Stem cell exosomes inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Sci Rep. 2019 Jan 24;9(1):663. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-36855-6.

Abstract

Recently, exosomes secreted by menstrual mesenchymal stem cells have been identified as inhibitory agents of tumor angiogenesis and modulators of the tumor cell secretome in prostate and breast cancer. However, their direct effect on endothelial cells and paracrine mediators have not yet been investigated. Using a carrier-based cell culture system to test the scalability for exosome production, we showed that different types of endothelial cells present specific kinetics for exosomes internalization. Exosome-treatment of endothelial cells increased cytotoxicity and reduced VEGF secretion and angiogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Using the hamster buccal pouch carcinoma as a preclinical model for human oral squamous cell carcinoma, we demonstrated a significant antitumor effect of intra-tumoral injection of exosomes associated with a loss of tumor vasculature. These results address up-scaling of exosome production, a relevant issue for their clinical application, and also assess menstrual stem cell exosomes as potential anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of neoplastic conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood supply*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cricetinae
  • Endothelial Cells / pathology
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Mouth Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A