Leg ulcers pose a significant burden on morbidity,healthcare costs,and quality of life,despite rarely resulting in limb loss.This underscores the necessity for safe and effective alternative treatments.Unani medicine ...Leg ulcers pose a significant burden on morbidity,healthcare costs,and quality of life,despite rarely resulting in limb loss.This underscores the necessity for safe and effective alternative treatments.Unani medicine offers various therapeutic options for managing ulcers.This case report details the successful treatment of a non-healing venous ulcer using Unani regimens in a 40-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and paralytic polio.The patient sought care at the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine,Silchar,Assam,India,for a chronic ulcer in the gaiter region of his right leg,which was associated with mild pain,itching,and hyperpigmentation but notably lacked any signs of varicose veins.Over the years,the patient had undergone various treatments,including topical care and antibiotics;however,frustration with persistent non-healing led him to explore alternative interventions.The Unani treatment included medicinal leech therapy,followed by the application of a grated unripe papaya bandage for 14 days.By the end of this period,the ulcer had completely healed,allowing the discontinuation of the dressing.By the 21st day,symptom resolution was observed,with complete relief from pain and itching and normalization of hyperpigmentation in the surrounding area.This case highlights the potential of Unani therapeutic approaches in effectively managing non-healing venous ulcers.展开更多
Animal medicines,which boast a lengthy history as treasures of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),frequently encounter safety challenges stemming from the accumulation of heavy metals and harmful elements,such as arsen...Animal medicines,which boast a lengthy history as treasures of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),frequently encounter safety challenges stemming from the accumulation of heavy metals and harmful elements,such as arsenic(As)[1].The toxicity of As differs by species,especially inorganic arsenic(iAs),and current methods for assessing herbal risks based on total arsenic(tAs)content are insufficient[2].To address this,studies have focused on As contamination in TCMs,especially leeches.Widely used for anticoagulant and other pharmacological activities,leeches are susceptible to water contamination and high As levels due to immature farming technology[3].The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the distribution of tAs and toxic elements in leeches from multiple sources and batches.We used advanced analytical techniques(e.g.,liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LC-ICPMS))to accurately identify As forms.This study aims to investigate the biological effects at the exposure point through in vitro experiments(simulating physiological conditions)and assess the potential clinical risks associated with iAs.展开更多
After the developments of modern medicine, leeches were not used as before, but in the late nineteenth century, leeches were still being used in many countries around the world. Until now, leeches have been used to tr...After the developments of modern medicine, leeches were not used as before, but in the late nineteenth century, leeches were still being used in many countries around the world. Until now, leeches have been used to treat a wide range of diseases. The present study, is a scoping review of the evidence of the indication of leech therapy. The results of this study are based on English articles and dissertations published in databases from 2000 up to July 10, 2017. The results showed that leech therapy could be used in different conditions including venous congestion in plastic and reconstructive surgery, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases due to blood coagulation disorders, migraine headache, skin disorders, diabetic foot ulcers, macroglossia, priapism, cancer complications, and wounds. More researches are needed in wider areas with more precise methodologies to ensure the potential therapeutic effects of leech therapy.展开更多
The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, ResourceTM S column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance l...The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, ResourceTM S column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the salivary gland extracts(SGE). Structural analysis of isolated compounds was based on Edman degradation and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer(MALDI-TOF-MS). The c DNA encoding the precursor of the compound was cloned from the c DNA library of the salivary gland of H. sylvestris. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon ?(IFN-?), interleukin-6(IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The effects on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed using MTT assay. A novel neuropeptide Y(Neuropeptide Y-HS) from the leech salivary gland of H. sylvestris was purified and characterized. It was composed of 36 amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence was determined to be FLEPPERPAVFTSVEQMKSYIKALNDYYLLLGRPRF-NH2, containing an amidated C-terminus. It showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-?, IFN-?, IL-6, and MCP-1. Neuropeptide Y was identified from leeches for the first time. The presence of neuropeptide Y-HS in leech salivary gland may help get blood meal from hosts and inhibit inflammation.展开更多
Leeches are invertebrates that have a long history of application in the development of human medicine in both the East and the West.This paper comprehensively analyzes and evaluates current research and the latest pr...Leeches are invertebrates that have a long history of application in the development of human medicine in both the East and the West.This paper comprehensively analyzes and evaluates current research and the latest progress with regard to the application of leeches,their medical value,and their application prospects from various perspectives,so as to provide a reference for new viewpoints and directions for research on leeches.Modern research has revealed that leeches contain various bioactive components,which have pharmacological effects such as anticoagulation,antithrombosis,blood viscosity reduction,and anti-atherosclerosis.Leech therapy is an important treatment approach for venous congestion after microsurgery and is also an effective adjuvant treatment for diabetic feet,chronic pain,and tumors.Therefore,leeches are of importance for the research and development of new drugs,the restoration of blood supply after surgery,and the adjuvant treatment of diseases accompanied by blood blocking.In addition,leeches can also be used as model organisms for research in evolutionary biology and invertebrate neurophysiology as well as in neurophysiological,behavioral,and functional studies.展开更多
Background:Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are common in patients with diabetes.The mortality rate of DFUs is ranked the highest after cancer.With advancements in modern medicine,leech therapy,a traditional treatment method...Background:Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are common in patients with diabetes.The mortality rate of DFUs is ranked the highest after cancer.With advancements in modern medicine,leech therapy,a traditional treatment method for chronic wounds in Iranian medicine,has proven effective in relieving venous congestion.Herein,we aimed to observe the curative effects of leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing in a 77-year-old patient with a diabetic foot ulcer(UFC).Methods:Two medium-sized medicinal leeches were placed surrounding a grade 2 wound,based on Wagner’s classification system,located on the right first toe.The patient reported a visual analogue scale(VAS)score of 8.After leech therapy,the wound was covered with honey and curcumin,followed by oral administration of ciprofloxacin for 10 days.Results:Pain increased immediately after leech therapy(VAS:9-10)but decreased significantly(VAS:6)2 days after the therapy.At the end of the 2nd day,pain completely disappeared.After 3 weeks,there was no wound on the toe.After 12 weeks,there were no traces of the wound.Conclusion:Leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing is effective against disease progression in patients with DFUs.展开更多
Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group...Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.展开更多
Dear sir,Iam Dr.Wen-Wei Li,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital,Hangzhou,China.I write to present a case of ocular leech infestation initially misdiagnosed as conjunctival pigmen...Dear sir,Iam Dr.Wen-Wei Li,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital,Hangzhou,China.I write to present a case of ocular leech infestation initially misdiagnosed as conjunctival pigmented nevus.Although human interaction with leeches is not uncommon展开更多
文摘Leg ulcers pose a significant burden on morbidity,healthcare costs,and quality of life,despite rarely resulting in limb loss.This underscores the necessity for safe and effective alternative treatments.Unani medicine offers various therapeutic options for managing ulcers.This case report details the successful treatment of a non-healing venous ulcer using Unani regimens in a 40-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and paralytic polio.The patient sought care at the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine,Silchar,Assam,India,for a chronic ulcer in the gaiter region of his right leg,which was associated with mild pain,itching,and hyperpigmentation but notably lacked any signs of varicose veins.Over the years,the patient had undergone various treatments,including topical care and antibiotics;however,frustration with persistent non-healing led him to explore alternative interventions.The Unani treatment included medicinal leech therapy,followed by the application of a grated unripe papaya bandage for 14 days.By the end of this period,the ulcer had completely healed,allowing the discontinuation of the dressing.By the 21st day,symptom resolution was observed,with complete relief from pain and itching and normalization of hyperpigmentation in the surrounding area.This case highlights the potential of Unani therapeutic approaches in effectively managing non-healing venous ulcers.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:82404856)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.:2023YFC3504100)the Key projects for Building a Scientific System for Drug Regulation,China(Project No.:RS2024Z006).
文摘Animal medicines,which boast a lengthy history as treasures of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),frequently encounter safety challenges stemming from the accumulation of heavy metals and harmful elements,such as arsenic(As)[1].The toxicity of As differs by species,especially inorganic arsenic(iAs),and current methods for assessing herbal risks based on total arsenic(tAs)content are insufficient[2].To address this,studies have focused on As contamination in TCMs,especially leeches.Widely used for anticoagulant and other pharmacological activities,leeches are susceptible to water contamination and high As levels due to immature farming technology[3].The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the distribution of tAs and toxic elements in leeches from multiple sources and batches.We used advanced analytical techniques(e.g.,liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LC-ICPMS))to accurately identify As forms.This study aims to investigate the biological effects at the exposure point through in vitro experiments(simulating physiological conditions)and assess the potential clinical risks associated with iAs.
文摘After the developments of modern medicine, leeches were not used as before, but in the late nineteenth century, leeches were still being used in many countries around the world. Until now, leeches have been used to treat a wide range of diseases. The present study, is a scoping review of the evidence of the indication of leech therapy. The results of this study are based on English articles and dissertations published in databases from 2000 up to July 10, 2017. The results showed that leech therapy could be used in different conditions including venous congestion in plastic and reconstructive surgery, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases due to blood coagulation disorders, migraine headache, skin disorders, diabetic foot ulcers, macroglossia, priapism, cancer complications, and wounds. More researches are needed in wider areas with more precise methodologies to ensure the potential therapeutic effects of leech therapy.
基金supported by Ministry of Science and Technology of China(Nos.2013CB911300,2010CB529800)the National Science Foundation of China(Nos.U1132601,31200590)the National Science Foundation of Yunnan Province(No.P0120150010)
文摘The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, ResourceTM S column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the salivary gland extracts(SGE). Structural analysis of isolated compounds was based on Edman degradation and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer(MALDI-TOF-MS). The c DNA encoding the precursor of the compound was cloned from the c DNA library of the salivary gland of H. sylvestris. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon ?(IFN-?), interleukin-6(IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The effects on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed using MTT assay. A novel neuropeptide Y(Neuropeptide Y-HS) from the leech salivary gland of H. sylvestris was purified and characterized. It was composed of 36 amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence was determined to be FLEPPERPAVFTSVEQMKSYIKALNDYYLLLGRPRF-NH2, containing an amidated C-terminus. It showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-?, IFN-?, IL-6, and MCP-1. Neuropeptide Y was identified from leeches for the first time. The presence of neuropeptide Y-HS in leech salivary gland may help get blood meal from hosts and inhibit inflammation.
基金This study was supported by the Yunnan Innovation Team Training Project,the National Natural Science Foundation(31772542)National Program for Support of Top-notch Young Professionals(W02070188).
文摘Leeches are invertebrates that have a long history of application in the development of human medicine in both the East and the West.This paper comprehensively analyzes and evaluates current research and the latest progress with regard to the application of leeches,their medical value,and their application prospects from various perspectives,so as to provide a reference for new viewpoints and directions for research on leeches.Modern research has revealed that leeches contain various bioactive components,which have pharmacological effects such as anticoagulation,antithrombosis,blood viscosity reduction,and anti-atherosclerosis.Leech therapy is an important treatment approach for venous congestion after microsurgery and is also an effective adjuvant treatment for diabetic feet,chronic pain,and tumors.Therefore,leeches are of importance for the research and development of new drugs,the restoration of blood supply after surgery,and the adjuvant treatment of diseases accompanied by blood blocking.In addition,leeches can also be used as model organisms for research in evolutionary biology and invertebrate neurophysiology as well as in neurophysiological,behavioral,and functional studies.
文摘Background:Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are common in patients with diabetes.The mortality rate of DFUs is ranked the highest after cancer.With advancements in modern medicine,leech therapy,a traditional treatment method for chronic wounds in Iranian medicine,has proven effective in relieving venous congestion.Herein,we aimed to observe the curative effects of leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing in a 77-year-old patient with a diabetic foot ulcer(UFC).Methods:Two medium-sized medicinal leeches were placed surrounding a grade 2 wound,based on Wagner’s classification system,located on the right first toe.The patient reported a visual analogue scale(VAS)score of 8.After leech therapy,the wound was covered with honey and curcumin,followed by oral administration of ciprofloxacin for 10 days.Results:Pain increased immediately after leech therapy(VAS:9-10)but decreased significantly(VAS:6)2 days after the therapy.At the end of the 2nd day,pain completely disappeared.After 3 weeks,there was no wound on the toe.After 12 weeks,there were no traces of the wound.Conclusion:Leech therapy in combination with honey and curcumin dressing is effective against disease progression in patients with DFUs.
文摘Objective: to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n =20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n =24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined. Results: Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, ( P <0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment ( P <0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant ( P <0.05). Conclusion: Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.
文摘Dear sir,Iam Dr.Wen-Wei Li,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital,Hangzhou,China.I write to present a case of ocular leech infestation initially misdiagnosed as conjunctival pigmented nevus.Although human interaction with leeches is not uncommon
