Circulating pre- and postprandial extracellular vesicle proteomic profiles

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules like nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. This study investigated postprandial characteristics and proteomic profiles of circulating large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) in healthy individuals. Twelve participants fasted overnight before baseline assessments. After consuming a controlled isocaloric meal, lEVs were isolated for proteomic and flow cytometric analysis. Plasma triacylglyceride (TAG) levels confirmed fasting completion, while protein concentrations in plasma and lEVs were monitored for postprandial stability. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins related to transport mechanisms and epithelial/endothelial functions postprandially, indicating potential roles in physiological responses to nutritional intake. Enrichment analyses revealed vesicle-related pathways and immune system processes. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of CD324 on medium-sized CD9⁺CD63⁺CD81⁺ EVs postprandially, suggesting an epithelial origin. These findings offer insights into postprandial lEV dynamics and their physiological significance, highlighting the need for stringent fasting guidelines in EV studies to account for postprandial effects on EV composition and function.