Different Biofluids, Small Extracellular Vesicles or Exosomes: Structural Analysis in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), also known as exosomes, are key mediators of intercellular communication.
• sEVs play roles in physiological development and pathological conditions like atherosclerosis.
• Their morphology and distribution are critical for biological function and can be influenced by environmental factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate morphological variations in sEVs from patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (AsCVD) compared to healthy controls.
• To characterize sEVs isolated from blood plasma, saliva, and urine.
• To explore the potential functional implications of observed morphological differences.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of sEVs from biofluids (blood plasma, saliva, urine).
• High-resolution imaging using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Confirmation of exosome markers via Western blotting and immuno-TEM gold labeling.

Main Results:

• Morphological variations in sEVs were observed in AsCVD patients compared to healthy controls.
• Significant morphological differences were noted in sEVs isolated from noninvasive saliva and urine samples.
• First-time reporting of size and shape variations in disease-associated sEVs.

Conclusions:

• Morphological variations in sEVs suggest altered functions in the context of AsCVD.
• Changes in sEVs from noninvasive biofluids are important for understanding disease processes.
• These findings support the use of sEVs as potential biomarkers for AsCVD.