American Society of Hirudotherapy

H. nipponia Starvation-Induced Salivary Proteome

181 differentially expressed proteins (72 up / 109 down) in starved Hirudo nipponia salivary glands — Cai 2024 proteomic + transcriptomic profiling.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-28 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
181 differentially expressed proteins (72 up / 109 down) in starved Hirudo nipponia salivary glands — Cai 2024 proteomic + transcriptomic profiling.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Leech-derived crude extract

Clinical translation limit

The starvation-induced DEPs catalogue is a descriptive proteomic resource. No individual factor has been functionally characterized in this study; clinical translation requires per-protein characterization and human trials.

Molecular Profile

Category
Other
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Source species
Hirudo nipponia
Discovered
2024 · Cai M et al.
H. nipponia Starvation-Induced Salivary Proteome molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • starvation-stress response in salivary gland tissue

Key Citations

  1. Cai M et al. (2024), PLoS One · PMID 38923974

External Resources

    Related Other 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.