Role of Exosomal Intercellular Communications in Diabetic Vascular Complications in Experimental Animals

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of death in diabetic patients. Intercellular communications may link diabetes to the cardiovascular complications. Exosomes are now emerging as a key mediator of intercellular communications. Aim: This study aimed to study the possible role of intercellular communications between adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Methods: To create an in vitro model which can mimic diabetic conditions, primary mouse ASCs from mouse aortic perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were treated with a cocktail of LPS, high glucose and Palmitate. ASCs conditioned medium were collected, and exosomes were isolated. Migratory capacity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) incubated with ASCs derived exosomes were assessed via scratch assay. Results: Exosomes derived from our in vitro model of ASCs promoted migration of VSMCs. Conclusion: These data suggest an association between diabetes and progression of vascular dysfunction via intercellular communications mediated by exosomes derived from perivascular adipose tissue.