American Society of Hirudotherapy

Leech Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor

Putative PLA2 inhibitor identified in leech salivary transcriptome — candidate eicosanoid-cascade modulator.

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-26 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Leech Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor 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 kDaLeech Phospholipase A2 Inhibi…15 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Leech Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor (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
Putative PLA2 inhibitor identified in leech salivary transcriptome — candidate eicosanoid-cascade modulator.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

This PLA2 inhibitor is hypothesized only. Sequence-level cataloging does NOT establish anti-inflammatory clinical efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anti-inflammatory
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
15,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis
Discovered
2018
Leech Phospholipase A2 Inhibitor molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • → secretory phospholipase A2 (predicted)

External Resources

    Related Anti-inflammatory Compounds

    Leech C1 Inhibitor (LCi)

    Complement system modulator targeting C1q activation — immunological homeostasis.

    Leech Eicosanoid Modulator

    Modulates prostaglandin and leukotriene cascades — anti-inflammatory pathway.

    Haemadipsa yanyuanensis Progranulin (Hy-PGRN)

    Putative progranulin gene with 122 cysteine residues and nine tandem repeats — distinctive structural organization (Lin 2025 chromosome-level genome).

    WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG

    Whitmania pigra-derived 15-residue anti-atherosclerosis peptide — Hu 2020 demonstrates inhibition of macrophage migration via JNK + p38 MAPK pathways.

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    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.