Protective efficacy of Eglin C from Hirudo medicinalis against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis
Basic science / preclinical published in Veterinary parasitology (2023)
Abstract
The current study aimed to find a new therapeutic agent from Hirudo medicinalis for murine coccidiosis. Ion-exchange chromatography was performed to separate different fractions of HEA (hirudo extract antigens). Eight different fractions were experimentally tested against murine eimeriosis induced by Eimeria papillate. The oocysts output was counted to determine the most effective fractions. For the five most effective fraction groups, jejunal histological examination and goblet cells count as well as mRNA expression of MUC2 gene using RT-PCR were performed. The data indicated that these fractions significantly decreased the oocysts output and the number of parasite developmental stages, while the goblet cell numbers and the expression of MUC2 were increased. Effective fractions were subjected to SDS-PAGE and proteomic analysis for detection of their bioactive macromolecules. The fractions reveled only a protein at 8 kDa while the results of spectroscopy and bioinformatics identified the protein as Eglin C. The pooled fractions containing Eglin C were tested in vitro to determine its stimulation for the intestinal lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ together with IL-6 release in the supernatant. The results showed that higher Eglin C concentrations reduced the stimulation index of lymphocyte proliferation as well as the stimulation index of IFN-γ and IL-6 production. In conclusion, Eglin C protein can be used as a target for therapeutic treatment or as an anti-inflammatory agent for coccidiosis infection.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
The current study aimed to find a new therapeutic agent from Hirudo medicinalis for murine coccidiosis. Ion-exchange chromatography was performed to separate different fractions of HEA (hirudo extract antigens).
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This study isolated and characterized Eglin C, an 8 kDa bioactive protein derived from Hirudo medicinalis, evaluating its efficacy against murine coccidiosis induced by Eimeria papillata. Through chromatographic fractionation of hirudo extract antigens and proteomic analysis, researchers identified Eglin C as the component that significantly reduced oocyst output and parasite developmental stages while modulating intestinal mucosal responses, including increased goblet cell numbers and MUC2 gene expression. For ASH's domain, this work highlights a leech-derived protein demonstrating both anti-parasitic and immunomodulatory properties—specifically reducing lymphocyte proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release (IFN-γ, IL-6)—thereby expanding the recognized therapeutic potential of the leech secretome beyond anticoagulation. The study's relevance to hirudotherapy is indirect: it examines an isolated leech protein rather than leech therapy itself, in a murine model of a parasitic infection not typically managed by hirudotherapy, and further research would be needed to establish any broader clinical applicability.
Citation
Protective efficacy of Eglin C from Hirudo medicinalis against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis.
Al-Sayed S et al. · Veterinary parasitology, 2023
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