Hirudin promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs via activation of cGMP/PKG signaling pathway
Basic science / preclinical published in Bioengineered (2022)
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a public health problem resulting in higher susceptibility to bone fracture. Hirudin is known as a direct thrombin inhibitor, which is isolated from the salivary gland of the medicinal leech. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Hirudin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs). In our study, the effect of Hirudin on the proliferation of HBMSCs was evaluated with the CCK-8 and MTT assays. The capacity of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of HBMSCs was evaluated with ALP and alizarin red staining, respectively. cGMP content was determined by ELISA. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to investigate the effect of Hirudin on the expression of osteoblast-specific markers, including Runx2, osterix (OSX), osteocalcin (OCN), and collagen1 (Col1). In our study, Hirudin treatment promoted cell viability. Moreover, Hirudin treatment increased ALP activity of HBMSCs and red coloration of alizarin. Interestingly, cGMP inhibitor partly reversed the effect of Hirudin on the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of HBMSCs. In conclusion, Hirudin promoted the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of HBMSCs via activation of cGMP signaling pathway. Hence, Hirudin contributed to bone remodeling and might represent as an effective agent for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Cell-line study demonstrating hirudin promotes proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells via cGMP/PKG signaling. Potential osteoporosis-treatment indication.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study examined whether hirudin — a direct thrombin inhibitor isolated from medicinal leech salivary glands — promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) in cell culture. The authors found that hirudin increased cell viability, ALP activity, mineralization, and expression of osteoblast markers (Runx2, OSX, OCN, Col1), with a cGMP inhibitor partly reversing these effects, implicating the cGMP signaling pathway. This is directly relevant to ASH's domain, as it explores a leech-derived bioactive molecule's potential therapeutic application beyond anticoagulation — here, bone remodeling and potential osteoporosis treatment. However, the study is limited to cultured human cells; no animal or clinical data are presented, and the findings do not establish clinical efficacy for osteoporosis.
Citación
Hirudin promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs via activation of cGMP/PKG signaling pathway.
Cao S et al. · Bioengineered, 2022
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026