| Description |
Adipose tissue is a metabolic and endocrine organ, and its adipocytes can synthesize and secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), thus allowing intercellular communication. EVs are nanoparticles that transport lipids, proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids (mRNA and microRNAs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. miR-132, miR-26b, and miR-155 are associated with obesity, lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the size, concentration, and content of miRNAs (miR-132, miR-26b, and miR-155) in serum EVs from obese female dogs. Thirty-two neutered females in good general condition were recruited, including 21 obese and 11 healthy controls. The initial evaluation of the females included a general physical examination and laboratory tests. Small EVs (sEVs) were isolated from whole blood by serial centrifugation and ultracentrifugation, and NanoSight was used to determine the size and concentration of serum sEVs. miRNAs were extracted from sEVs and analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Obese female dogs with hypertriglyceridemia showed an increase in the serum concentration of sEVs and in the expression of miR-132 and miR-26b contained therein. No changes were observed in the group of obese female dogs with normal serum biochemical profile and in relation to miR-155 expression. These results suggest that with the expansion of adipose tissue related to obesity can alter cell communication, through changes in sEVs, primarily in female dogs with hyperlipidemia. |
