Susceptibility to Particle Health Effects, miRNA and Extracellular vesicles: Results of the SPHERE Study

Valentina Bollati
EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan



Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) and an increased coagulation. The molecular mechanisms are still unknown.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) might play an important role in PM-induced cardiovascular risk, as they are able to travel in body fluids and transfer microRNAs between cells.

The project SPHERE (Susceptibility to Particle Health Effects, miRNAs and Exosomes) is aimed at investigating whether exposure to air particles and PM-associated metals can modify EVs and their miRNA content in plasma of human subjects and to investigate whether these alterations may be linked to CVD risk factors and outcomes. The study population includes 2000 overweight/obese subjects, as they are particularly susceptible to the effects of air pollution.

Our study supports the hypothesis that EVs have an important role in mediating cardiovascular effects of PM exposure, possibly through their miRNA cargo, providing a powerful tool of intercellular communication.