Influences of earthworm extract G-90 on haematological and haemostatic parameters in Wistar rats.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A balance between fibrinolysis and coagulation is crucial for maintaining haemostasis. A haemostatic disorder leads to various physiological changes and causes different diseases. Glycolipoprotein mixture (G-90), prepared from the tissue homogenate of the earthworm Eisenia foetida, was examined in vivo, in an animal study (conducted on Wistar rats) in order to determine its fibrinolytic and anticoagulation activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of G-90 treatment on haematological and homeostatic parameters was monitored as well. RESULTS: Statistical analysis has shown the most pronounced effect of G-90 to be exerted on bleeding and coagulation times; the effects in reference were proven to be statistically significant (p = 0.03 and 0.005, respectively). A statistically significant effect of G-90 was also seen with thrombin time (p = 0.02) and plasminogen level (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The results have shown the influence of G-90 on blood coagulation to be very similar to that of heparin, a known anticoagulant. Thus G-90 could be considered as a new thrombolytic agent of use in veterinary and human medicine.