American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hirudo tianjinensis Decorsin

Monomeric + oligomeric decorsin paralogs identified in Asian medicinal leech H. tianjinensis (Kalatehjari 2026) — first recombinant characterization as platelet aggregation inhibitors.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Hirudo tianjinensis Decorsin compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaHirudo tianjinensis Decorsin4.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Hirudo tianjinensis Decorsin (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Monomeric + oligomeric decorsin paralogs identified in Asian medicinal leech H. tianjinensis (Kalatehjari 2026) — first recombinant characterization as platelet aggregation inhibitors.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Recombinant (genetically expressed)
Safety domains
Bleeding

Clinical translation limit

H. tianjinensis decorsin's in vitro platelet inhibition does NOT establish clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; H. tianjinensis is taxonomically distinct from the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech species.

Molecular Profile

Category
Antiplatelet
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
4,500 Da
Source species
Hirudo tianjinensis
Discovered
2026 · Kalatehjari P et al.
Hirudo tianjinensis Decorsin molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • platelet integrin αIIbβ3 (RGD-mediated)

Key Citations

  1. Kalatehjari P et al. (2026), Parasitol Res · PMID 41653280

External Resources

    Related Antiplatelet Compounds

    This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.