Fetal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles Isolation and Gene Expression Profile in the Endometrial Tissues and Fetal Membranes at Mid-Stage Pregnant Dromedary Camels

Mohamed, Amira; Ghonaimy M., Karima; El- Sherbiny, Hossam; Ismail, Sayed T.; Ibrahim, Sally Rashad Elsaid

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.386086.2850

Fetal Fluid Extracellular Vesicles Isolation and Gene Expression Profile in the Endometrial Tissues and Fetal Membranes at Mid-Stage Pregnant Dromedary Camels

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ 1Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

² prof Dr at National Research Center

³ Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

⁴ Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

⁵ Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/ejvs.2025.386086.2850

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) facilitate communication between the embryo and uterus. However, there is a lack of literature on their role in camel pregnancy. Our objectives are to (1) isolate EVs from fetal fluids and (2) analyze the gene expression profile of endometrial tissues and fetal membranes in mid-stage pregnant camels. We obtained 25 camels' genital tracts at 4-9 months of gestation from slaughterhouses. The pregnancy stage was estimated by measuring the fetus's crown-vertebral-rump length. EVs were isolated from fetal fluids using ultracentrifugation. mRNA from endometrial and fetal membrane tissues was extracted for transcription analysis of the genes VEGFA, FOS, IGF1, PGF, PDGFA, JUN, and PTEN. EVs were characterized in fetal fluids using transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as dynamic light scattering. The mRNA expression of JUN and PTEN was significantly (P<0.01) lower compared to other genes in the endometrial tissue and fetal membranes of pregnant camels at mid-pregnancy. However, the VEGFA, FOS, IGF1, PGF, and PDGFA had significantly higher expression levels in both endometrial tissue and fetal membranes compared to JUN and PTEN. Overall, a similar expression pattern was observed in both endometrial tissue and fetal membranes of mid-pregnancy camels. In conclusion, EVs was isolated from fetal fluids for the first time in pregnant camels. There is a strong interaction between endometrial tissue and fetal membranes, as evidenced by the similar expression of all candidate genes. Further investigation is required to explore the molecular function and the role of extracellular vesicles in camel pregnancy.

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