外泌体对睾丸微环境调控机制研究及应用进展

外泌体（exsomes）是一类具有生物活性的双层脂质组成的小囊泡,可携带不同类型的信息物质与受体细胞结合,通过信息传递与物质交换,促发受体细胞的表型发生变化。本文总结了在睾丸微环境中,外泌体通过调节细胞因子促进睾丸微环境中细胞增殖、调节细胞免疫维持睾丸免疫环境、调节氧化应激修复受体细胞功能、调节细胞自噬改善生精能力、调节细胞凋亡改善精子发生、调节细胞因子影响睾酮分泌等机制维持睾丸微环境稳态,并对外泌体在男科相关疾病预防、诊断、治疗中的作用进行归纳,外泌体在男性不育、勃起功能障碍、精索静脉曲张、性腺功能减退、前列腺癌等疾病诊疗中具备明显优势。外泌体作为一种新兴的应用物质,随着外泌体工程和提取工艺的不断优化,以及相关机制研究的不断深入,外泌体在男科疾病中的临床运用成为可能,有望成为治疗男科疾病的新手段。     

自噬与外泌体

在真核生物中,细胞可以通过自噬(autophagy)和外泌体(exosome)的分泌两种方式来对外界刺激做出应答从而维持细胞内稳态。自噬是溶酶体依赖性细胞组分降解的过程,其能被氧化应激、饥饿或蛋白质聚集等因素诱导发生。除了自噬途径,细胞还可以通过分泌外泌体来调节细胞的生命活动,新的研究表明自噬与外泌体发生有同样的分子机理。本文综述了自噬与外泌体发生的过程以及两者之间的联系。     

Mechanistic insight of platelet apoptosis leading to non-surgical bleeding among heart failure patients supported by continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices

Vascular endothelial cells are highly sensitive to oxidative stress, and this is one of the mechanisms by which widespread endothelial dysfunction is induced in most cardiovascular diseases and disorders. However, how these cells can survive in oxidative stress environments remains unclear. Salidroside, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to confer vascular protective effects. We aimed to understand the role of autophagy and its regulatory mechanisms by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with salidroside under oxidative stress. HUVECs were treated with salidroside and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The results indicated that salidroside exerted cytoprotective effects in an H₂O₂-induced HUVEC injury model and suppressed H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of HUVECs. Pretreatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, increased oxidative stress-induced HUVEC apoptosis, while the autophagy activator rapamycin induced anti-apoptosis effects in HUVECs. Salidroside increased autophagy and decreased apoptosis of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner under oxidative stress. Moreover, 3-MA attenuated salidroside-induced HUVEC autophagy and promoted apoptosis, whereas rapamycin had no additional effects compared with salidroside alone. Salidroside upregulated AMPK phosphorylation but downregulated mTOR phosphorylation under oxidative stress; however, administration of compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, abrogated AMPK phosphorylation and increased mTOR phosphorylation and apoptosis compared with salidroside alone. These results suggest that autophagy is a protective mechanism in HUVECs under oxidative stress and that salidroside might promote autophagy through activation of the AMPK pathway and downregulation of mTOR pathway.     

Exosomes from Retinal Astrocytes Contain Antiangiogenic Components That Inhibit Laser-induced Choroidal Neovascularization

Exosomes released from different types of host cells have different biological effects. We report that exosomes released from retinal astroglial cells (RACs) suppress retinal vessel leakage and inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a laser-induced CNV model, whereas exosomes released from retinal pigmental epithelium do not. RAC exosomes inhibit the migration of macrophages and the tubule forming of mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells. Further, we analyzed antiangiogenic components in RAC exosomes using an angiogenesis array kit and detected several endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis exclusively present in RAC exosomes, such as endostatin. Moreover, blockade of matrix metalloproteinases in the cleavage of collagen XVIII to form endostatin using FN-439 reverses RAC exosome-mediated retinal vessel leakage. This study demonstrates that exosomes released from retinal tissue cells have different angiogenic effects, with exosomes from RACs containing antiangiogenic components that might protect the eye from angiogenesis and maintain its functional integrity. In addition, by identifying additional components and their functions of RAC exosomes, we might improve the antiangiogenic therapy for CNV in age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.     

Oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelium cells increases exosome secretion and promotes angiogenesis in endothelial cells

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer located between the photoreceptors and the choroid, is constantly damaged by oxidative stress, particularly because of reactive oxygen species (ROS). As the RPE, because of its physiological functions, is essential for the survival of the retina, any sustained damage may consequently lead to loss of vision. Exosomes are small membranous vesicles released into the extracellular medium by numerous cell types, including RPE cells. Their cargo includes genetic material and proteins, making these vesicles essential for cell‐to‐cell communication. Exosomes may fuse with neighbouring cells influencing their fate. It has been observed that RPE cells release higher amounts of exosomes when they are under oxidative stress. Exosomes derived from cultured RPE cells were isolated by ultracentrifugation and quantified by flow cytometry. VEGF receptors (VEGFR) were analysed by both flow cytometry and Western blot. RT‐PCR and qPCR were conducted to assess mRNA content of VEGFRs in exosomes. Neovascularization assays were performed after applying RPE exosomes into endothelial cell cultures. Our results showed that stressed RPE cells released a higher amount of exosomes than controls, with a higher expression of VEGFR in the membrane, and enclosed an extra cargo of VEGFR mRNA. Angiogenesis assays confirmed that endothelial cells increased their tube formation capacity when exposed to stressed RPE exosomes.     

Exosomes derived from SDF1-overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells inhibit ischemic myocardial cell apoptosis and promote cardiac endothelial microvascular regeneration in mice with myocardial infarction

Exosomes extracted from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was reported to reduce myocardial ischemia/reperfusion damage. Besides, stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1a) functions as cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the present study aims to identify whether exosomes (Exo) released from SDF1-overexpressing MSCs display a beneficial effect on ischemic myocardial infarction. Initially, a gain-of-function study was performed to investigate the function of SDF1 in ischemic myocardial cells and cardiac endothelial cells. Coculture experiments were performed to measure potential exosomic transfer of SDF1 from MSCs to ischemic myocardial cells and cardiac endothelial cells. During the coculture experiments, exosome secretion was disrupted by neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869 and upregulated exosomal SDF1 using SDF1 plasmid. Effects of Exo-SDF1 on cardiac function in MI mice were investigated in vivo. MSCs suppressed myocardial cell apoptosis and promoted microvascular regeneration of endothelial cells through secretion of exosomes. The addition of GW4869 led to increased apoptotic capacity of myocardial cells, decreased microvascular formation ability of endothelial cells, enhanced autophagy ability, and elevated Beclin-1 level as well as ratio of LC3II/LC3I. Overexpression of SDF1 and Exo-SDF1 inhibited apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells, but promoted tube formation of endothelial cells. The interference of PI3K signaling pathway promoted apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells, but inhibited tube formation of endothelial cells. SDF1 activated the PI3K signaling pathway. Exo-SDF1 protected cardiac function of MI mice and inhibited myocardial tissue damage. This study provided evidence that SDF1 overexpression in MSCs-derived exosomes inhibited autophagy of ischemic myocardial cells and promoted microvascular production of endothelial cells.     

2-Deoxy-D-glucose treatment of endothelial cells induces autophagy by reactive oxygen species-mediated activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase

Autophagy is a cellular self-digestion process activated in response to stresses such as energy deprivation and oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms by which energy deprivation and oxidative stress trigger autophagy remain undefined. Here, we report that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) is required for autophagy in cultured endothelial cells. AMPK activity, ROS levels, and the markers of autophagy were monitored in confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) treated with the glycolysis blocker 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). Treatment of BAEC with 2-DG (5 mM) for 24 hours or with low concentrations of H(2)O(2) (100 μM) induced autophagy, including increased conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-I to LC3-II, accumulation of GFP-tagged LC3 positive intracellular vacuoles, and increased fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. 2-DG-treatment also induced AMPK phosphorylation, which was blocked by either co-administration of two potent anti-oxidants (Tempol and N-Acetyl-L-cysteine) or overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 or catalase in BAEC. Further, 2-DG-induced autophagy in BAEC was blocked by overexpressing catalase or siRNA-mediated knockdown of AMPK. Finally, pretreatment of BAEC with 2-DG increased endothelial cell viability after exposure to hypoxic stress. Thus, AMPK is required for ROS-triggered autophagy in endothelial cells, which increases endothelial cell survival in response to cell stress.     

Inhibition of glycolysis attenuates 4-hydroxynonenal-dependent autophagy and exacerbates apoptosis in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

How cellular metabolic activities regulate autophagy and determine the susceptibility to oxidative stress and ultimately cell death in neuronal cells is not well understood. An important example of oxidative stress is 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), which is a lipid peroxidation product that is formed during oxidative stress, and accumulates in neurodegenerative diseases causing damage. The accumulation of toxic oxidation products such as HNE, is a prevalent feature of neurodegenerative diseases, and can promote organelle and protein damage leading to induction of autophagy. In this study, we used differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells to investigate the mechanisms and regulation of cellular susceptibility to HNE toxicity and the relationship to cellular metabolism. We found that autophagy is immediately stimulated by HNE at a sublethal concentration. Within the same time frame, HNE induces concentration dependent CASP3/caspase 3 activation and cell death. Interestingly, both basal and HNE-activated autophagy, were regulated by glucose metabolism. Inhibition of glucose metabolism by 2-deoxyglucose (2DG), at a concentration that inhibited autophagic flux, further exacerbated CASP3 activation and cell death in response to HNE. Cell death was attenuated by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Specific inhibition of glycolysis using koningic acid, a GAPDH inhibitor, inhibited autophagic flux and exacerbated HNE-induced cell death similarly to 2DG. The effects of 2DG on autophagy and HNE-induced cell death could not be reversed by addition of mannose, suggesting an ER stress-independent mechanism. 2DG decreased LAMP1 and increased BCL2 levels suggesting that its effects on autophagy may be mediated by more than one mechanism. Furthermore, 2DG decreased cellular ATP, and 2DG and HNE combined treatment decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. We conclude that glucose-dependent autophagy serves as a protective mechanism in response to HNE.     

Overexpression of miR-181a-5p inhibits retinal neovascularization through endocan and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a common pathological feature of angiogenesis-related retinopathy. Endocan inhibition has previously been reported to suppress RNV in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR); however, its molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of endocan in OIR. We established an OIR mouse model and detected aberrant endocan overexpression in OIR mouse retinas. Endocan inhibition through small interfering RNA or a neutralizing antibody inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor-induced cell survival, cell proliferation, and tube formation in human retinal endothelial cells in vitro and reduced the RNV area in vivo. Using RNA sequencing, a luciferase reporter assay, and bioinformatics analyses, we identified endocan as a microRNA-181a-5p target gene. The antiangiogenic effect of miR-181a-5p on RNV was verified by intravitreal injection, and we showed that this involved the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Collectively, our data demonstrate that miR-181a-5p/endocan regulates retinal angiogenesis through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and might represent an attractive therapeutic strategy for RNV.     

MicroRNA-410 Reduces the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Inhibits Oxygen-Induced Retinal Neovascularization

Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is an eye disease that can cause retinal detachment and even lead to blindness. RNV mainly occurs in the elderly population. The pathogenesis of RNV has been previously reported to be highly related to the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and other angiogenic factors. It has also been reported that VEGFA and other factors associated with RNV could be regulated by certain microRNAs (miRNA), a group of small non-coding RNAs which are able to regulate the expression of many genes in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that the miRNA miR-410 is highly expressed in mice within two weeks after birth. miR-410 could suppress VEGFA expression through interaction with the 3′UTR of the VEGFA messenger RNA. Overexpressing a miR-410 mimic effectively suppresses VEGFA expression in various cell lines. Further experiments on oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) in mice revealed that eye drops containing large amounts of miR-410 efficiently downregulate VEGFA expression, prevent retinal angiogenesis and effectively treat RNV. These results not only show the underlying mechanism of how miR-410 targets VEGFA but also provide a potential treatment strategy for RNV that might be used in the near future.     

Oxidative stress induces autophagy in response to multiple noxious stimuli in retinal ganglion cells

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only afferent neurons that can transmit visual information to the brain. The death of RGCs occurs in the early stages of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many other retinal diseases. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal pathway, which is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and cell survival under stressful conditions. Research has established that autophagy exists in RGCs after increasing intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal ischemia, optic nerve transection (ONT), axotomy, or optic nerve crush. However, the mechanism responsible for defining how autophagy is induced in RGCs has not been elucidated. Accumulating data has pointed to an essential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activation of autophagy. RGCs have long axons with comparatively high densities of mitochondria. This makes them more sensitive to energy deficiency and vulnerable to oxidative stress. In this review, we explore the role of oxidative stress in the activation of autophagy in RGCs, and discuss the possible mechanisms that are involved in this process. We aim to provide a more theoretical basis of oxidative stress-induced autophagy, and provide innovative targets for therapeutic intervention in retinopathy.     

Oxidative stress induces autophagy in response to multiple noxious stimuli in retinal ganglion cells

Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only afferent neurons that can transmit visual information to the brain. The death of RGCs occurs in the early stages of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and many other retinal diseases. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal pathway, which is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and cell survival under stressful conditions. Research has established that autophagy exists in RGCs after increasing intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal ischemia, optic nerve transection (ONT), axotomy, or optic nerve crush. However, the mechanism responsible for defining how autophagy is induced in RGCs has not been elucidated. Accumulating data has pointed to an essential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the activation of autophagy. RGCs have long axons with comparatively high densities of mitochondria. This makes them more sensitive to energy deficiency and vulnerable to oxidative stress. In this review, we explore the role of oxidative stress in the activation of autophagy in RGCs, and discuss the possible mechanisms that are involved in this process. We aim to provide a more theoretical basis of oxidative stress-induced autophagy, and provide innovative targets for therapeutic intervention in retinopathy.     

Rac3, but not Rac1, promotes ox-LDL induced endothelial dysfunction by downregulating autophagy

The endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. The role of autophagy in the process of atherosclerosis has drawn increasing attention. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whose Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and Rac3 was knockdown, were used to detect whether the possible molecular mechanisms of Rac1 and Rac3 for anti-inflammatory in endothelial cells was effected by downregulation of autophagy. The HUVECs were incubated with ox-LDL. The inflammatory factors and autophagy proteins were evaluated to ascertain and compare the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 on autophagy. Then, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) as an inhibiter of autophagy was used to detect whether the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 was related to autophagy. ox-LDL-induced cell dysfunction in HUVECs was determined by testing the formation of foam cells, the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 and NF-κB p65 and other inflammatory factors, the release of reactive oxygen species by oxidative stress and the dysfunction of the cytomembrane. And ApoE^−/− mice on a high-fat diet were used as an animal model to detect the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 in vivo. The results showed that when Rac1 and Rac3 were decreased in HUVECs, the cell dysfunction caused by ox-LDL was inhibited. If 3-MA was used to inhibit autophagy in Rac1 and Rac3 knockdown cells, the injury induced by ox-LDL on the cells was recovered. These results indicated that the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 was combined with ox-LDL, which was related to inhibition of autophagy. The effect of Rac3 was more significant than that of Rac1.     

Oxidative damage to osteoblasts can be alleviated by early autophagy through the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway—Implications for the treatment of osteoporosis

Oxidative stress can damage various cellular components of osteoblasts, and is regarded as a pivotal pathogenic factor for bone loss. Increasing evidence indicates a significant role of cell autophagy in response to oxidative stress. However, the role of autophagy in the osteoblasts under oxidative stress remains to be clarified. In this study, we verified that hydrogen peroxide induced autophagy and apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in osteoblastic Mc3T3-E1 cells. Both 3-methyladenine (the early steps of autophagy inhibitor) and bafilomycin A1 (the last steps of autophagy inhibitor) enhanced the cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level in the osteoblasts insulted by hydrogen peroxide. However, promotion of autophagy with either a pharmacologic inducer (rapamycin) or the Beclin-1 overexpressing technique rescued the cell apoptosis and reduced the reactive oxygen species level in the cells. Treatment with H₂O₂ significantly increased the levels of carbonylated proteins, malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis markers. The damaged mitochondria were cleared by autophagy. Furthermore, the molecular levels of the endoplasmic reticula stress signaling pathway changed in hydrogen peroxide-treated Mc3T3-E1 cells, and blocking this stress signaling pathway by RNA interference against candidates of glucose-regulated protein 78 and protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase decreased autophagy while increasing apoptosis in the cells. In conclusion, oxidative damage to osteoblasts could be alleviated by early autophagy through the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway. Our findings suggested that modulation of osteoblast autophagy could have a potentially therapeutic value for osteoporosis.     

Crosstalk between exosomes and autophagy: A review of molecular mechanisms and therapies

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that primarily exist in bodily fluids such as blood. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process, which, along with exosomes, can significantly influence human health and has therefore attracted considerable attention in recent years. Exosomes have been shown to regulate the intracellular autophagic process, which, in turn, affects the circulating exosomes. However, crosstalk between exosomal and autophagic pathways is highly complex, depends primarily on the environment, and varies greatly in different diseases. In addition, studies have demonstrated that exosomes, from specific cell, can mitigate several diseases by regulating autophagy, which can also affect the excessive release of some harmful exosomes. This phenomenon lays a theoretical foundation for the improvement of many diseases. Herein, we review the mechanisms and clinical significance of the association and regulation of exosomes and autophagy, in order to provide a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of associated diseases.     

Reactive oxygen species regulation of autophagy in cancer: Implications for cancer treatment

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important in regulating normal cellular processes, but deregulated ROS contribute to the development of various human diseases including cancers. Autophagy is one of the first lines of defense against oxidative stress damage. The autophagy pathway can be induced and upregulated in response to intracellular ROS or extracellular oxidative stress. This leads to selective lysosomal self-digestion of intracellular components to maintain cellular homeostasis. Hence, autophagy is the survival pathway, conferring stress adaptation and promoting viability under oxidative stress. However, increasing evidence has demonstrated that autophagy can also lead to cell death under oxidative stress conditions. In addition, altered autophagic signaling pathways that lead to decreased autophagy are frequently found in many human cancers. This review discusses the advances in understanding of the mechanisms of ROS-induced autophagy and how this process relates to tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.     

Targeting endothelial exosomes for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

Exosomes are small lipid bilayer-enclosed 30–140 nm diameter vesicles formed from endosomes. Exosomes are secreted by various cell types including endothelial cells, immune cells and other cardiovascular tissues, and they can be detected in plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, as well as tissues. Exosomes were initially regarded as a disposal mechanism to discard unwanted materials from cells. Recent studies suggest that exosomes play an important role in mediating of intercellular communication through the delivery and transport of cellular components such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins and thus regulate cardiovascular disease. Further, the underlying mechanisms by which abnormally released exosomes promote cardiovascular disease are not well understood. This review highlights recent studies involving endothelial exosomes, gives a brief overview of exosome biogenesis and release, isolation and identification of exosomes, and provides a contemporary understanding of the endothelial exosome pathophysiology and potential therapeutic strategies.     

Cellfood? improves respiratory metabolism of endothelial cells and inhibits hypoxia-induced reactive oxygen species (ros) generation

Endothelial mitochondria, the major site of ATP generation, modulate the intracellular dynamics of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, in turn, control endothelial function. Adequate oxygen (O(2)) supply is required by endothelial cells (EC). Both hypoxia and hyperoxia may favor the overproduction of ROS leading to oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the capability and mechanisms of Cellfood? (CF), an antioxidant compound, to modulate O(2) availability and mitochondrial respiratory metabolism and to regulate ROS generated by hypoxia in EC in vitro. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and ECV-304 were evaluated for the O(2) consumption using a Clark's electrode. The O(2) consumption rate rose, during the first minutes after CF addition and was associated with increase in mitochondrial oxidative capacity and good cell viability. Similar behaviours were observed when EC were exposed to CF for up to 8 days. The O(2) consumption increased and was accompanied by both intracellular rise of ATP and maintainment of LDH concentration. Hypoxia-induced ROS generation was significantly inhibited by CF, through the up-regulated expression of MnSOD, an anti-oxidant responsible for mitochondrial function preservation. The EC hypoxic response is mediated by the hypoxia master regulator HIF-1alpha whose activation was attenuated by CF, in concomitance with MnSOD up-regulation. Our results suggest a role for CF in improoving respiratory metabolism and in activating anti-oxidant mechanisms in EC, thus preserving endothelial function.