Leech Saliva Extract (LSE) Nano-Liposomal Anti-VEGFA
Nano-liposomal medicinal leech saliva extract (46.23 nm) downregulates VEGFA + induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast-cancer cells — Shakouri 2021.
Mechanistic Evidence Box
Preclinical / mechanistic- Page type
- Compound profile
- Evidence type
- Nano-liposomal medicinal leech saliva extract (46.23 nm) downregulates VEGFA + induces apoptosis in MCF-7 breast-cancer cells — Shakouri 2021.
- Evidence level
- In vitro
- Drug vs leech
- Leech-derived crude extract
Clinical translation limit
LSE nano-liposomal anti-VEGFA activity in MCF-7 cells does NOT establish clinical efficacy. Breast cancer is not an FDA-cleared K040187 indication; clinical translation requires animal pharmacokinetic / immunogenicity / efficacy studies and randomised human trials.
Molecular Profile
- Category
- Other
- Evidence tier
- Preclinical
- Source species
- Hirudo medicinalis (saliva extract)
- Discovered
- 2021 · Shakouri A et al.
Biological Targets
- → VEGFA gene expression; HIF1α; p53 (cancer cell)
Key Citations
- Shakouri A et al. (2021), Bioimpacts · PMID 35411300
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).