Abstract
Background and Purpose.
Exosomes are cell-derived, membrane-surrounded particles that deliver
bioactive molecules to various cells. Due to their small size, low
immunogenicity, extended blood circulation, and involvement in cellular
communication, they hold potential as effective drug carriers. Exosomes
are present in various biological fluids, including mare’s milk, a
traditional drink in Central Asia. This study aims to compare exosome
isolation methodologies and determine the stability of mare’s
milk-derived exosomes as potential therapeutic carriers.
Experimental Approach.
Three extraction methods—immunoprecipitation, size exclusion
chromatography, and total exosome isolation—were compared in terms of
exosome characteristics, purity, and content. The isolated exosomes were
then loaded with quercetin, and their ability to increase its
bioavailability was tested in vitro and in vivo.
Key Results
Total exosome isolation was identified as the most efficient method,
producing high-quality exosomes. These exosomes were loaded with
quercetin and compared to free quercetin and exosomes alone. Exosomes
loaded with 80 µM quercetin significantly restored β-galactosidase
activity and cellular viability in doxorubicin-treated cells, exhibiting
similar potency to 160 µM free quercetin. In aged model animals,
treatment with quercetin-loaded exosomes resulted in significantly less
acute and subacute damage to the myocardium, kidneys, and liver compared
to untreated control animals.
Conclusions & Implications
This study provides proof-of-concept that mare’s milk-derived exosomes
can be effectively absorbed by cells and animal tissues, supporting
their potential use as drug carriers.