Thanks to their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, leeches represent a biological model of great interest for biomedical research. Their interaction with the vascular system and their ability to release bioactive molecules make them particularly useful for studying the processes of angiogenesis, inflammation, and tissue regeneration. In experimental settings, they are used as an in vivo model to analyze the body's response to pharmacological stimuli or various biological factors, allowing direct observation of changes in the microcirculation and tissues. This approach offers a versatile and innovative tool for investigating pathophysiological mechanisms and evaluating the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies in a rapid and controlled manner.
RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
The leech: a valuable complementary model for scientific research
Traditionally linked to the history of medicine, the leech is experiencing a renaissance in the modern scientific landscape as a non-mammalian model organism. Thanks to its structural simplicity combined with complex physiological responses, it represents an ideal bridge between in vitro studies and vertebrate experiments. IL FARM is committed to exploring the potential of this annelid in three key areas: vascular pharmacology, regenerative medicine, and ecosystem protection.
1. Ecotoxicological model
PUBLICATIONS:
Authors:
Bruno A., Cucchiara M., Palano MT, et al.
Title:
The TGF-βR1 inhibitor Galunisertib re-shapes the PDAC-TME by limiting decidual-like natural killer cells polarization.
Magazine:
Cell Death & Disease. (Accepted)
Year:
2026
Authors:
Palano MT, Riccio F., Sambado L. et al.
Title:
Circulating Natural Killer cells in patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy are altered in their frequency and exhibit impaired functions and angiogenic activities.
Magazine:
FASEB Journal (Accepted).
Year:
2026
Authors:
Zecca, PA, Scurati, EI, Zara, F., et al.
Title:
Microscopic Acid-Induced Degradation and Elemental Release From Thermoformed and 3D-Printed Orthodontic Aligners in a Simulated Gastric Environment.
DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35674
Magazine:
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B Applied Biomaterials, 113(10), e35674.
Year:
2025
2. Regenerative medicine
Thanks to its remarkable ability to regenerate tissue, the leech is considered a particularly reliable experimental model for studying tissue repair processes. Its regenerative dynamics, well described and partially comparable to those observed in vertebrates, offer a useful system for analyzing the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in regeneration. In research, this model is also used to evaluate the biocompatibility and integration of innovative biomaterials and devices. Using the leech allows for controlled observation of tissue response and for testing the efficacy and safety of new technological solutions intended for biomedical applications, particularly those related to tissue regeneration.
PUBLICATIONS:
Authors:
Marcolli, G., Barone, L., Baranzini, N., et al.
Title:
Tissue regenerative potential of human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium in wound healing of the medicinal leech.
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04683-x
Magazine:
Stem Cell Research and Therapy, 16(1), 673.
Year:
2025
Authors:
Marcolli, G., Baranzini, N., Barone, L., et al.
Title:
Nanostructured Scaffold, Combined with Human Dental Pulp Stem Cell Secretome, Induces Vascularization in Medicinal Leech Model.
DOI: 10.3390/mi16101150
Magazine:
Micromachines, 16(10), 1150
Year:
2025
Authors:
Bernardoni, S., Campodoni, E., Vicinelli, G., et al.
Title:
From Wound Dressing to Tissue Regeneration: Bilayer Medicated Patches for Personalized Treatments of Chronic Wounds.
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c06444
Magazine:
CS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 17(24), pp. 35240–35261
Year:
2025
3. Ecotoxicological model
Emerging micropollutants, such as PFAS, microplastics, and nanoplastics, are substances characterized by high environmental persistence and potential adverse effects on exposed organisms. Their increasing diffusion in various environmental compartments has necessitated the development of experimental models capable of assessing their biological impact. In this context, the leech represents a useful system for studying the effects of these contaminants at realistic concentrations, allowing for the analysis of physiological responses such as inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations. The use of ecotoxicological models contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of persistent pollutants and supports environmental monitoring, prevention, and risk management activities.
PUBLICATIONS:
Authors:
Baranzini, N., Calisi, A., Marcolli, G., et al.
Title:
Incomplete versus Sustained Innate-Immune Responses in the Medicinal Leech following Chronic, Environmentally Relevant Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure.
DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.5c00268
Magazine:
Environment & Health
Year:
2026
Authors:
Bon, C., Pulze, L., Amoroso, S., et al.
Title:
Inflammatory and oxidative responses to PET nanoplastics in the leech Hirudo verbana: a comparative analysis of acute and chronic exposure.
DOI: 10.1039/D5EN00733J
Magazine:
Environmental Science Nano, 13(1), pp. 427–446.
Year:
2026
Authors:
Bon, C., Maretti, A., Pulze, L., et al.
Title:
The Exposure to Polypropylene Micro- and Nanoplastics Impairs Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration in the Leech Hirudo verbana.
DOI: 10.1039/D5EN00733J
Magazine:
Microplastics, 4(3), 56.
Year:
2025
Authors:
Calisi, A., Baranzini, N., Marcolli, G., et al.
Title:
Evaluation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) toxic effects on the acute inflammatory response in the medicinal leech Hirudo verbana.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.
2024.143519
Magazine:
Chemosphere, 366, 143519
Year:
2024