CReATe Fertility Center, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
J Ovarian Res. 2024 Aug 5;17(1):160. doi: 10.1186/s13048-024-01480-7.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particles enriched in bioactive molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, are crucial mediators of intercellular communication and play key roles in various physiological and pathological processes. EVs have been shown to be involved in ovarian follicular function and to be altered in two prevalent gynecological disorders; polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.Ovarian follicles are complex microenvironments where folliculogenesis takes place with well-orchestrated interactions between granulosa cells, oocytes, and their surrounding stromal cells. Recent research unveiled the presence of EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, in the follicular fluid (FFEVs), which constitutes part of the developing oocyte's microenvironment. In the context of PCOS, a multifaceted endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic disorder, studies have explored the dysregulation of these FFEVs and their cargo. Nine PCOS studies were included in this review and two miRNAs were commonly reported in two different studies, miR-379 and miR-200, both known to play a role in female reproduction. Studies have also demonstrated the potential use of EVs as diagnostic tools and treatment options.Endometriosis, another prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic growth of endometrial-like tissue, has also been linked to aberrant EV signaling. EVs in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis carry molecules that modulate the immune response and promote the establishment and maintenance of endometriosis lesions. EVs derived from endometriosis lesions, serum and peritoneal fluid obtained from patients with endometriosis showed no commonly reported biomolecules between the eleven reviewed studies. Importantly, circulating EVs have been shown to be potential biomarkers, also reflecting the severity of the pathology.Understanding the interplay of EVs within human ovarian follicles may provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of both PCOS and endometriosis. Targeting EV-mediated communication may open avenues for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these common gynecological disorders. More research is essential to unravel the mechanisms underlying EV involvement in folliculogenesis and its dysregulation in PCOS and endometriosis, ultimately leading to more effective and personalized interventions.
细胞外囊泡（EVs）是富含生物活性分子如蛋白质、核酸和脂质的颗粒，是细胞间通讯的重要介质，在各种生理和病理过程中发挥关键作用。EVs 已被证明参与卵巢卵泡功能，并在两种常见的妇科疾病中发生改变；多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）和子宫内膜异位症。卵巢卵泡是一个复杂的微环境，其中卵泡发生伴随着颗粒细胞、卵子及其周围基质细胞之间的协调相互作用。最近的研究揭示了 EVs，包括外泌体和微泡，存在于卵泡液（FFEVs）中，FFEVs 是发育中的卵子微环境的一部分。在 PCOS 这种多方面的内分泌、生殖和代谢紊乱的情况下，研究探索了这些 FFEVs 及其货物的失调。本综述纳入了 9 项 PCOS 研究，其中 2 项研究中共同报道了两种 miRNA，miR-379 和 miR-200，它们都已知在女性生殖中发挥作用。研究还表明，EVs 作为诊断工具和治疗选择具有潜力。子宫内膜异位症是另一种常见的妇科疾病，其特征是子宫内膜样组织的异位生长，也与异常的 EV 信号有关。子宫内膜异位症患者腹腔液中的 EVs 携带调节免疫反应并促进子宫内膜异位症病变建立和维持的分子。来自子宫内膜异位症病变的 EVs、从患者获得的血清和腹腔液在 11 项综述研究中未显示出共同报道的生物分子。重要的是，循环 EVs 已被证明是潜在的生物标志物，也反映了病理学的严重程度。了解 EV 在人类卵巢卵泡中的相互作用可能为 PCOS 和子宫内膜异位症的病理生理学提供有价值的见解。靶向 EV 介导的通讯可能为这些常见妇科疾病的新型诊断和治疗方法开辟途径。为了阐明 EV 在卵泡发生中的作用及其在 PCOS 和子宫内膜异位症中的失调机制，还需要进行更多的研究，最终导致更有效和个性化的干预措施。
