Abstract
BackgroundExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. This study aimed (I) to identify and characterize EVs from low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum in mares with endometritis, compared to healthy controls and (II) to measure serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), and prostaglandins (PGF2α and PGE2). Mares were divided into 30 sub-fertile (endometritis) and 20 fertile (controls). Serum and LVL was collected for EV isolation, and determination of serum levels of inflammatory mediators. Characterization and visualization of EVs were done by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and flow cytometry.ResultsSerial ultracentrifugation of LVL and use of a commercial kit for serum were strategies for EVs isolation. Mares with endometritis released higher amounts of larger size EVs. The EVs from mares with endometritis differentially expressed CD9 and CD63, compared to controls. Mares suffering from endometritis evoked higher levels of inflammatory mediators.ConclusionsThus, EVs could be used for a better understanding the regulatory mechanisms associated with developing endometritis in mares.
Highlights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication
The morphology and size of EVs in low volume uterine lavage (LVL) and serum were confirmed by electron microscopy; Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (Fig. 1A-D) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (Fig. 2A-D)
The results of Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that EVs in serum and LVL exhibited a clear asymmetric size distribution between control and diseased mares (Fig. 3A-D)
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a promising biomarker and play a vital role in cell–cell communication. EVs have certain receptors and/or ligands from the original cells, and this reveals their potential for selective interactions with specific target cells [12, 13]. These vesicles are mainly responsible for intercellular communication, through exchange biological materials such as nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, and miRNA), lipids and proteins [3, 5]. The EVs can horizontally transfer those genetic materials to other cells, which can alter the functions of the recipient cell [14] They play a vital role in modulating the immune system and for inflammatory immune response [15]. The accumulating evidence indicates that EVs are a promising strategy for investigation of therapeutic targets, understanding interactions between host and pathogen, as well as selection of biomarkers (sensitive, accurate and specific) for different diseases [16]
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