American Society of Hirudotherapy

Effects of Carbon Nanotube Environmental Dispersion on an Aquatic Invertebrate, Hirudo medicinalis

Research article published in PloS one (2015)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportSalivary PharmacologyClinical TrialsGenomics & ProteomicsSafety & Infection ControlGirardello R et al. · PloS one, 2015

Abstract

The recent widespread applications of nanomaterials, because of their properties, opens new scenarios that affect their dispersal in the environment. In particular multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), despite their qualities, seem to be harmful for animals and humans. To evaluate possible toxic effects caused by carbon nanotube environmental dispersion, with regard to aquatic compartment, we proposed as experimental model a freshwater invertebrate: Hirudo medicinalis. In the present study we analyse acute and chronic immune responses over a short (1, 3, 6 and 12 hours) and long time (from 1 to 5 weeks) exposure to MWCNTs by optical, electron and immunohistochemical approaches. In the exposed leeches angiogenesis and fibroplasia accompanied by massive cellular migration occur. Immunocytochemical characterization using specific markers shows that in these inflammatory processes the monocyte-macrophages (CD45+, CD68+) are the most involved cells. These immunocompetent cells are characterized by sequence of events starting from the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (in particular IL-18), and amyloidogenensis. Our combined experimental approaches, basing on high sensitive inflammatory response can highlight adverse effects of nanomaterials on aquatic organisms and could be useful to assess the MWCNTs impact on aquatic, terrestrial animal and human health.

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't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAntigens, CDAntigens, Differentiation, MyelomonocyticHirudo medicinalisHumansInterleukin-18Leukocyte Common AntigensMacrophagesMonocytesNanotubes, CarbonCD68 Molecule

Summary

The recent widespread applications of nanomaterials, because of their properties, opens new scenarios that affect their dispersal in the environment. In particular multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), despite their qualities, seem to be harmful for animals and humans.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This experimental study examined the acute and chronic immune responses of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis to environmental exposure to multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), analyzing inflammatory processes at time points ranging from 1 hour to 5 weeks using optical, electron, and immunohistochemical approaches. The findings describe angiogenesis, fibroplasia, monocyte-macrophage infiltration (CD45+, CD68+), pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-18), and amyloidogenesis in exposed leeches, offering basic immunological characterization of a species central to hirudotherapy. However, the study's focus is environmental nanotoxicology and aquatic bioindicators rather than therapeutic leech application, the salivary secretome, or any clinical context. Its relevance to ASH's domain is limited to providing background on H. medicinalis immune biology, and it does not directly inform, support, or advance hirudotherapy practice or leech-derived therapeutic agents.

Citation

Effects of Carbon Nanotube Environmental Dispersion on an Aquatic Invertebrate, Hirudo medicinalis.

Girardello R et al. · PloS one, 2015

DOI

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