Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:49
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Sex differences in circulating platelet-derived CD41+ extracellular vesicles in healthy adults
Garett Jackson1, Hashim Islam1, Alexandre Abilio de Souza Teixeira2
1School of Health and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Physiological Reports
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Healthy females show higher levels of circulating platelet- and monocyte-derived microvesicles (MVs). However, overall MV concentration and microRNA cargo remain similar between sexes, highlighting sex-specific differences in MV origins.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs), are key mediators of intercellular communication.
- MVs, released during cellular activation or stress, may reflect sex-related physiological variations.
- Understanding MV characteristics is crucial for insights into biological sex differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize circulating MV concentration, cellular origin, and microRNA (miRNA) cargo in healthy young males and females.
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in MV profiles.
- To identify specific MV subpopulations and their miRNA content related to sex.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples from healthy males and females were analyzed.
- Techniques included size exclusion chromatography, tunable resistive pulse sensing, nano-flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR.
- Linear models adjusted for age and BMI were used to assess MV concentration, subpopulations, and miRNA cargo.
Main Results:
- Females exhibited significantly higher concentrations of circulating platelet-derived CD41+ MVs.
- A trend towards elevated monocyte-derived CD14+ MVs was observed in females.
- No significant differences were found in total MV concentration, other MV subpopulations, or MV miRNA cargo between sexes.
Conclusions:
- Healthy females have increased circulating platelet- and monocyte-derived MVs compared to males.
- Overall circulating MV concentration and MV miRNA cargo do not differ significantly between sexes.
- These findings suggest sex-specific differences in the origin of circulating MVs.
