American Society of Hirudotherapy

Thrombolytic and anticoagulant effects of a recombinant staphylokinase-hirudin fusion protein

Translational study published in Thrombosis Research (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Drug DevelopmentGenomics & ProteomicsRen K et al. · Thrombosis Research, 2021

Abstract

A pure recombinant staphylokinase-hirudin fusion protein (SFH) was obtained by recombinant genetic engineering and purification techniques. The thrombolytic and anticoagulant activities of SFH were investigated using in vitro coagulation models and chromogenic assays. The results showed that intact SFH had targeted thrombolytic activity, and gained anticoagulant activity when cleaved by FXa. In addition, we investigated the pharmacodynamics of SFH in vivo using a variety of animal models, including a rat inferior vena cava thrombosis model, a rat coronary thrombosis model, a rabbit carotid artery thrombosis model and a canine coronary thrombosis model. We found that SFH had an obvious thrombolytic effect and could prevent and reduce re-embolization after thrombolysis and reduce the serious bleeding side effects caused by the combination of thrombolytic and anticoagulant drugs. The results suggest that SFH can be used for thrombolytic therapy in thromboembolic diseases.

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

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAnticoagulantsDogsFibrinolytic AgentsHirudinsMetalloendopeptidasesRabbitsRatsRecombinant Fusion Proteins

Summary

Recombinant staphylokinase-hirudin fusion protein (SFH) showed targeted thrombolytic and FXa-cleavage-activated anticoagulant activity across rat IVC, rat/canine coronary, and rabbit carotid artery thrombosis models with reduced bleeding compared to standard combinations.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study describes a recombinant staphylokinase-hirudin fusion protein (SFH) engineered to combine targeted thrombolytic activity (via staphylokinase) with anticoagulant activity released upon cleavage by Factor Xa. SFH demonstrated thrombolytic effects and prevention of re-embolization with reduced bleeding side effects across multiple animal models, including rat inferior vena cava and coronary thrombosis, rabbit carotid artery thrombosis, and canine coronary thrombosis. For ASH, this is relevant as it leverages hirudin in a dual-function engineered therapeutic. CAVEAT: All findings are from preclinical animal models and in vitro assays; no human clinical data are presented, and the abstract does not report sample sizes, statistical analyses, or direct comparator arms.

Citation

Thrombolytic and anticoagulant effects of a recombinant staphylokinase-hirudin fusion protein.

Ren K et al. · Thrombosis Research, 2021

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 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.