Publications by authors named "Amina Abilov"
Parasitol Res
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- Medicinal leeches of the genus Hirudo, particularly Hirudo troctina, inhabit the southern Iberian peninsula and northwestern Africa, and while they are used for medical purposes, little is known about their salivary gland secretions.
- Hirudins are well-known bioactive substances derived from these leeches, acting as inhibitors of thrombin, and are complemented by hirudin-like factors (HLFs) with similar genetic markers.
- Eleven genes encoding various hirudin and HLF variants were identified in H. troctina, showcasing a greater genetic diversity compared to other European leeches, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting an early divergence in leech evolution for these components.
