GALECTIN-3 AND NT-proBNP AS BIOMARKERS OF HEART FAILURE DECOMPENSATION

Abstract

Aim. To compare the levels of galectin-3 and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) in heart failure patients with saved ejection fraction of the left ventricle (HF-sEF) and heart failure with low ejection fraction (HF-lEF). To study the possibilities for implementation of galectin-3 and NT-proBNP as markers of HF decompensation in HF-sEF Material and methods. Totally, 30 patients with HF-sEF included (17 females, 13 males, mean age 65±8 y.o.) and 30 patients with HF-lEF (11 females, 19 males, mean age 63±11 y.o.). All patients underwent physical examination, 6-minute walking test, clinical condition assessment by clinical condition score (CCS), echocardiography (Echo), tissue doppler imaging, measurement of galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels at admission. Results. The difference of mean levels of NT-proBNP in HF-sEF and HF-lEF did not differ significantly (153,23±114,44 fM/ml and 142,45±90,82 fM/ml, resp., t=0,4, p=0,68). A direct correlation was found for HF clinics in both groups (r=0,46, p<0,05, 95% CI). In HF-sEF the negative correlation was found for the mean level of NT-proBNP and 6-minute walking test results by CCS, direct correlation between clinical condition of patients by CCS (r=0,048, p=0,02, 95% CI), direct correlation of clinical presentation and real systolic pressure in in pulmonary artery (r=0,4, p=0,03, 95% CI); negative correlation of the mean NT-proBNP and peak A velocity (r=-0,52, p=0,003, 95% CI). Mean level of galectin-3 in blood plasma in HF-sEF (0,98±1,93 hg/mL) is significantly higher than in HF-lEF (0,13±0,07 ng/mL) (t=2,41, p=0,01). There was no relation found for the main clinical presentation of HF and galectin-3 level in HF patients. In both groups there was no relation between the mean galectin-3 level and 6-minute test, and clinical condition by CCS. There was positive relation of ejection fraction of the left ventricle by Echo and mean level of galectin-3 (r=0,45, p=0,012, 95% CI). Conclusion. The level of NT-proBNP does not differ in HF-sEF and HF-lEF patients and is related to the severity of CHF. Therefore, NT-proBNP might be used as a marker of CHF decompensation. Level of galecton-3 is significantly higher in HFsEF patients and does not relate on severity of CHF. Both markers can be used for diagnostics of CHF patients and to reveal HF-sEF before Echo is done.