Body mass index in relation to extracellular vesicle-linked microRNAs in human follicular fluid.

Objective: To study whether increased body mass index is associated with altered expression of extracellular vesicle microRNAs (EV-linked miRNAs) in human follicular fluid.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary-care university-affiliated center.

Urinary concentrations of phenols and phthalate metabolites reflect extracellular vesicle microRNA expression in follicular fluid.

Background: Phenols and phthalates are potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are associated with adverse health outcomes. These EDCs dysregulate a number of biomolecules and pathways, including microRNAs. MicroRNAs can be carried in transport systems called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are present in most biofluids.

Extracellular microRNAs profile in human follicular fluid and IVF outcomes.

Encapsulated microRNAs (i.e., miRNAs within the extracellular vesicles, i.

'Omics' and endocrine-disrupting chemicals - new paths forward.

The emerging field of omics - large-scale data-rich biological measurements of the genome - provides new opportunities to advance and strengthen research into endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Although some EDCs have been associated with adverse health effects in humans, our understanding of their impact remains incomplete. Progress in the field has been primarily limited by our inability to adequately estimate and characterize exposure and identify sensitive and measurable outcomes during windows of vulnerability.