Placenta-derived exosomes of gestational diabetes mellitus affect cell metabolism and cell function via transferring microRNAs

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication and exosomal-miRNAs played a critical role in the development of GDM. Our research aimed to investigate the mechanism of exosomes participation in GDM and proposed the innovative therapeutic methods. In the present study, we isolated and identified the placenta-derived exosomes from GDM patients. Exosomes could be internalized by HTR8 cells and induced the lipid metabolism dysfunction. Differential metabolites in placenta tissues of GDM patients were analyzed and lipid metabolites occupied the highest proportion. Besides, exosomes promoted the oxidative stress production and inhibited cell autophagy and promoted cell apoptosis by transferring miR-152-5p. In addition, miR-152-5p inhibitor could reverse the ROS levels and regulate cell autophagy and cell apoptosis. Therefore, miR-152-5p inhibitor might be an efficient therapy for GDM. Our findings revealed that placenta-derived exosomes of GDM could regulate affect cell lipid metabolism, increase oxidative stress and regulate cell autophagy and apoptosis. Exosomal miR-152-5p is expected to be an promising target for GDM.