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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis for the Quantification and Size Determination of Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: March 28, 2021
Short-term particulate matter exposure induces extracellular vesicle release in overweight subjects
Matteo Bonzini1, Laura Pergoli2, Laura Cantone2
1EPIGET LAB, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Background:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a plausible molecular mechanism linking particulate matter (PM) inhalation to its systemic effects. Microvesicles (MVs) are released from many cell types in response to various stimuli. Increased body mass index (BMI) could modify the response to PM exposure due to enhanced PM uptake and/or an underlying pro-oxidative state. We investigated the relationship between EV release and PM10/PM2.5 exposure in a cohort of 51 volunteers. Subjects were stratified based on their BMI to evaluate whether overweight BMI is a determinant of hypersusceptibility to PM effects.
Results:
Exposure to PM10/PM2.5 was assessed with a personal sampler worn for 24hours before plasma collection and confirmed with monitoring station data. Size and cellular origin of plasma EVs were characterized by Nanosight analysis and flow cytometry, respectively. Multivariate regression models were run after log-transformation, stratifying subjects based on BMI (≥ or <25kg/m2). PM exposure resulted in increased release of EVs, with the maximum observed effect for endothelial MVs. For PM10 and PM2.5, the adjusted geometric mean ratio and 95% confidence interval were 3.47 (1.30, 9.27) and 3.14 (1.23, 8.02), respectively. Compared to those in normal subjects, PM-induced EV alterations in overweight subjects were more pronounced, with visibly effect in all MV subtypes, particularly endothelial MVs.
Conclusions:
Our findings emphasize the role of EV release after PM exposure and the susceptibility of overweight subjects. Larger studies with accurate exposure assessment and complete EVs characterization/content analysis, could further clarify the molecular mechanism responsible for PM effects and of hypersusceptibility of overweight subjects.
Insights
Particulate matter (PM) inhalation increases extracellular vesicle (EV) release, particularly endothelial microvesicles (MVs). Overweight individuals exhibit heightened susceptibility to these PM-induced EV alterations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Cardiovascular Research
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in the systemic effects of particulate matter (PM) inhalation.
- Increased body mass index (BMI) may alter responses to PM due to enhanced uptake or oxidative stress.
- The study explored EV release in relation to PM exposure and BMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between PM10/PM2.5 exposure and extracellular vesicle (EV) release.
- To determine if overweight BMI modifies the body's response to PM exposure.
- To identify potential molecular mechanisms of PM toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Assessed PM10/PM2.5 exposure using personal samplers and monitoring data.
- Characterized plasma EVs for size and cellular origin via Nanosight analysis and flow cytometry.
- Employed multivariate regression models, stratifying participants by BMI (≥ or <25kg/m²).
Main Results:
- PM exposure significantly increased EV release, most notably endothelial microvesicles (MVs).
- PM10 and PM2.5 exposure showed adjusted geometric mean ratios of 3.47 and 3.14, respectively.
- Overweight subjects displayed more pronounced PM-induced EV alterations compared to normal BMI individuals.
Conclusions:
- EV release is a key response to PM exposure.
- Overweight individuals are hypersensitive to PM effects, showing amplified EV alterations.
- Further research with detailed exposure and EV analysis is needed to elucidate PM mechanisms and overweight susceptibility.
