American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hyaluronidases in tissue invasion

Review published in Invasion Metastasis (1997)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewSalivary PharmacologyDrug DevelopmentCsoka TB et al. · Invasion Metastasis, 1997

Abstract

Hyaluronidases are broadly distributed enzymes with varying substrate specificities, a wide range of pH optima, and different catalytic mechanisms. They may be used by organisms to invade one another. Hyaluronidases have also been invoked as mechanisms for tumor invasion and metastatic spread. In this review, we will concentrate more on the different kinds of hyaluronidases involved in tissue invasion other than cancer metastasis, present some of the rapidly accumulating new data, and address the paradox that both hyaluronidase as well as its hyaluronan substrate are associated with invasion.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBacterial ProteinsBacteriophagesEukaryotaExtracellular MatrixFungiHumansHyaluronic AcidHyaluronoglucosaminidaseInvertebratesLeechesNeoplasm Invasiveness

Summary

Review of hyaluronidases involved in tissue invasion across organisms including leech; discussion of paradox of both hyaluronidase and HA substrate being associated with invasion.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines hyaluronidases—broadly distributed enzymes with varying substrate specificities, pH optima, and catalytic mechanisms—and their proposed role in tissue invasion between organisms, as well as their invocation in tumor invasion and metastatic spread. The review focuses on kinds of hyaluronidases involved in tissue invasion other than cancer metastasis and addresses the paradox that both the enzyme and its substrate are associated with invasion. The abstract does not mention leeches, leech-derived hyaluronidases, or any hirudotherapy application. For ASH, the connection to hirudotherapy or the leech secretome is not established by the abstract; no leech-specific data or implications are presented.

Citation

Hyaluronidases in tissue invasion.

Csoka TB et al. · Invasion Metastasis, 1997

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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.