Similarities and Differences in Extracellular Vesicle Profiles between Ischaemic Stroke and Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in intercellular signalling through the transfer of molecules during physiological and pathological conditions, such as ischaemic disease. EVs might therefore play a role in ischaemic stroke (IS) and myocardial infarction (MI). In the present study, we analysed the similarities and differences in the content of circulating EVs in patients with IS and MI. This prospective observational study enrolled 140 participants (81 patients with IS, 37 with MI and 22 healthy controls [HCs]). We analysed the protein and microRNA content from EVs using proteomics and reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and compared it between the groups. In the patients with IS and MI, we identified 14 common proteins. When comparing IS and MI, we found differences in the protein profiles (apolipoprotein B, alpha-2-macroglobulin, fibronectin). We also found lower levels of miR-340 and miR-424 and higher levels of miR-29b in the patients with IS and MI compared with the HCs. Lastly, we found higher miR-340 levels in IS than in MI. In conclusion, proteomic and miRNA analyses suggest a relationship between circulating EV content and the patient’s disease state. Although IS and MI affect different organs (brain and heart) with distinct histological characteristics, certain EV proteins and miRNAs appear to participate in both diseases, while others are present only in patients with IS.

Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Proteins and MicroRNA Profiles in Subcortical and Cortical-Subcortical Ischaemic Stroke

“…Table 1 lists their demographic and clinical characteristics. The HC values have been previously published [4]. ] EVs/mL) groups at 24 h (p = 0.10) (Figure 1E) or between the patients with stroke (3.06 × 10 9 [±3.16 × 10 9 ] EVs/mL) and the HCs (2.30 × 10 9 [±2.70 × 10 9 ] EVs/mL) (p = 0.26).…”

“…This is a sub-study of a previously published study [4] where we enrolled 81 patients with stroke (55 CSC, 26 SC) and 22 healthy controls (HCs) (Figure 1A). Table 1 lists their demographic and clinical characteristics.…”

“…This is a sub-study of a previously published article [4]. This was a clinical, prospective, and observational study that recruited patients with ischaemic stroke in the first 24 h after onset from among those admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Department of Neurology of La Paz University Hospital in Madrid between February 2017 and June 2019.…”

“…We employed ExoQuick Ultra EV precipitation solution (System Biosciences, Palo Alto, CA, USA) to precipitate the serum EVs, as previously described [14]. This method isolates the EVs with almost no contamination by albumins and immunoglobulins, as previously reported [4].…”

“…Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane particles secreted by most cells that constitute major vehicles for intercellular communication. In response to a stroke, EVs are released into the blood from brain cells and other organs [1][2][3][4][5]. These EVs can carry proteins and miRNAs that reveal important information regarding damage, protection, and the repair process after brain ischaemia, as well as stroke outcomes [6][7][8][9][10].…”