Effect of Exosomes from Patients with Grade One Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia on Cell Cultures: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: Exosomes are extracellular membrane vesicles. Their content directly reflects the metabolic state of the cells from which they originate and play an important role in cellular functions and pathological states, for example, cancer. The aim was to establish the effect of exosomes from patients diagnosed with CIN1 (grade one cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) on the viability of HeLa cells in culture. It had not been documented, nor had the vesicles obtained by cervicovaginal samples taken by the patients themselves (selftaken vaginal). Patients and Methods: Exosomes were obtained from self-taken vaginal by patients diagnosed with CIN1 and healthy. The exosomes were characterized by determining the AChE (acetylcholinesterase) activity, obtaining a protein profile, and obtaining images of these by STEM. The effect on cell viability was made in HeLa and HaCaT cells in culture. Results: Vesicles between 185 nm and 415 nm were observed by STEM. Exosomes show a “protective” effect when those patients without injury are confronted with HeLa cells. On the other hand, exosomes promote viability when they come from injured patients in the presence of the same cells. Conclusion: Exosomes can be used to identify ideal biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CC (cervical cancer), follow-up of patients, and even treatment given the effects observed on cell cultures. © 2022 Alcántara-Quintana et al.

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