Anticancer effects of leech extract on breast cancer cells

Abstract

Throughout the history of humanity, leech therapy appeared as a procedure in medicine all over the world. The very first use of leech in human treatment was mentioned in Eqypt 3500 years ago. In 2004, Food and Drug Administration approved leeches as medical devices and, nowadays, leeches are used in treatment of diseases, such as hypertension, varicose ulcer, thrombophlebitis and musculoskeletal diseases. In this experiment we are trying to see whether the leech saliva extract (LSE) has anti-cancer effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Several studies were conducted previously that have shown positive effects of LSE on cancer cells. Warfarin and heparin from the extract are found to have antimetastatic effect. Experiments on lung tumor cells also indicated inhibitory effect of LSE.