Natural hirudin is an acidic single-chain polypeptide extracted from fresh leeches and their salivary glands. The relative molecular mass is about 7000. Seven isomers have been separated and identified, with the characteristics of high activity, stable structure, and not easy to inactivate.
Due to the small yield of natural hirudin, scientists have synthesized recombinant hirudin through genetic engineering since 1986.
What is hirudin used for?
Hirudin and its synthetic derivatives are used in modern medicine due to their special anticoagulant properties.
Hirudin is the most specific thrombin inhibitor discovered so far. Compared with other anticoagulant active ingredients, the process of hirudin inhibiting thrombin activity does not rely on other auxiliary factors, has few side effects, and is an animal-derived anticoagulant approved by the FDA for clinical use.
Hirudin has multiple functions, including anticoagulation, antithrombosis, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, anti-fibrosis, and anti-apoptosis.
It has certain applications in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, gout, and kidney diseases.
