American Society of Hirudotherapy

Comparative Study of Hirustasin Superfamily Gene Expression in Two Medicinal Leeches, Hirudinaria manillensis and Whitmania pigra

Sun R, Ai R, Yin J, Cheng J, Huang Z, Tang L, Liu Z, Zeng Q, Zhao F, Lin G (2025) · Genes · n=0

RCT evidence detailTrial reference
GRADE Very LowInsufficient evidenceLeech genomics and new leech molecules

Study Profile

Design
comparative salivary-gland transcriptomic analysis of hirustasin gene superfamily expression in the hematophagous Hirudinaria manillensis and non-hematophagous Whitmania pigra (Chinese consortium led by Jinggangshan University)
Sample size (n)
—
Intervention
Comparative transcriptomic profiling of hirustasin gene superfamily across two Asian medicinal-leech species and across multiple geographic populations
Comparator
Inter-species (H. manillensis vs W. pigra) and inter-population comparisons
Primary endpoint
Identification of dominantly expressed hirustasin genes and inter-population variation patterns
Primary result
Total hirustasin family TPM expression similar between species (~11800 vs ~8600, p=0.237); five dominantly expressed genes in H. manillensis, three in W. pigra; no phylogenetic correspondence of dominantly expressed genes between species; 5 high-priority candidates identified for downstream antithrombotic drug discovery
Follow-up duration
Not applicable — transcriptomic comparative study
PMID
41300784

Key Findings

  • Hirustasin family total expression similar between species despite different feeding ecologies
  • Distinct sets of dominantly expressed genes per species — no phylogenetic correspondence
  • Five high-priority candidate genes identified for drug discovery
  • Marked inter-population expression variation, especially in H. manillensis
  • Underscores need to characterize underrepresented species, not just H. medicinalis

Limitations

  • Transcriptomic study only — no functional or biochemical validation
  • Limited population sampling within each species
  • Phylogenetic methods limited to gene family — not whole-genome reconciled
  • No clinical applications directly demonstrated
  • Hirudinaria and Whitmania species are not US-K040187-cleared device leeches

Clinical Implications

Sun 2025 contributes to the comparative-pharmacology foundation for next-generation antithrombotic drug discovery from underrepresented Asian medicinal-leech species. For ASH, the study reinforces species-specific pharmacology and the need to distinguish Hirudo-medicinalis-based K040187 clinical practice from broader Asian medicinal-leech research literature. No direct US clinical-practice implications.

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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.