Hirudin in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Review published in Molecules (2024)
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common public health concern. The global burden of CKD is increasing due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with it, indicating the shortcomings of therapeutic drugs at present. Renal fibrosis is the common pathology of CKD, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, renal tubular atrophy, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Natural hirudin is an active ingredient extracted from Hirudo medicinalis, which has been found to be the strongest natural specific inhibitor of thrombin. Evidence based on pharmacological data has shown that hirudin has important protective effects in CKD against diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, and renal interstitial fibrosis. The mechanisms of hirudin in treating CKD are mainly related to inhibiting the inflammatory response, preventing apoptosis of intrinsic renal cells, and inhibiting the interactions between thrombin and protease-activated receptors. In this review, we summarize the function and beneficial properties of hirudin for the treatment of CKD, and its underlying mechanisms.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
Review of hirudin's protective effects in chronic kidney disease (diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, renal interstitial fibrosis) via anti-inflammatory and apoptosis-suppressive mechanisms and thrombin-PAR interactions.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This review explores the pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of natural hirudin—an active ingredient extracted from Hirudo medicinalis—in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors synthesize pharmacological evidence showing that hirudin offers protective effects against diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, and renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting inflammatory responses, preventing renal cell apoptosis, and blocking thrombin interactions with protease-activated receptors. This study is highly relevant to ASH's domain as it highlights the therapeutic applications of a specific active ingredient derived from medicinal leeches. A key limitation is that it is a review of preclinical pharmacological data and does not present new clinical trial results involving live hirudotherapy.
Zitation
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