American Society of Hirudotherapy

Coagulation factor XI and cardiovascular disease: A complex, cardio-specific conundrum

Research article published in Med (New York, N.Y.) (2026)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsCate et al. · Med (New York, N.Y.), 2026

Abstract

Coagulation factor XI (FXI) is an emerging target for venous and arterial thrombosis. While arterial prevention studies yield conflicting results, FXI(a) inhibition may be most effective as add-on therapy. Potential off-target cardiovascular effects, including blood pressure lowering and altered cardiac function, remain inconsistent. Ongoing trials should therefore assess both intended antithrombotic efficacy and unintended cardiovascular consequences.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsHumansCardiovascular DiseasesFactor XIThrombosis

Summary

Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to anticoagulation, leech therapy, and microsurgical flap management. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This perspective reviews coagulation factor XI (FXI) as an emerging target for venous and arterial thrombosis, noting that arterial prevention results are conflicting, that FXI(a) inhibition may work best as add-on therapy, and that potential off-target cardiovascular effects remain inconsistent and warrant assessment in ongoing trials. It is relevant to ASH because the contact/intrinsic coagulation pathway (FXI/FXIa) is precisely where several leech- and other hematophagous-organism-derived anticoagulant molecules act, situating leech-secretome research within a target class of active pharmaceutical interest. Caveat: this is an opinion/review summarizing and weighing others' findings rather than presenting new data, and it concerns small-molecule and biologic FXI inhibitors generally, not leech therapy specifically.

Citation

Coagulation factor XI and cardiovascular disease: A complex, cardio-specific conundrum.

Cate et al. · Med (New York, N.Y.), 2026

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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