Effect of leech-centipede medicine on improving erectile function in DIED rats via PKC signalling pathway-related molecules
Research article published in Journal of ethnopharmacology (2020)
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leeches (pinyin name Shui Zhi; Latin scientific name Hirudo; Hirudinea; Hirudinidae) and centipedes (pinyin name Wu Gong; Latin scientific name Scolopendridae; Chilopoda; Scolopendridae) are traditional Chinese medicines, and they belong to the family entomology. A combination of leech and centipede is used as an effective medicine to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine, and "leech-centipede" medicine has been used in many prescriptions to treat diabetic vascular disease, including diabetic erectile dysfunction (DIED). However, its specific mechanism remains unclear and requires in-depth study. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of "leech-centipede" medicine to improve erectile dysfunction-associated diabetes by detecting PKC pathway-related molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The active ingredients of "leech-centipede" medicine were identified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fifty male SPF rats were injected with streptozotocin to induce the DM model. Eight weeks later, the DMED model was validated with apomorphine. The DIED rats were divided into five groups-T,P,DD,DZ, and DG-and were separately treated with tadalafil, pathway inhibitor LY333531 and low-, medium-, and high-dose "leech-centipede" medicine for 8 weeks. After treatment, the blood glucose level was measured, erectile function with apomorphine was assessed, the LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, SOD, and MDA in serum was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry was performed. After the collection of penile tissue, the related protein and mRNA expression was assessed by Western blotting and PCR, and the tissue and ultrastructure were analysed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: After treatment, the erectile function of rats was significantly improved in the T,P,DD,DZ, and DG groups compared with that in the model group. Thus, "leech-centipede" medicine can significantly reduce the levels of LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1, EMPs and CD62P to protect vascular endothelial function and anti-platelet activation, improving DIED rat erectile function. Additionally, "leech-centipede" medicine can increase SOD expression and decrease MDA expression, reducing the possibility of oxidative stress injury in DIED rats and improving the antioxidant capacity. Moreover, "leech-centipede" therapy can dramatically reduce the protein and mRNA expression of DAG, PKCβ, NF-κB, and ICAM-1, improve vascular endothelial injury in DIED rats and inhibit abnormal platelet activation. CONCLUSION: "leech-centipede" medicine can improve erectile dysfunction by inhibiting the expression of PKC pathway-related molecules in DIED rats and protects endothelial function and anti-platelet activation.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Leeches and centipedes are traditional Chinese medicines.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This preclinical study investigated the mechanism by which "leech-centipede" medicine—a traditional Chinese medicine combining leech (Hirudo) and centipede (Scolopendridae)—improves erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic erectile dysfunction (DIED) rats. Using HPLC, ELISA, Western blotting, PCR, and histological analysis, the study found that leech-centipede treatment significantly improved erectile function, reduced markers of vascular endothelial injury (LOX-1, sE-selectin, sICAM-1), inhibited platelet activation (EMPs, CD62P), increased antioxidant capacity (SOD up, MDA down), and suppressed PKC pathway molecules (DAG, PKCβ, NF-κB, ICAM-1). This is directly relevant to ASH's domain as it examines therapeutic effects of leech-derived material. However, important caveats apply: this is an animal study in rats using a combined leech-centipede preparation in a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, not isolated leech secretome components or live hirudotherapy, and findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans.
Citación
Effect of leech-centipede medicine on improving erectile function in DIED rats via PKC signalling pathway-related molecules
Wang JS · Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2020
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026