A disintegrin and metalloprotease 10-containing exosomes derived from nasal polyps promote angiogenesis and vascular permeability

Abnormal angiogenesis and vascular permeability is important for the formation of nasal polyps (NPs). Increasing evidence has indicated that exosomes serve a vital role in modulating angiogenesis and vascular permeability. A disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), an important type of proteinase that is overexpressed in various diseases, can influence angiogenesis and vascular permeability and has been observed in healthy nasal exosomes. To the best of our knowledge, the expression levels and the function of ADAM10 in NLF‑derived exosomes from NPs has not been demonstrated previously. In order to determine the influence of exosomes derived from nasal lavage fluid (NLF) on angiogenesis and vascular permeability, 25 nasal polyp patients and 15 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study. NLF was collected from all of the subjects. Exosomes were isolated from NLF, visualized under transmission electron microscope and identified using western blot analysis. The effect of exosomes on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was measured by tube formation and permeability assays in vitro. The expression of exosomal ADAM10 was also analyzed by western blotting. NLF‑derived exosomes from NPs influenced proliferation, tube formation and the permeability of HUVECs. ADAM10 was highly expressed in NLF‑derived exosomes from NPs when compared with healthy volunteers. Thus, NLF‑derived exosomes from NPs promoted angiogenesis and vascular permeability, which may be associated with abundant ADAM10 in NP exosomes.