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Mohammadi A, Shabani R, Bashiri Z, Rafiei S, Asgari H, Koruji M. Therapeutic potential of exosomes in spermatogenesis regulation and male infertility. Biol Cell 2024:e2300127. [PMID: 38593304 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202300127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a fundamental process crucial for male reproductive health and fertility. Exosomes, small membranous vesicles released by various cell types, have recently garnered attention for their role in intercellular communication. OBJECTIVE This review aims to comprehensively explore the role of exosomes in regulating spermatogenesis, focusing on their involvement in testicular development and cell-to-cell communication. METHODS A systematic examination of literature was conducted to gather relevant studies elucidating the biogenesis, composition, and functions of exosomes in the context of spermatogenesis. RESULTS Exosomes play a pivotal role in orchestrating the complex signaling networks required for proper spermatogenesis. They facilitate the transfer of key regulatory molecules between different cell populations within the testes, including Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and germ cells. CONCLUSION The emerging understanding of exosome-mediated communication sheds light on novel mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis regulation. Further research in this area holds promise for insights into male reproductive health and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Mohammadi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Shabani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bashiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Endometrium and Endometriosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Omid Fertility & Infertility Clinic, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Sara Rafiei
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Asgari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Koruji
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Phillips D, Noble D. Bubbling beyond the barrier: exosomal RNA as a vehicle for soma-germline communication. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 37936475 DOI: 10.1113/jp284420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
'Weismann's barrier' has restricted theories of heredity to the transmission of genomic variation for the better part of a century. However, the discovery and elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation such as DNA methylation and histone modifications has renewed interest in studies on the inheritance of acquired traits and given them mechanistic plausibility. Although it is now clear that these mechanisms allow many environmentally acquired traits to be transmitted to the offspring, how phenotypic information is communicated from the body to its gametes has remained a mystery. Here, we discuss recent evidence that such communication is mediated by somatic RNAs that travel inside extracellular vesicles to the gametes where they reprogram the offspring epigenome and phenotype. How gametes learn about bodily changes has implications not only for the clinic, but also for evolutionary theory by bringing together intra- and intergenerational mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Phillips
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Denis Noble
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Corpuz-Hilsabeck M, Mohajer N, Culty M. Dysregulation of Immature Sertoli Cell Functions by Exposure to Acetaminophen and Genistein in Rodent Cell Models. Cells 2023; 12:1804. [PMID: 37443838 PMCID: PMC10340629 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are essential for germ cell development and function. Their disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or drugs could jeopardize spermatogenesis, contributing to male infertility. Perinatal exposure to EDCs and acetaminophen (APAP) disrupts male reproductive functions in animals and humans. Infants can be exposed simultaneously to the dietary soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and APAP used for fever or pain relief. Our goal was to determine the effects of 10-100 µM APAP and GEN, alone or mixed, on immature Sertoli cells using mouse TM4 Sertoli cell line and postnatal-day 8 rat Sertoli cells, by measuring cell viability, proliferation, prostaglandins, genes and protein expression, and functional pathways. A value of 50 µM APAP decreased the viability, while 100 µM APAP and GEN decreased the proliferation. Sertoli cell and eicosanoid pathway genes were affected by GEN and mixtures, with downregulation of Sox9, Cox1, Cox2, and genes relevant for Sertoli cell function, while genes involved in inflammation were increased. RNA-seq analysis identified p53 and TNF signaling pathways as common targets of GEN and GEN mixture in both cell types. These results suggest that APAP and GEN dysregulate immature Sertoli cell function and may aid in elucidating novel EDC and drug targets contributing to the etiology of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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Li CY, Liu SP, Dai XF, Lan DF, Song T, Wang XY, Kong QH, Tan J, Zhang JD. The emerging role of exosomes in the development of testicular. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:373775. [PMID: 37040218 PMCID: PMC10521952 DOI: 10.4103/aja2022126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of testicular development in mammals are complex. Testis is an organ that produces sperm and secretes androgens. It is rich in exosomes and cytokines that mediate signal transduction between tubule germ cells and distal cells, promoting testicular development and spermatogenesis. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that transmit information between cells. By transmitting information, exosomes play an important role in male infertility diseases such as azoospermia, varicocele, and testicular torsion. However, due to the wide range of sources of exosomes, extraction methods are numerous and complex. Therefore, there are many difficulties in studying the mechanisms of exosomal effects on normal development and male infertility. Therefore, in this review, first, we introduce the formation of exosomes and methods for culturing testis and sperm. Then, we introduce the effects of exosomes on different stages of testicular development. Finally, we summarize the prospects and shortcomings of exosomes when used in clinical applications. We lay the theoretical foundation for the mechanism of the influence of exosomes on normal development and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yang Li
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Song-Po Liu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Dai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Dong-Feng Lan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xian-Yao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qing-Hong Kong
- Guizhou Provincial College-Based Key Lab for Tumor Prevention and Treatment with Distinctive Medicines, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Ji-Dong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Special Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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Han D, Yao J, Chen W, Zhuang J, Bian J, Ouyang B, Sun X, Deng C, Xie Y, Yang Q. Altered transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of testicular interstitial fluid during aging in mice. Theriogenology 2023; 200:86-95. [PMID: 36773384 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) that bathes seminiferous tubules and testicular interstitial cells is the main microenvironment of the testis and involved in crosstalk between testicular cells. TIF also provides a new mean to investigate dysfunctional states of testis such as spermatogenic disorder and aging. In this study, we performed integrative omics analysis on the exosomal transcriptomics and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based non-targeted metabolomics in TIF by comparison between 21-month-old and 3-month-old male mice. A total of 1627 genes were identified as aging-related differently expressed genes (DEGs) in mouse TIF exosomes, with 1139 downregulated and 488 upregulated. Functional and pathway analysis revealed that the DEGs were associated with oxidative stress, carbon metabolism, and systemic lupus erythematosus. By comparing the DEGs with the Aging Atlas Database, we screened out key aging-related genes functioning as oxidative stress regulators, and their expression pattern in human testis with age was confirmed by immunohistochemistry results in the Human Protein Atlas database. In addition, the metabolomic analysis identified mild differences between young and old groups with 28 downregulated differently expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 6 upregulated DEMs, in the negative ion mode, including decreased level of several antioxidant metabolites. The KEGG analysis demonstrated that 10 pathways were upregulated, while the pyrimidine metabolism pathway was downregulated in the aged mice TIF. Taken together, this study highlighted the prominent role of oxidative stress that contributed to the aging microenvironment in the TIF, and brought comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic perspectives for understanding the mechanism underlying the testicular aging.
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Gao H, Cao H, Li Z, Li L, Guo Y, Chen Y, Peng G, Zeng W, Du J, Dong W, Yang F. Exosome-derived Small RNAs in mouse Sertoli cells inhibit spermatogonial apoptosis. Theriogenology 2023; 200:155-167. [PMID: 36806925 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly complicated biological process that occurs in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules. It is regulated by a complex network of endocrine and paracrine factors. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a key role in spermatogenesis due to their production of trophic, differentiation, and immune-modulating factors. However, many of the molecular pathways of SC action remain controversial and unclear. Recently, many studies have focused on exosomes as an important mechanism of intercellular communication. We found that the exosomes derived from mouse SCs inhibited the apoptosis of primary spermatogonia. A total of 1016 miRNAs in SCs and 556 miRNAs in exosomes were detected using miRNA high-throughput sequencing. A total of 294 miRNAs were differentially expressed between SCs and exosomes. Furthermore, 19 tsRNA families appeared in SCs, while 6 tsRNA families appeared in exosomes. A total of 57 and 1 miRNAs (RPM >4) and 14 and 1 tsRNAs were exclusively expressed in SCs and exosomes, respectively. MiR-10b is one of the top ten exosomes with a relatively large enrichment of miRNA. Overexpression of miR-10b downregulates the expression of the target KLF4 to reduce spermatogonial apoptosis in primary spermatogonia or the C18-4 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Gao
- Center for Wildlife Biology of Qin-Mountains, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Yingjie Guo
- College of Forestry, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Yining Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Guofan Peng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Jian Du
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- Center for Wildlife Biology of Qin-Mountains, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
| | - Fangxia Yang
- Center for Wildlife Biology of Qin-Mountains, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China; College of Forestry, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, China.
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7
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Guo XR, Ma Y, Ma ZM, Dai TS, Wei SH, Chu YK, Dan XG. Exosomes: The role in mammalian reproductive regulation and pregnancy-related diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1056905. [PMID: 36969587 PMCID: PMC10036776 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1056905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are a kind of extracellular vesicles that are produced and secreted by different mammalian cells. They serve as cargo proteins and can transfer different kinds of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which consequently act on target cells to exert different biological effects. Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of studies on exosomes due to the potential effects of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and immune disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that exosomal contents, especially miRNAs, are implicated in numerous physiological processes such as reproduction, and are crucial regulators of mammalian reproduction and pregnancy-related diseases. Here, we describe the origin, composition, and intercellular communication of exosomes, and discuss their functions in follicular development, early embryonic development, embryonic implantation, male reproduction and development of pregnancy-related diseases in humans and animals. We believe this study will provide a foundation for revealing the mechanism of exosomes in regulating mammalian reproduction, and providing new approaches and ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Ru Guo
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yun Ma
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zi-Ming Ma
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Tian-Shu Dai
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Shi-Hao Wei
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yuan-Kui Chu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan-Kui Chu, ; Xin-Gang Dan,
| | - Xin-Gang Dan
- School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan-Kui Chu, ; Xin-Gang Dan,
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Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane-bounded particles, released by all cells and capable of transporting bioactive cargoes, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, to regulate a variety of biological functions. Seminal plasma is enriched in EVs, and extensive evidence has revealed the role of EVs (e.g. prostasomes and epididymosomes) in the male genital tract. Recently, EVs released from testicular cells have been isolated and identified, and some new insights have been generated on their role in maintaining normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the testis. In the seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell-derived EVs can promote the differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and EVs secreted from undifferentiated A spermatogonia can inhibit the proliferation of SSCs. In the testicular interstitium, EVs have been identified in endothelial cells, macrophages, telocytes, and Leydig cells, although their roles are still elusive. Testicular EVs can also pass through the blood-testis barrier and mediate inter-compartment communication between the seminiferous tubules and the interstitium. Immature Sertoli cell-derived EVs can promote survival and suppress the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells. Exosomes isolated from macrophages can protect spermatogonia from radiation-induced injury. In addition to their role in intercellular communication, testicular EVs may also participate in the removal of aberrant proteins and the delivery of antigens for immune tolerance. EVs released from testicular cells can be detected in seminal plasma, which makes them potential biomarkers reflecting testicular function and disease status. The testicular EVs in seminal plasma may also affect the female reproductive tract to facilitate conception and may even affect early embryogenesis through modulating sperm RNA. EVs represent a new type of intercellular messenger in the testis. A detailed understanding of the role of testicular EV may contribute to the discovery of new mechanisms causing male infertility and enable the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Wen Ma
- Shanghai Xinzhu Middle School, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Feng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, China
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Shen Y, You Y, Zhu K, Fang C, Chang D, Yu X. Exosomes in the f ield of reproduction: A scientometric study and visualization analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1001652. [PMID: 36210808 PMCID: PMC9537691 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1001652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The diagnostic capabilities of exosomes in the field of reproductive biomedicine have attracted much attention. The aim of this scientometric study was to statistically and qualitatively assess the knowledge structure, hot issues, and research trends of papers about exosomes in the field of reproduction using visualization methods.Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection was searched for studies on exosomes in the field of reproduction. We performed bibliometric and visual analyses using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Microsoft Excel.Results: After database search, 1,011 articles were included, with number of studies being published every year continually increasing. These publications came from 61 nations or regions, with the US having the highest number. The University of Queensland was the main institution in which the research was conducted. The journal Placenta contained the highest number studies. There were 5,247 authors in total. Carlos Salomon had the highest number of papers with co-citations. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles, pregnancy, microRNAs, preeclampsia, placenta, microvesicles, gene expression, biomarkers, and first trimester were the most frequently used terms.Conclusion: Exosome research is booming in reproductive biomedicine. Future studies will likely focus on exosomes as biomarkers in gamete formation and fertilization, pregnancy, and cancers associated with reproduction. In addition to focusing on fundamental research, we should concentrate on the application of the results and the investigation of exosomes in infertile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Shen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaodong You
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zhu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunyan Fang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Degui Chang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xujun Yu
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xujun Yu,
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Abstract
The twenty-first century has witnessed major developments in the field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research, including significant steps towards defining standard criteria for the separation and detection of EVs. The recent recognition that EVs have the potential to function as biomarkers or as therapeutic tools has attracted even greater attention to their study. With this progress in mind, an updated comprehensive overview of the roles of EVs in the immune system is timely. This Review summarizes the roles of EVs in basic processes of innate and adaptive immunity, including inflammation, antigen presentation, and the development and activation of B cells and T cells. It also highlights key progress related to deciphering the roles of EVs in antimicrobial defence and in allergic, autoimmune and antitumour immune responses. It ends with a focus on the relevance of EVs to immunotherapy and vaccination, drawing attention to ongoing or recently completed clinical trials that aim to harness the therapeutic potential of EVs.
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