) and endocervical (EndNF-κB) epithelial cell lines. Interestingly, serum-derived exosomes induced a dose-dependent upregulation of interleukin-8 (IL-8) without significant NF-κB activation in these cells. Additionally, serum-derived exosomes enhanced epithelial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. These preliminary findings shed light on the impact of peripheral blood-derived exosomes on vaginal immune function and suggest avenues for further investigation into their role in immune modulation and epithelial biology. Furthermore, exosomes from different contraceptive users exhibited varying pro-inflammatory effects, but this finding needs to be confirmed by further studies. In conclusion, this study serves as a foundation for future research in this emerging field, with ongoing investigations aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of exosome-mediated effects on vaginal and endocervical epithelial cells.
Description
2024