Table 3.
Studies reporting the use of molecular cargos of EVs as biomarkers in reproductive medicine. Studies were categorized by different pathological conditions describing the source and method of EV isolation and the main results obtained.
| Biomarkers for: | EVs Isolated from | Species | Isolation Method | Main Results | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| female reproductive cancer | serum | homo sapiens | polymer precipitation | EV miRNAs increase in the serum of epithelial ovarian cancer patients | [123] |
| female fertility | follicular fluid | homo sapiens | ultracentrifugation | EV-miRNAs in follicular fluid are associated with urinary concentrations of phenols and phthalate metabolites | [124] |
| female fertility | medium of blastocysts and endometrial cell co-cultures | homo sapiens | polymer precipitation | EV-bound secreted miRNAs are altered in co-culture experiments with blastocysts and endometrial cells isolated from patients diagnosed with AMA or endometriosis | [125] |
| embryo quality | medium of embryo cultures | homo sapiens | no isolation | DNA content in EVs isolated from embryo culture is linked to successful implantation | [126] |
| placenta quality | primary cytotrophoblasts and serum | homo sapiens | polymer precipitation and ultracentrifugation | serum EVs from patients with preeclampsia showed alteration in syncytin content | [127] |
| placenta quality | plasma | homo sapiens | ultracentrifugation | microRNAs from plasma EVs are altered in preeclampsia | [128] |
| placenta quality | plasma | homo sapiens | polymer precipitation and ultracentrifugation | EVs from preeclampsia patients delivered antiangiogenic factors to endothelial cells | [102] |
| placenta quality | plasma | homo sapiens | Ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography | Proteomic analysis of plasma EVs revealed protein alterations related to gestational diabetes mellitus | [129] |
| placenta quality | condition media of chorionic villi | homo sapiens | Ultracentrifugation | Gestational diabetes mellitus alters miRNA profile of EVs isolated from chorionic villi explant cultures | [130] |
| early abortion | serum | bos taurus | Ultracentrifugation | EVs from serum contain microRNAs related to embryonic mortality in cows | [131] |