American Society of Hirudotherapy

Recombinant Destabilase from

Research article published in Current issues in molecular biology (2021)

Last Updated: March 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Salivary PharmacologyGenomics & ProteomicsBobrovsky P et al. · Current issues in molecular biology, 2021

Abstract

Leeches are amazing animals that can be classified as conditionally poisonous animals since the salivary cocktail they produce is injected directly into the victim, and its components have strictly defined biological purposes, such as preventing blood clot formation. Thrombolytic drugs are mainly aimed at treating newly formed blood clots. Aged clots are stabilized by a large number of isopeptide bonds that prevent the action of thrombolytics. These bonds are destroyed by destabilase, an enzyme of the leech's salivary glands. Here, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the use of destabilase in relation to blood clots formed during real pathological processes. We evaluated the isopeptidase activity of destabilase during the formation of a stabilized fibrin clot. We showed that destabilase does not affect the internal and external coagulation cascades. We calculated the dose-response curve and tested the ability of destabilase to destroy isopeptide bonds in natural blood clots. The effect of aged and fresh clots dissolving ability after treatment with destabilase coincided with the morphological characteristics of clots during surgery. Thus, recombinant destabilase can be considered as a potential drug for the treatment of aged clots, which are difficult to treat with known thrombolytics.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsBlood CoagulationBlood Coagulation TestsDose-Response Relationship, DrugEndopeptidasesEnzyme ActivationFactor XIIIFibrinolytic AgentsHirudo medicinalisHumansIn Vitro TechniquesRecombinant Proteins

Summary

Leeches are amazing animals that can be classified as conditionally poisonous animals since the salivary cocktail they produce is injected directly into the victim, and its components have strictly defined biological purposes, such as preventing blood clot formation.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

Advances understanding of leech salivary bioactive compounds and their therapeutic potential.

Citation

Recombinant Destabilase from

Bobrovsky P et al. · Current issues in molecular biology, 2021

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: March 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.

Recombinant Destabilase from | ASH