Amerikanische Gesellschaft für Hirudotherapie

Metabolomics-based study reveals the effect of lead (Pb) in the culture environment on Whitmania pigra

Research article published in Scientific reports (2020)

Zuletzt aktualisiert: June 18, 2026Geprüft von: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)ArzneimittelentwicklungLuo X et al. · Scientific reports, 2020

Abstract

Whitmania pigra, called Mahuang (MH) in Chinese, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for many years and is susceptible to Pb exposure in aquaculture environments. To understand the impact of Pb in the culture environment on MHs, we carried out a 50-day culture of MHs in environments with different levels of Pb pollution. Then, tissue samples of MHs reared in the different Pb-polluted environments were collected and analysed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The results showed that the Pb residue in MHs increased with increasing Pb in the culture environment. There was no significant difference in MH Pb content (P < 0.05) between the low-Pb residue group (PbL) and the blank control group (BC), and those of the middle-Pb residue group (PbM) and the high-Pb residue group (PbH) were significantly different from that of the BC group. Metabolomics results showed significant changes in 24 metabolites in the PbL, PbM and PbH groups, some of which were dose-dependent. These metabolites were mainly lipids, nucleotides, and dipeptides, which are involved in metabolic pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Overall, the results proved that metabolomics can be an effective tool to understand the effects of Pb on the metabolic responses of MHs.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsLeadLeechesMedicine, Chinese TraditionalMetabolomicsWater Pollutants, Chemical

Zusammenfassung

Whitmania pigra, called Mahuang (MH) in Chinese, has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for many years and is susceptible to Pb exposure in aquaculture environments.

Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist

This study examined how lead (Pb) accumulation in aquaculture environments affects the metabolic profile of the leech Whitmania pigra (used in traditional Chinese medicine) over a 50-day culture period, demonstrating dose-dependent Pb residue accumulation and significant alterations in 24 metabolites involving glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, and nucleotide metabolism. The leech Whitmania pigra is the sole connection to ASH's domain; the abstract frames it as a traditional Chinese medicine but does not discuss hirudotherapy, clinical applications, or the leech secretome. The study is limited to chemical/metabolomic analysis of Pb-exposed leech tissues and does not address therapeutic outcomes or clinical use.

Zitation

Metabolomics-based study reveals the effect of lead (Pb) in the culture environment on Whitmania pigra

Luo X et al. · Scientific reports, 2020

DOI

Verwandter klinischer Kontext

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