Traditional Chinese Medicinal Leech Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Glioblastoma by SGK1/Caspase-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Basic science / preclinical published in CNS Neurosci Ther (2025)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most lethal form of high-grade glioma, with current therapeutic options proving largely ineffective. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel treatment strategies. Recent studies have indicated that the medicinal leech exhibits notable anticancer properties. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be elucidated. METHODS: To investigate the impact of leech drug-containing serum (LDS) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells, a series of assays including CCK-8, ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, scratch, and transwell assays were employed. Additionally, the apoptosis and autophagy of GBM cells were analyzed using flow cytometry, monodansylcadaverine staining and the immunofluorescence assay. Transcriptomic sequencing of the cells was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes. In vivo, anticancer activity was assessed by developing tumor xenograft models. Western blot analysis was utilized to identify proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy. RESULTS: Leech drug-containing serum (LDS) significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, it induced autophagy and apoptosis in GBM. Differential gene enrichment analysis and pathway validation indicated that LDS exerts anti-GBM effects by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Leech extracts effectively inhibit the growth of GBM in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. CONCLUSION: The leech-derived compounds may induce apoptosis and autophagy in GBM by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, without eliciting significant adverse effects, thereby presenting itself as a promising therapeutic agent.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Leech drug-containing serum inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells while inducing apoptosis and autophagy via SGK1/Caspase-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. Confirmed in subcutaneous xenograft mouse models with no significant adverse effects.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio investigó los efectos del suero que contiene fármaco de sanguijuela (LDS) sobre el glioblastoma (GBM) mediante ensayos in vitro (CCK-8, EdU, formación de colonias, scratch, transwell, citometría de flujo, inmunofluorescencia) y un modelo in vivo de xenoinjerto tumoral subcutáneo. El LDS inhibió significativamente la proliferación, migración e invasión, al tiempo que indujo autofagia y apoptosis, con análisis transcriptómicos y de vías que implican la señalización PI3K/AKT/mTOR. El extracto de sanguijuela también inhibió eficazmente el crecimiento del GBM en el modelo de xenoinjerto. Para el dominio de ASH, esto resulta relevante, ya que explora propiedades anticancerígenas de una preparación de sanguijuela medicinal, investigando los compuestos derivados de sanguijuela como potenciales agentes terapéuticos. Advertencia: se trata de trabajo preclínico que emplea líneas celulares y modelos de xenoinjerto; no se presentan datos en humanos, y el resumen no especifica la especie de sanguijuela, los detalles de preparación ni la especie animal del xenoinjerto.
Citación
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Leech Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in Glioblastoma by SGK1/Caspase-3 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway.
Wu S et al. · CNS neuroscience & therapeutics, 2025
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: 18 de junio de 2026