Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome
Basic science / preclinical published in BMC complementary medicine and therapies (2026)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a multifactorial cardiometabolic disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, substantially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The variable effectiveness of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions has heightened interest in complementary approaches. Hirudotherapy, containing a wide range of bioactive compounds, may offer therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hirudotherapy on metabolic parameters in a rat model of METS. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 6), METS (n = 6), METS + 4-week hirudotherapy (n = 6), and METS + 8-week hirudotherapy (n = 6). METS was induced through a modified high-fat and fructose-enriched diet. The effects of hirudotherapy on liver enzymes (AST, ALT), lipid profile (TG, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol), hemodynamic parameters (systolic/diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate), glucose metabolism (OGTT, AUC), and liver histopathology were assessed. Pellet and water intake were monitored to evaluate possible influences on appetite regulation. RESULTS: Hirudotherapy demonstrated hepatoprotective activity, yielding significant reductions in AST and ALT levels (p < 0.05). TG levels increased in METS, while LDL cholesterol showed partial improvement and HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the hirudotherapy-treated groups, with no significant differences in diastolic pressure or heart rate. OGTT and AUC analyses revealed improved glucose tolerance and reduced hyperglycemia following hirudotherapy (p < 0.05). Histopathology showed marked improvements in steatosis, sinusoidal dilatation, and hydropic degeneration, although minor hemorrhagic foci persisted. Differences in pellet consumption suggested a potential regulatory effect on appetite and metabolic balance. CONCLUSION: Hirudotherapy may exert beneficial effects in METS by improving liver function, modulating lipid metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. Its influence on food intake may further support metabolic homeostasis. These findings support hirudotherapy as a potential biotherapeutic approach and warrant further mechanistic and clinical investigations.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a multifactorial cardiometabolic disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, substantially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This preclinical study in 24 male Wistar rats (six per group) examined hirudotherapy's effects on metabolic syndrome (METS) induced by a high-fat, fructose-enriched diet, assessing liver enzymes, lipid profile, hemodynamics, glucose metabolism, and liver histopathology over 4- and 8-week treatment periods. Results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reductions in AST/ALT and improvements in glucose tolerance (OGTT/AUC), along with significant decreases in systolic blood pressure; histopathology showed improvements in steatosis, sinusoidal dilatation, and hydropic degeneration without a reported significance level, and TG increased in the METS disease model with hirudotherapy's effect on TG not described as significant. For ASH and hirudotherapy, this matters because it provides direct preclinical evidence that whole leech therapy and its bioactive secretome may modulate cardiometabolic and hepatic parameters beyond hirudin's well-characterized anticoagulant role. The chief limitation is that this is a small rat study; findings are preliminary, and clinical efficacy in humans remains unproven.
Citation
Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome.
Bilden A et al. · BMC complementary medicine and therapies, 2026
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