Platelet-derived exosomes induce cell proliferation and wound healing in human endometrial cells

Aim: To investigate the regenerative effects of a platelet-derived purified exosome product (PEP) on human endometrial cells. Materials & methods: Endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (HEC-1A), endometrial stromal cells (T HESC) and menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSC) were assessed for exosome absorption and subsequent changes in cell proliferation and wound healing properties over 48 h. Results: Cell proliferation increased in PEP treated T HESC (p < 0.0001) and MenSC (p < 0.001) after 6 h and in HEC-1A (p < 0.01) after 12 h. PEP improved wound healing after 6 h in HEC-1A (p < 0.01) and MenSC (p < 0.0001) and in T HESC between 24 and 36 h (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PEP was absorbed by three different endometrial cell types. PEP treatment increased cell proliferation and wound healing capacity. Plain language summary The uterus has a remarkable ability to heal itself. Every month the inside lining of the uterus grows in preparation for pregnancy and sheds if no pregnancy occurs. Unfortunately, this cycle of growth, shedding and repair can be injured and lead to menstrual changes, pain or even infertility. In this study, we looked how special cell messengers - called exosomes - could help uterine cells. Exosomes are special messengers that contain substances to help the body heal and regenerate injured cells and tissues. We obtained exosomes created from human transfusion-grade platelets. We studied the exosomes' effects in three different cell types that all are important inside the uterine lining. Specifically, we studied the ability of the exosomes to help cells proliferate and migrate into a wound. In this study, exosomes were recognized by the human endometrial cells and were absorbed. Once they were inside the cells, they increased cell proliferation as well as the ability of the cells to heal a scratch wound. Furthermore, the more exosomes we presented to the cells, the more the cells were able to proliferate and move into a wound for healing. These findings lay the groundwork for future studies in animal models of uterine injury.