Conclusions
The differential expression patterns of exosomal miRNA were identified. Many exosomal miRNA may be involved in regulating the endometrial receptivity of women with endometriosis-associated infertility.
Results
Small RNA sequencing showed that the percentages of exosomal miRNA in the total small RNA isolated from EuESC and NESC were not significantly different (P = 0.7804). A total of 49 differentially expressed miRNA (fold change >1.5 and P < 0.05) were identified, including 26 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated in EuESC exosomes as compared with NESC exosomes. Functional analysis revealed that 12 miRNA were predicted to target homeobox A10 (HOXA10) and/or the leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) 3' untranslated region (UTR). Both HOXA10 and LIF mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased in EuESC compared with NESC (P = 0.0222 and 0.0395, respectively). In addition, the predicated target genes of these differentially expressed exosomal miRNA were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched in 76 pathways, including the MAPK and Wnt signalling pathways. Conclusions: The differential expression patterns of exosomal miRNA were identified. Many exosomal miRNA may be involved in regulating the endometrial receptivity of women with endometriosis-associated infertility.