American Society of Hirudotherapy

WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG

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

Preclinical / mechanisticLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG 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 kDaWP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG1.5 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG (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
Whitmania pigra-derived 15-residue anti-atherosclerosis peptide — Hu 2020 demonstrates inhibition of macrophage migration via JNK + p38 MAPK pathways.
Evidence level
In vitro
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG's in vitro macrophage anti-migration activity does NOT establish clinical anti-atherosclerosis efficacy. No FDA-approved derivative exists; W. pigra is a non-hematophagous TCM leech, not the FDA-cleared K040187 medicinal leech.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anti-inflammatory
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
1,480 Da
Source species
Whitmania pigra
Discovered
2020 · Hu B et al.
WP-EAGSAKELEGDPVAG molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • macrophage migration
  • JNK pathway
  • p38 MAPK pathway
  • MEKK4 / ASK2 signaling

Key Citations

  1. Hu B et al. (2020), J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 32119950

External Resources

    Related Anti-inflammatory 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.