Thrombosis at the crossroads of inflammation, coagulation, and vascular biology: Recent advances and emerging therapeutic strategies

Thrombosis is a multifaceted pathological process involving intravascular clot formation that drives a range of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and cancer-associated thrombosis. Despite major advances in anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapies, clinical outcomes remain limited by bleeding risk, incomplete clot dissolution, and variable patient response. Emerging evidence increasingly portrays thrombosis as a dynamic immunoinflammatory disorder, integrating coagulation, inflammation, and immune signaling into what is collectively termed thrombo-inflammation. Mechanistic insights have uncovered crucial roles for neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), platelet-leukocyte interactions, complement activation, and metabolites derived from gut microbiota in facilitating the formation and persistence of thrombi. Translational research has mirrored this trend, with the development of innovative therapeutics such as Factor XI/XII inhibitors, RNA-based agents, and nanocarrier-guided delivery systems. These are crafted to precisely modulate antithrombotic efficacy while ensuring the preservation of hemostatic balance. At the same time, advancements in thrombolytic techniques, such as clot-sensitive fibrinolytics and interventions using ultrasound assistance and catheter guidance, provide treatment options focused on precision. Advances in diagnostic platforms, including artificial intelligence (AI) -enhanced imaging, microfluidic assays, and multi-omics biomarker profiling, are further transforming early detection and individualized risk stratification. This review brings together current molecular and translational insights to map out the evolving paradigm of thrombosis as a systemic, multifactorial process. It emphasizes the emerging connections among bioengineering, omics-based profiling, and artificial intelligence, showcasing their combined potential to revolutionize prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. By integrating these multidimensional perspectives, this review aims to chart the path toward precision thrombosis medicine and mechanism-targeted therapeutic innovation.

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

Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to medicinal leech therapy and its biology. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Klinische Studien.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN PRESBYACUZIS PRAECOX IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS AFTER THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT DURING THE POST-CATASTROPHE YEARS — Zabolotnyi D, Mishchanchuk N (2019)
• Wound healing potential of bark paste of Pongamia pinnata along with hirudotherapy: A case report — Balasooriya D, Karunarathna C, Uluwaduge I (2021)
• AIF-1 and RNASET2 Play Complementary Roles in the Innate Immune Response of Medicinal Leech — Baranzini N et al. (2019)
• Study on the effect of medicinal leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) on full-thickness excisional wound healing in the animal model — Zakian A et al. (2022)
• [Hirudo medicinalis-leech applications in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery--a literature review] — Knobloch K et al. (2007)
• The duration of rest and feeding greatly affects the re-breeding of ectoparasites: Hirudo verbana, Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo orientalis — Aminov R, Frolov A, Aminova A (2022)
• Recombinant hirudin in clinical practice: focus on lepirudin — Greinacher A, Lubenow N (2001)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →