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.