American Society of Hirudotherapy

Batroxobin mobilizes circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with deep vein thrombosis

Research article published in Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis (2009)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Research reportDrug DevelopmentZhang L et al. · Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis, 2009

Abstract

Batroxobin, a thrombin-like enzyme from Bothrops atrox moojeni venom, is associated with the reduction of fibrinogen levels in plasma and the enhancement of anticoagulation and fibrinolysis. In this study, 15 patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) achieved successful limb salvage after the administration of batroxobin. We found that the levels of CD34+, CD31+, CD34+/CD31+, and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin+) cells had increased in the peripheral blood of patients at 7 days and 14 days after treatment. At 0 day, 7 days, and 14 days, the percentages of CD34+ cells, which are assumed to be hematopoietic stem cells, are 0.39% ± 0.43%, 0.71% ± 0.50%, and 1.11% ± 0.66%, respectively. The levels of CD34+ cells at 14 days are significantly higher than the levels on the first day (P = .004). The levels of CD31+ cells and VE-cadherin+ cells, which represent mature endothelial cells, at 7 days (34.15% ± 11.32%, P = .013; 1.25% ± 1.39%, P = .014) and 14 days (35.21% ± 7.66%, P = .071; 1.85% ± 2.60%, P = .117) were slightly elevated compared with those at 0 day (27.55% ± 8.65%; 0.25 ± 0.39%). The double positive of CD34 and CD31 cells are assumed to be endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The levels of CD34+/CD31+ cells at 7 days (0.69% ± 0.50%, P = .001) and 14 days (1.07% ± 0.66%, P = .006) are significantly higher than that on the initial day (0.28% ± 0.30%). The number of CD34+/CD31+ cells significantly increased, indicating that in addition to its role in anticoagulation and fibrinolysis, treatment with batroxobin might simultaneously activate circulating EPCs that might promote the recanalization of the damaged vessel wall.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAntigens, CDBatroxobinEndothelial CellsFemaleFibrinolytic AgentsHematopoietic Stem Cell MobilizationHumansMaleMiddle Aged

Summary

Batroxobin mobilizes circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with deep vein thrombosis.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study investigated the clinical effects of batroxobin, a thrombin-like enzyme derived from Bothrops atrox moojeni snake venom, on 15 patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The abstract reports that treatment successfully achieved limb salvage while significantly increasing levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells, potentially promoting vessel recanalization alongside the drug's known anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties. Although batroxobin functions as a thrombin-like enzyme affecting blood coagulation, it is explicitly a snake venom derivative, not a component of the leech secretome. Consequently, this article contains no leech-related data and holds no direct relevance to the practice of hirudotherapy.

Citation

Batroxobin mobilizes circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with deep vein thrombosis

Zhang L et al. · Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis, 2009

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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