Leech Extract >10 kDa Anti-Pulmonary-Fibrosis (TGFβ1 / Smad3)
Molecular-weight-fractionated leech extract (>10 kDa) attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via TGFβ1 / Smad3 / PKM2 / Smad7 — Zhang 2024 bleomycin-induced mouse model.
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Molecular-weight-fractionated leech extract (>10 kDa) attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via TGFβ1 / Smad3 / PKM2 / Smad7 — Zhang 2024 bleomycin-induced mouse model.
- Evidence level
- Preclinical (animal)
- Drug vs leech
- Leech-derived crude extract
- Safety domains
- Bleeding
Clinical translation limit
Molecular-weight-fractionated leech extract activity in mice does NOT establish clinical efficacy for IPF in humans. The active components within the >10 kDa fraction are not yet individually identified. Not an FDA-cleared indication.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Other
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Source species
- Hirudo nipponia (Shui Zhi)
- Discovered
- 2024 · Zhang Y et al.
Biological Targets
- → TGFβ1 / Smad3 signalling axis; PKM2 monomer; Smad7
Key Citations
- Zhang Y et al. (2024), J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 38228229
External Resources
Related Other Compounds
Granulin (leech-derived)
Growth factor and wound-healing modulator — promotes angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.
Leech VEGF Modulator
Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway modulator — angiogenic and wound-healing implications.
Leech PDGF Modulator
Platelet-derived growth factor pathway modulator — implications for wound-healing.
Leech Granulin-A
Granulin-family peptide identified in Hirudo medicinalis — putative growth-factor / wound-healing analog (mechanistic only).