Bovine milk exosomes influence transcriptome profiles and reduce cardiac fibrosis in a rat model

Cardiac fibrosis, marked by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, leads to heart failure. This study examines the effects of bovine milk exosomes on cardiac fibrosis in an isoproterenol-induced rat model. Rats were orally administered bovine milk exosomes, and transcriptome sequencing of the left ventricle was conducted. We identified 116 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and 141 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs). Key DEMs (Ciart, Cd151, Per2, Per3, H3f3c, Dbp, Tnc) and DELs (XR_001841620.1, TCONS_00025336, TCONS_00002367, TCONS_00027989, TCONS_00029872, TCONS_00036358) were significantly upregulated, as confirmed by RT-qPCR. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis showed enrichment in circadian rhythms and immune activities. Co-expression and competing endogenous RNA networks illustrated potential regulatory mechanisms. These findings elucidate the therapeutic effects of bovine milk exosomes on cardiac fibrosis, highlighting potential targets for future clinical research.