Endometriosis-derived exosomes encapsulated miR-196a-5p mediate macrophage polarization through regulation of the Hippo pathway

Endometriosis (EMs) is a disease that adversely affects women's health. Immune imbalance is an important factor contributing to EMs, and exosomes (Exo) play an important role in immunomodulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of exosomes derived from the blood of patients with EMs on macrophage polarization and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Exosomes were isolated from the serum of healthy controls (control exosomes) and patients with EMs (EMs exosomes). Macrophage polarization levels were detected using flow cytometry (FCM), RT-qPCR, and Western blot. Subsequently, we used RNA sequencing to analyze differential microRNAs (miRNA) and associated pathways. Electroporation techniques were used to modify the exosomes. The associated pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Finally, 12Z cells were co-cultured with macrophages of different polarizations, and the viability and metastasis of 12Z cells were calculated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch, and Transwell. EMs exosomes induced M2-type polarization in macrophages. RNA sequencing results showed that miR-196a-5p was dramatically decreased in EMs exosomes, whereas overexpression of miR-196a-5p in EMs exosomes could inhibit the M2-type polarization of macrophages and activate the Hippo pathway. In addition, M2-type macrophages promoted 12Z cell proliferation and metastasis. These findings suggest that serum-derived exosomes encapsulating miR-196a-5p alleviate endometriosis by promoting M1-type macrophage polarization via Hippo pathway activation.