Protective efficacy of Eglin C from Hirudo medicinalis against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis
Basic science / preclinical published in Veterinary parasitology (2023)
Abstract
The current study aimed to find a new therapeutic agent from Hirudo medicinalis for murine coccidiosis. Ion-exchange chromatography was performed to separate different fractions of HEA (hirudo extract antigens). Eight different fractions were experimentally tested against murine eimeriosis induced by Eimeria papillate. The oocysts output was counted to determine the most effective fractions. For the five most effective fraction groups, jejunal histological examination and goblet cells count as well as mRNA expression of MUC2 gene using RT-PCR were performed. The data indicated that these fractions significantly decreased the oocysts output and the number of parasite developmental stages, while the goblet cell numbers and the expression of MUC2 were increased. Effective fractions were subjected to SDS-PAGE and proteomic analysis for detection of their bioactive macromolecules. The fractions reveled only a protein at 8 kDa while the results of spectroscopy and bioinformatics identified the protein as Eglin C. The pooled fractions containing Eglin C were tested in vitro to determine its stimulation for the intestinal lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ together with IL-6 release in the supernatant. The results showed that higher Eglin C concentrations reduced the stimulation index of lymphocyte proliferation as well as the stimulation index of IFN-γ and IL-6 production. In conclusion, Eglin C protein can be used as a target for therapeutic treatment or as an anti-inflammatory agent for coccidiosis infection.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
The current study aimed to find a new therapeutic agent from Hirudo medicinalis for murine coccidiosis. Ion-exchange chromatography was performed to separate different fractions of HEA (hirudo extract antigens).
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio aisló y caracterizó Eglin C, una proteína bioactiva de 8 kDa derivada de Hirudo medicinalis, evaluando su eficacia contra la coccidiosis murina inducida por Eimeria papillata. Mediante fraccionamiento cromatográfico de antígenos del extracto de hirudo y análisis proteómico, los investigadores identificaron Eglin C como el componente que redujo significativamente la excreción de ooquistes y los estadios de desarrollo del parásito, al tiempo que modulaba las respuestas de la mucosa intestinal, incluido el aumento del número de células caliciformes y de la expresión del gen MUC2. Para el ámbito de ASH, este trabajo destaca una proteína derivada de la sanguijuela que demuestra tanto propiedades antiparasitarias como inmunomoduladoras —específicamente, la reducción de la proliferación linfocitaria y de la liberación de citocinas inflamatorias (IFN-γ, IL-6)—, ampliando así el potencial terapéutico reconocido del secretoma de la sanguijuela más allá de la anticoagulación. La relevancia del estudio para la hirudoterapia es indirecta: examina una proteína aislada de sanguijuela y no la terapia con sanguijuelas en sí, en un modelo murino de una infección parasitaria que habitualmente no se trata mediante hirudoterapia, y sería necesaria más investigación para establecer cualquier aplicabilidad clínica más amplia.
Citación
Protective efficacy of Eglin C from Hirudo medicinalis against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis.
Al-Sayed S et al. · Veterinary parasitology, 2023
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026