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Associations of age and sex with characteristics of extracellular vesicles and protein‐enriched fractions of blood plasma

Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles that are released by various cell types and play vital roles in intercellular communication. They carry biological molecules reflecting the physiological and pathological states of their source cells and tissues, showing potential as biomarkers. However, the impact of demographic factors like age and sex on the properties of blood plasma EVs remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating how these factors influence the particle count and proteomic profiles of plasma EV preparations and corresponding protein fractions. Plasma samples from 120 healthy volunteers were collected and pooled into six groups: young males (age: 27.6 ± 4.0), young females (27.4 ± 3.8), middle-aged males (48.8 ± 3.8), middle-aged females (48.9 ± 3.9), old males (69.3 ± 3.9), and old females (69.4 ± 4.3). EV- and protein-enriched fractions were separated by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Fractions were characterized for particle number concentration and protein composition to identify characteristics affected by age and biological sex. Plasma EVs and corresponding protein fractions exhibited distinct characteristics, with differential enrichment of markers related to EVs and other blood components, including lipoproteins. Proteomic profiles of both EVs and protein fractions displayed sex- and age-dependent differences. Differentially abundant proteins displayed functions previously identified in the context of aging and sex differences, highlighting their utility as biomarkers. Age and sex significantly affect the characteristics of plasma EVs and proteins, potentially influencing their efficacy and interpretation as biomarkers in clinical applications. This study lays the groundwork for detailed mechanistic research to understand how EVs mediate age- and sex-related effects in health.
Source: Aging Cell
DOI: 10.1111/acel.14356
Authors: Yiyao Huang, Junjie Feng, Jiannan Xu, Liang Dong, Wanting Su, Bo Li, Kenneth W. Witwer, Lei Zheng
Institutions: Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Renji Hospital
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
Funders: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Common Fund
Awards: G1045126187, G1367552416, G168982208, G2305452004, G260227840, G2778505653, G2965151290, G5340997047, G5577482043, G5586281196, G6079011624, G8549013717, G8602248358, Extracellular Vesicle and Extracellular RNA Biomarkers of HIV-1 Central Nervous System Pathogenesis and Cigarette Use
OpenAlex ID: W4403197103
FWCI: 1.846
Cites: 62
Cited by: 16
Related to: 10