American Society of Hirudotherapy

Investigation on the microcirculation effect of local application of natural hirudin on porcine random skin flap venous congestion

Experimental study published in Cell Biochem Biophys (2012)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Drug DevelopmentClinical TrialsYin GQ et al. · Cell biochemistry and biophysics, 2012

Abstract

Medicinal leech therapy is commonly used to treat venous congestion by local application to skin flaps, which are frequently employed in re-construction surgery. In the present study, we investigated the effect of natural hirudin, which was applied locally to treat the venous congestion, in random skin flaps in a Guangxi Bama miniature pig model. The congestive random skin flaps were divided into 3 groups: Group A (control group that was locally applied with saline), Group B (locally applied with 20ATU natural hirudin per each flap), Group C (locally applied with 40ATU natural hirudin per each flap). The microcirculatory changes were observed by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The level of MPO, MDA and SOD activities in the tissue in hirudin-treated groups was significantly different compared with control group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C. At 12 days, as compared to the control group, flap survival rate in hirudin-treated groups was significantly different (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups receiving two different doses of hirudin. Natural hirudin can improve microcirculation by inhibiting oxygen free radical damage and also improve flap survival time.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAntithrombinsFree RadicalsGraft SurvivalHirudinsMalondialdehydeMicrocirculationPeroxidaseSkinSkin TransplantationSuperoxide DismutaseSurgical Flaps

Summary

Natural hirudin (20 and 40 ATU) applied locally on porcine random skin flap venous congestion significantly improved microcirculation (MPO, MDA, SOD) and flap survival at 12 days versus saline control.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study evaluated the local application of natural hirudin for treating venous congestion in random skin flaps using a Guangxi Bama miniature pig model, comparing saline control against two hirudin doses (20 ATU and 40 ATU per flap). The hirudin-treated groups showed significant improvements in tissue myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, as well as significantly better flap survival rates at 12 days compared to controls, with no significant difference between the two hirudin doses. This research is relevant to hirudotherapy as it explores a purified leech secretome component applied independently of the whole organism, suggesting hirudin improves microcirculation partly through inhibition of oxygen free radical damage. This is an animal model study, and while results are encouraging, findings have not been replicated in humans, and topical hirudin application differs mechanistically from whole-leech therapy.

Citation

Investigation on the microcirculation effect of local application of natural hirudin on porcine random skin flap venous congestion.

Yin GQ et al. · Cell biochemistry and biophysics, 2012

DOI

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