1
|
Wei D, Lyu J, Wang B, He Y, Bi L. Hirudin enhances perforator flap survival: Clinical application report and mechanistic exploration. JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY, ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY 2024; 125:101868. [PMID: 38588856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hirudin, a potent anticoagulant, is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat thrombotic conditions and prevent postoperative thrombosis. Coagulation-related vascular complications are a common cause of perforator flaps failure. This study explores hirudin's potential to enhance flap growth by mitigating coagulation-related issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were divided into GroupⅠ(hirudin group) and GroupⅡ(control). Laboratory tests covered red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), platelet count (PLT), monocyte count (MONO), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-Dimer. Clinical parameters, including capillary refill time (CRT), flap swelling, and survival status, were evaluated. Animal experiments used Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to establish random skin flaps. The experimental side received hirudin injection, while the control side received saline. Flaps were photographed to calculate survival rate, and CD31 immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed to calculate microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS The study, with 29 patients, found significant CRT differences between groups on postoperative days 2 and 6 (p = 0.027; p = 0.019), favoring GroupⅠ. Swelling severity varied significantly over time; GroupⅡhad more pronounced swelling. GroupⅠshowed superior flap growth with fewer complications, statistically significant (p = 0.033). Specific lab indicators (MONO, PT, and FIB) were significant at certain times. In animal experiments, the experimental side consistently had higher flap survival and slightly increased CD31 expression at various times, with higher MVD on days 2 and 6. CONCLUSIONS Hirudin enhances flap survival through diverse mechanisms, supporting its role as a complementary approach in perforator flap surgeries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, PR China
| | - Jiong Lyu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, PR China
| | - Yong He
- Laboratory Animal Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, PR China
| | - Ling Bi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao F, Huang Z, He B, Liu K, Li J, Liu Z, Lin G. Comparative genomics of two Asian medicinal leeches Hirudo nipponia and Hirudo tianjinensis: With emphasis on antithrombotic genes and their corresponding proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 270:132278. [PMID: 38750856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Leeches secrete various biologically active substances which have important medical and pharmaceutical values in antithrombotic treatments. Here, we provide a high quality genome of two Asian medicinal leeches Hirudo nipponia and Hirudo tianjinensis, based on which, we identified 22 antithrombotic gene families, including fourteen coagulation inhibitors, four platelet aggregation inhibitors, three fibrinolysis enhancers, and one tissue penetration enhancer. The total numbers of antithrombotic genes were similar between H. nipponia (N = 86) and H. tianjinensis (N = 83). Molecular evolution analysis showed that no significant differences were detected between the two species in any of the three selection indices (dN, dS, and dN/dS), nor in the number of sites under positive/purifying selection. RNA-Seq based gene expression analysis showed that the overall expression patterns of the antithrombotic gene families were not significantly deviated between the two species. Our results indicated that there were rather close similarities between the two leeches on genomic characteristics, especially for the molecular evolution and expression of antithrombotic genes. Our study provides the most comprehensive collection of antithrombotic biomacromolecules from the two Asian medicinal leeches to date. These results will greatly facilitate the research and application of leech derivatives for medical and pharmaceutical purposes of thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Zuhao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Bo He
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China
| | - Kaiqing Liu
- Engineering Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Leech Resources in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China
| | - Junyu Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, People's Hospital of Fengdu County, Chongqing City, Fengdu 408200, China
| | - Zichao Liu
- Engineering Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Leech Resources in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Agronomy and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Information, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
| | - Gonghua Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji'an 343009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Z, Zhao F, Huang Z, Hu Q, Meng R, Lin Y, Qi J, Lin G. Revisiting the Asian Buffalo Leech ( Hirudinaria manillensis) Genome: Focus on Antithrombotic Genes and Their Corresponding Proteins. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2068. [PMID: 38003011 PMCID: PMC10671345 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leeches are well-known annelids due to their obligate blood-feeding habits. Some leech species secrete various biologically active substances which have important medical and pharmaceutical value in antithrombotic treatments. In this study, we provided a high-quality genome of the Asian buffalo leech (Hirudinaria manillensis), based on which we performed a systematic identification of potential antithrombotic genes and their corresponding proteins. Combining automatic and manual prediction, we identified 21 antithrombotic gene families including fourteen coagulation inhibitors, three platelet aggregation inhibitors, three fibrinolysis enhancers, and one tissue penetration enhancer. A total of 72 antithrombotic genes, including two pseudogenes, were identified, including most of their corresponding proteins forming three or more disulfide bonds. Three protein families (LDTI, antistasin, and granulin) had internal tandem repeats containing 6, 10, and 12 conserved cysteines, respectively. We also measured the anticoagulant activities of the five identified hirudins (hirudin_Hman1 ~ hirudin_Hman5). The results showed that three (hirudin_Hman1, hirudin_Hman2, and hirudin_Hman5), but not the remaining two, exhibited anticoagulant activities. Our study provides the most comprehensive collection of antithrombotic biomacromolecules from a leech to date. These results will greatly facilitate the research and application of leech derivatives for medical and pharmaceutical purposes in the treatment of thrombotic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zichao Liu
- Engineering Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Leech Resources in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China; (Z.L.); (Q.H.); (R.M.)
| | - Fang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji’an 343009, China; (F.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zuhao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji’an 343009, China; (F.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qingmei Hu
- Engineering Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Leech Resources in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China; (Z.L.); (Q.H.); (R.M.)
| | - Renyuan Meng
- Engineering Research Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Leech Resources in Universities of Yunnan Province, School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kunming University, Kunming 650214, China; (Z.L.); (Q.H.); (R.M.)
| | - Yiquan Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji’an 343009, China; (F.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianxia Qi
- Nujiang Management Bureau of Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Nujiang 673199, China;
| | - Gonghua Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Jinggangshan University, Ji’an 343009, China; (F.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lukas P, Melikian G, Hildebrandt JP, Müller C. Make it double: identification and characterization of a Tandem-Hirudin from the Asian medicinal leech Hirudinaria manillensis. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2995-3006. [PMID: 36006484 PMCID: PMC9464118 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07634-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Haematophagous leeches express a broad variety of secretory proteins in their salivary glands, among them are hirudins and hirudin-like factors. Here, we describe the identification, molecular and initial functional characterization of Tandem-Hirudin (TH), a novel salivary gland derived factor identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. In contrast to the typical structure of hirudins, TH comprises two globular domains arranged in a tandem-like orientation and lacks the elongated C-terminal tail. Similar structures of thrombin inhibitors have so far been identified only in kissing bugs and ticks. Expression of TH was performed in both cell-based and cell-free bacterial systems. A subsequent functional characterization revealed no evidence for a thrombin-inhibitory potency of TH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phil Lukas
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georgij Melikian
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, D-17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Müller C, Wang Z, Hamann M, Sponholz D, Hildebrandt JP. Life without blood: Molecular and functional analysis of hirudins and hirudin-like factors of the Asian non-hematophagous leech Whitmania pigra. J Thromb Haemost 2022; 20:1808-1817. [PMID: 35587545 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several leech species of the genera Hirudo, Hirudinaria, and Whitmania are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the oral treatment of disorders associated with blood stasis. Among them, the non-hematophagous leech Whitmania pigra expresses a variety of components that have the potential to act on the vertebrate blood coagulation system. OBJECTIVE Whether the thrombin inhibitor hirudin, probably the most prominent leech-derived anticoagulant, is actually present in Whitmania pigra, is still a matter of debate. To answer that open question was the aim of the study. METHODS We identified several putative hirudin-encoding sequences in transcriptome data of Whitmania pigra. Upon gene synthesis and molecular cloning the respective recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, processed, and eventually functionally characterized for thrombin-inhibitory potencies in coagulation assays. RESULTS We were successful in the identification and functional characterization of several putative hirudins in Whitmania pigra. Some, but not all, of these factors are indeed thrombin inhibitors. Whitmania pigra hence expresses both hirudins (factors that inhibit thrombin) and hirudin-like factors (that do not or only very weakly inhibit thrombin). Furthermore, we revealed the exon/intron structures of the corresponding genes. Coding sequences of some putative hirudins of Whitmania pigra were present also in transcriptome datasets of Hirudo nipponia, a hematophagous leech that is likewise used in TCM. CONCLUSIONS Based on both structural and functional data we provide very strong evidence for the expression of hirudins in Whitmania pigra. This is the first description of hirudins in a non-hematophagous leech.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Müller
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Zhongjie Wang
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Magdalena Hamann
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dana Sponholz
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Yang R, Wang L, Li Y, Han J, Yang Y, Zheng H, Lu M, Shen Y, Yang H. Purification and characterization of a novel thermostable anticoagulant protein from medicinal leech Whitmania pigra Whitman. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 288:114990. [PMID: 35032585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.114990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing worldwide. Despite significant improvements in novel targeted treatment agents, natural products purified from medicinal animals with minimal side effects have attracted much attention. Several native proteins explored from suck-blood leeches, such as non-thermostable hirudin and its variants, revealed potent anticoagulant activity. Traditional Chinese medicine clinics have proved that non-suck-blood leech Whitmania pigra Whitman (W. pigra) also played notable roles in CVD treatments even after decoction. However, only a few natural proteins and peptides have been identified from the fresh material of this medicinal species. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to purify and characterize thermostable anticoagulant proteins from W. pigra for further development of a therapeutic agent for thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS W. pigra crude extract was prepared by decoction in water. Anticoagulant proteins were purified by DEAE cellulose DE-52, Sephadex G-75, and reversed-phase liquid chromatography sequentially and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS for structural information. In addition, we conducted in vitro anticoagulant experiments, including plasma recalcification time (PRT) assay, fibrinolytic assay, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (Fib) assay, and cell viability assays. Furthermore, a carrageenan-induced chronic thromboembolism model was employed in ICR mice, and four coagulation factors (APTT, PT, TT, and Fib) activities were determined after intragastric administration. RESULTS The anticoagulant protein WP-77 has a relative molecular weight of ca. 20.8 kDa. It was effective over a broad temperature range from 20 °C to 100 °C and a pH 2-8 condition. The anticoagulant activity of WP-77 was retained after incubation with pepsin but was greatly inhibited by trypsin (P < 0.01). It significantly prolonged APTT and TT (P < 0.05) but had little effect on PT and Fib in vitro. Furthermore, WP-77 of a low concentration resulted in the recovery of injured EA.hy926 by thrombin. The protein also significantly prolonged APTT and TT (P < 0.01) and inhibited thrombus formation in carrageenan-induced thrombosis mice, demonstrating its antithrombotic effect in vivo. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that WP-77 from W. pigra plays a distinct role in treating thrombotic diseases, and it is an essential substance of anticoagulant activity of non-suck-blood medicinal leeches. This thermostable anticoagulant protein could be a promising candidate for the development of clinical antithrombosis medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Liwei Wang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Yaya Yang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Hanxue Zheng
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Mengyao Lu
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Yuping Shen
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Chinese Materia Medica and Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212013, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang H, Meng FM, Jin SJ, Gao JW, Tong XR, Liu ZC. A new species of medicinal leech in the genus Hirudo Linnaeus, 1758 (Hirudiniformes, Hirudinidae) from Tianjin City, China. Zookeys 2022; 1095:83-96. [PMID: 35836684 PMCID: PMC9021146 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1095.74071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal leeches in the genus Hirudo have been utilized for therapeutic procedures for thousands of years. To date, six known species of Hirudo are widely distributed in different regions of the Eurasian continent. In this study, a new medicinal leech species Hirudotianjinensis Liu, sp. nov. is described based upon specimens collected from Tianjin City, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters: blackish green dorsum with five continuous yellow longitudinal stripes; six sensillae on dorsal annulus a2 of segments VIII–XXV; greyish green ventrum with irregular bilateral dark brown spots; dorsum and abdomen separated by a pair of pale yellow stripes; front half atrium wrapped by white prostate; apparent albumen gland; epididymis massive in relation to ejaculatory bulb. The phylogenetic tree based upon COI implies a sister relationship to H.nipponia Whitman, 1886. A key to the known species is provided.
Collapse
|
8
|
Müller C, Eickelmann C, Sponholz D, Hildebrandt JP. Short tail stories: the hirudin-like factors HLF6 and HLF7 of the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3761-3769. [PMID: 34599360 PMCID: PMC8516769 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07316-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The leech-derived hirudins and hirudin-like factors (HLFs) share a common molecule structure: a short N-terminus, a central globular domain, and an elongated C-terminal tail. All parts are important for function. HLF6 and HLF7 were identified in the Asian medicinal leech, Hirudinaria manillensis. The genes of both factors encode putative splice variants that differ in length and composition of their respective C-terminal tails. In either case, the tails are considerably shorter compared to hirudins. Here we describe the functional analyses of the natural splice variants and of synthetic variants that comprise an altered N-terminus and/or a modified central globular domain. All natural splice variants of HLF6 and HLF7 display no detectable thrombin-inhibitory potency. In contrast, some synthetic variants effectively inhibit thrombin, even with tails as short as six amino acid residues in length. Our data indicate that size and composition of the C-terminal tail of hirudins and HLFs can vary in a great extent, yet the full protein may still retain the ability to inhibit thrombin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Chantal Eickelmann
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dana Sponholz
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Junren C, Xiaofang X, Huiqiong Z, Gangmin L, Yanpeng Y, Xiaoyu C, Yuqing G, Yanan L, Yue Z, Fu P, Cheng P. Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms of Hirudin and Its Derivatives - A Review. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:660757. [PMID: 33935784 PMCID: PMC8085555 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.660757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirudin, an acidic polypeptide secreted by the salivary glands of Hirudo medicinalis (also known as "Shuizhi" in traditional Chinese medicine), is the strongest natural specific inhibitor of thrombin found so far. Hirudin has been demonstrated to possess potent anti-thrombotic effect in previous studies. Recently, increasing researches have focused on the anti-thrombotic activity of the derivatives of hirudin, mainly because these derivatives have stronger antithrombotic activity and lower bleeding risk. Additionally, various bioactivities of hirudin have been reported as well, including wound repair effect, anti-fibrosis effect, effect on diabetic complications, anti-tumor effect, anti-hyperuricemia effect, effect on cerebral hemorrhage, and others. Therefore, by collecting and summarizing publications from the recent two decades, the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, novel preparations and derivatives, as well as toxicity of hirudin were systematically reviewed in this paper. In addition, the clinical application, the underlying mechanisms of pharmacological effects, the dose-effect relationship, and the development potential in new drug research of hirudin were discussed on the purpose of providing new ideas for application of hirudin in treating related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Junren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xie Xiaofang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhang Huiqiong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Gangmin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yin Yanpeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cao Xiaoyu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Gao Yuqing
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yanan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhang Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China.,Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Iwama RE, Tessler M, Siddall ME, Kvist S. The Origin and Evolution of Antistasin-like Proteins in Leeches (Hirudinida, Clitellata). Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evaa242. [PMID: 33527140 PMCID: PMC7851590 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bloodfeeding is employed by many parasitic animals and requires specific innovations for efficient feeding. Some of these innovations are molecular features that are related to the inhibition of hemostasis. For example, bloodfeeding insects, bats, and leeches release proteins with anticoagulatory activity through their salivary secretions. The antistasin-like protein family, composed of serine protease inhibitors with one or more antistasin-like domains, is tightly linked to inhibition of hemostasis in leeches. However, this protein family has been recorded also in non-bloodfeeding invertebrates, such as cnidarians, mollusks, polychaetes, and oligochaetes. The present study aims to 1) root the antistasin-like gene tree and delimit the major orthologous groups, 2) identify potential independent origins of salivary proteins secreted by leeches, and 3) identify major changes in domain and/or motif structure within each orthologous group. Five clades containing leech antistasin-like proteins are distinguishable through rigorous phylogenetic analyses based on nine new transcriptomes and a diverse set of comparative data: the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors clade, the antistasin clade, the therostasin clade, and two additional, unnamed clades. The antistasin-like gene tree supports multiple origins of leech antistasin-like proteins due to the presence of both leech and non-leech sequences in one of the unnamed clades, but a single origin of factor Xa and trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitors. This is further supported by three sequence motifs that are exclusive to antistasins, the trypsin + leukocyte elastase inhibitor clade, and the therostasin clade, respectively. We discuss the implications of our findings for the evolution of this diverse family of leech anticoagulants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Eiji Iwama
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Tessler
- Department of Biology, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Kvist
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lima-Oliveira G, Brennan-Bourdon LM, Varela B, Arredondo ME, Aranda E, Flores S, Ochoa P. Clot activators and anticoagulant additives for blood collection. A critical review on behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2020; 58:207-224. [PMID: 33929278 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2020.1849008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In the clinical laboratory, knowledge of and the correct use of clot activators and anticoagulant additives are critical to preserve and maintain samples in optimal conditions prior to analysis. In 2017, the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) commissioned the Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM) to study preanalytical variability and establish guidelines for preanalytical procedures to be applied by clinical laboratories and health care professionals. The aim of this critical review, on behalf of COLABIOCLI WG-PRE-LATAM, is to provide information to understand the mechanisms of the interactions and reactions that occur between blood and clot activators and anticoagulant additives inside evacuated tubes used for laboratory testing. Clot activators - glass, silica, kaolin, bentonite, and diatomaceous earth - work by surface dependent mechanism whereas extrinsic biomolecules - thrombin, snake venoms, ellagic acid, and thromboplastin - start in vitro coagulation when added to blood. Few manufacturers of evacuated tubes state the type and concentration of clot activators used in their products. With respect to anticoagulant additives, sodium citrate and oxalate complex free calcium and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid chelates calcium. Heparin potentiates antithrombin and hirudin binds to active thrombin, inactivating the thrombin irreversibly. Blood collection tubes have improved continually over the years, from the glass tubes containing clot activators or anticoagulant additives that were prepared by laboratory personnel to the current standardized evacuated systems that permit more precise blood/additive ratios. Each clot activator and anticoagulant additive demonstrates specific functionality, and both manufacturers of tubes and laboratory professional strive to provide suitable interference-free sample matrices for laboratory testing. Both manufacturers of in vitro diagnostic devices and laboratory professionals need to understand all aspects of venous blood sampling so that they do not underestimate the impact of tube additives on laboratory testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Lima-Oliveira
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - L M Brennan-Bourdon
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Comisión Para la Protección Contra Riesgos Sanitarios del Estado de Jalisco (COPRISJAL), Secretaria de Salud, Guadalajara, México
| | - B Varela
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Quality Assurance, LAC, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M E Arredondo
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Management Area, Clinical Laboratory, BIONET S.A, Santiago, Chile
| | - E Aranda
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Department of Hematology-Oncology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - S Flores
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Clinical Laboratory, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú
| | - P Ochoa
- Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM), Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI), Montevideo, Uruguay.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wüstenhagen DA, Lukas P, Müller C, Aubele SA, Hildebrandt JP, Kubick S. Cell-free synthesis of the hirudin variant 1 of the blood-sucking leech Hirudo medicinalis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19818. [PMID: 33188246 PMCID: PMC7666225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76715-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthesis and purification of peptide drugs for medical applications is a challenging task. The leech-derived factor hirudin is in clinical use as an alternative to heparin in anticoagulatory therapies. So far, recombinant hirudin is mainly produced in bacterial or yeast expression systems. We describe the successful development and application of an alternative protocol for the synthesis of active hirudin based on a cell-free protein synthesis approach. Three different cell lysates were compared, and the effects of two different signal peptide sequences on the synthesis of mature hirudin were determined. The combination of K562 cell lysates and the endogenous wild-type signal peptide sequence was most effective. Cell-free synthesized hirudin showed a considerably higher anti-thrombin activity compared to recombinant hirudin produced in bacterial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doreen A Wüstenhagen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses Potsdam-Golm (IZI-BB), 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Phil Lukas
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Simone A Aubele
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses Potsdam-Golm (IZI-BB), 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses Potsdam-Golm (IZI-BB), 14476, Potsdam, Germany. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, 16816, Neuruppin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Müller C, Lukas P, Sponholz D, Hildebrandt JP. The hirudin-like factors HLF3 and HLF4-hidden hirudins of European medicinal leeches. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1767-1775. [PMID: 32363441 PMCID: PMC7261268 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06697-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hirudin-like factors 3 (HLF3) and 4 (HLF4) belong to a new class of leech-derived factors and are present in specimens of the three European medicinal leeches, Hirudo medicinalis, Hirudo verbana, and Hirudo orientalis, respectively. Here we describe the functional analysis of natural and synthetic variants of HLF3 and HLF4. Whereas the natural variants display only very low or no detectable anti-coagulatory activities, modifications within the N-termini in combination with an exchange of the central globular domain have the potency to greatly enhance the inhibitory effects of respective HLF3 and HLF4 variants on blood coagulation. Our results support previous observations on the crucial importance of all parts (both the N- and C-termini as well as the central globular domains) of hirudin and HLF molecules for thrombin inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Phil Lukas
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dana Sponholz
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|