Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Hirudin-Like Factors (HLFs)

Hirudin-paralog family lacking some structural hirudin features — Müller 2016 phylogenetic characterization across Hirudo and Hirudinaria genera.

Preclínico / mecanísticoLast updated: 2026-05-27 · Reviewed by ASH Editorial Board
Molecular weight of Hirudin-Like Factors (HLFs) compared with other characterized leech-derived compoundsHementerin80 kDaHementin80 kDaHementin-Like Protein (HLP-1)80 kDaLeech Collagenase70 kDaHaemadipsa yanyuanensis Progr…70 kDaLeech Apyrase67 kDaCalin65 kDaHyaluronidase60 kDaAntithrombin III binding prot…58 kDaCollagenolytic Fibrinolysin55 kDaLeech Thrombospondin-Like Pro…50 kDaHirudin-Like Factors (HLFs)7 kDa
Molecular weight (kilodaltons) of Hirudin-Like Factors (HLFs) (highlighted) alongside other characterized leech salivary compounds. Smaller proteins/peptides generally diffuse and act faster.

Mechanistic Evidence Box

Preclinical / mechanistic
Page type
Compound profile
Evidence type
Hirudin-paralog family lacking some structural hirudin features — Müller 2016 phylogenetic characterization across Hirudo and Hirudinaria genera.
Evidence level
Mechanistic discussion
Drug vs leech
Purified natural compound

Clinical translation limit

HLFs are characterized phylogenetically; their molecular targets are not yet established. No FDA-approved derivative exists; do not extrapolate hirudin clinical activity to HLFs.

Molecular Profile

Category
Anticoagulant
Evidence tier
Preclinical
Molecular weight
7,000 Da
Source species
Hirudo medicinalis / Hirudo verbana / Hirudinaria manillensis
Discovered
2016 · Müller C et al.
Hirudin-Like Factors (HLFs) molecular structure

Biological Targets

  • unknown / putative thrombin or other coagulation factors

Key Citations

  1. Müller C et al. (2016), Parasitol Res · PMID 27785600

External Resources

    Related Anticoagulant Compounds

    Este sitio web proporciona información educativa y no constituye consejo médico, diagnóstico ni recomendaciones de tratamiento. La terapia con sanguijuelas medicinales conlleva riesgos clínicamente significativos y debe ser realizada únicamente por profesionales calificados bajo protocolos aprobados institucionalmente. La autorización 510(k) de la FDA para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas; las discusiones sobre uso investigativo y fuera de indicación se señalan correspondientemente. Para orientación médica específica, consulte a un profesional de salud calificado.