Kajal Khodamoradi1, Roei Golan2, Alexandra Dullea1, Ranjith Ramasamy3. 1. Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. 2. Department of Clinical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA. 3. Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. Electronic address: Ramasamy@miami.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Optimal male reproductive health is dependent upon critical mediators of cell-cell communication: exosomes or extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are nano-sized particles released into a variety of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Exosomes are highly stable and can carry genetic and other molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which provide information about their origin cells. OBJECTIVE: To identify exosomes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic mediators in male sexual and reproductive disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED), varicocele, and testicular injury. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed to highlight all articles available relating to exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of different male sexual and reproductive disorders, and their importance in clinical use as both diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic mediators. RESULTS: Various male reproductive system disorders, such as ED, varicocele, and testicular injury, are linked to increased or decreased levels of exosomes. Exosomes have a higher number of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can give a more precise and comprehensive result when compared to other biomarkers. Exosomes can be considered as plausible diagnostic biomarkers for male sexual and reproductive diseases, with considerable advantages over other diagnostic procedures such as invasive tissue biopsy. Exosomes can carry cargo such certain drugs and therapeutic molecules making them a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies have begun to test treating various male sexual reproductive disorders with exosomes. CONCLUSION: Exosomes deliver many components that can regulate gene expression and target signaling pathways. Understanding how extracellular vesicles can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosing men, particularly those with idiopathic erectile dysfunction, will not only aid in diagnosis but also help with making therapeutic targets. Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, et al. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:311-322.
INTRODUCTION: Optimal male reproductive health is dependent upon critical mediators of cell-cell communication: exosomes or extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are nano-sized particles released into a variety of bodily fluids, such as blood and semen. Exosomes are highly stable and can carry genetic and other molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, which provide information about their origin cells. OBJECTIVE: To identify exosomes as potential biomarkers or therapeutic mediators in male sexual and reproductive disorders like erectile dysfunction (ED), varicocele, and testicular injury. METHODS: A PubMed search was performed to highlight all articles available relating to exosomes and extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of different male sexual and reproductive disorders, and their importance in clinical use as both diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic mediators. RESULTS: Various male reproductive system disorders, such as ED, varicocele, and testicular injury, are linked to increased or decreased levels of exosomes. Exosomes have a higher number of molecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, which can give a more precise and comprehensive result when compared to other biomarkers. Exosomes can be considered as plausible diagnostic biomarkers for male sexual and reproductive diseases, with considerable advantages over other diagnostic procedures such as invasive tissue biopsy. Exosomes can carry cargo such certain drugs and therapeutic molecules making them a promising therapeutic approach. Several studies have begun to test treating various male sexual reproductive disorders with exosomes. CONCLUSION: Exosomes deliver many components that can regulate gene expression and target signaling pathways. Understanding how extracellular vesicles can be utilized as biomarkers in diagnosing men, particularly those with idiopathic erectile dysfunction, will not only aid in diagnosis but also help with making therapeutic targets. Khodamoradi K, Golan R, Dullea A, et al. Exosomes as Potential Biomarkers for Erectile Dysfunction, Varicocele, and Testicular Injury. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:311-322.
Authors: Athina Basioura; Georgia D Brellou; Ioannis Tsakmakidis; Ioannis Vlemmas; Constantin M Boscos; Nektarios Giadinis Journal: Vet Sci Date: 2022-02-17