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Published on: December 5, 2018
Bovine Milk Exosomes Affect Proliferation and Protect Macrophages against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity
Svjetlana Matic1, Doris H D'Souza1, Tao Wu1
1Department of Food Science, University of Tennessee , Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
Background:
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication. The objectives were to characterize bovine milk exosomes (BME) and determine its effect on RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Methods:
BME were isolated using differential centrifugation and characterized by particle size and the presence of exosomal markers Alix, TSG101, and CD81. The effect of in vitro digestion and different pH on the stability of BME was investigated. The biological activity of BME in RAW 264.7 macrophages was conducted by assessing proliferation and cell cycle. Moreover, the protective effect of exosomes on cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated.
Results:
BME have an average particle size of 106.8 ± 3.4 nm and expressed Alix, TSG101, and CD81. TSG101 was detected after digestion and exposure to different pH values. Cell-cycle analysis showed that BME reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells while arresting the cells in G2/M phase accompanied by differential expression of proliferation markers p53, p21, cyclin D1, and β-catenin. Exosomes protected macrophages against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity.
Conclusion:
Our results showed for the first time the effect of BME on the proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages and its protective effect against chemotherapeutic drug-induced cytotoxicity. Potential effect of BME on immune system must be studied.
Insights
Bovine milk exosomes (BME) promote RAW 264.7 macrophage proliferation and protect against chemotherapy-induced cell death. Further research into BME
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication.
- Bovine milk exosomes (BME) were investigated for their biological properties.
- Characterization of BME and their impact on RAW 264.7 macrophages was the study's objective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize bovine milk exosomes (BME).
- To determine the effect of BME on RAW 264.7 macrophage proliferation and cell cycle.
- To evaluate the protective capacity of BME against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- BME isolation via differential centrifugation.
- Characterization using particle size analysis and exosomal markers (Alix, TSG101, CD81).
- Assessment of BME stability under simulated digestion and varying pH conditions, alongside evaluation of biological activity in macrophages.
Main Results:
- BME exhibited an average size of 106.8 nm and expressed key exosomal markers.
- BME demonstrated stability after simulated digestion and exposure to different pH levels.
- BME treatment reduced macrophage apoptosis, induced G2/M phase arrest, and protected against cisplatin toxicity.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to demonstrate BME's impact on macrophage proliferation and its protective effects against chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity.
- Further investigation into the immunomodulatory potential of BME is warranted.

