PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF GALECTIN-3 MEASUREMENT IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME AND NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

Aim. To assess the levels of serum fibrosis marker (galectin-3) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Material and methods. Totally 76 patients included, 43 with MS, of those 72,1% had the NAFLD diagnosed; 33 patients without MS and NAFLD (controls), mean age 61±12 y. The complex investigation was done, incl. the levels of galectin-3 measurement. Results. Mean level of galectin-3 in MS group was significantly higher than in controls (р=0,006). Left ventricle myocardium hypertrophy (LVH), chronic heart failure (CHF) were diagnosed significantly more frequently in MS group (р<0,05). Mean values of galectin-3 statistically more significantly higher were in CHF (р<0,05). Mean volumetric fibrosis fraction in interventricular septum was significantly higher in MS group than in non-MS (р<0,001). Of MS patients 72,1% had NAFLD. There were positive correlations of galectin-3 and the following: LVH (r=0,30), CHF (r=0,35), coronary heart disease (r=0,34), heart fibrosis fraction (r=0,24), liver steatosis (r=0,43) pancreas steatosis (r=0,24), NAFLD fibrosis score (r=0,30),— all р<0,05. Conclusion. The study revealed correlations of the level of galectin-3 and the conditions closely associated with MS — LVH, CHF, fraction of heart fibrosis, liver and pancreas steatosis. In all MS patients the galectin-3 values were significantly higher that can be regarded as the witness of more prominent fibrosis of the heart and the liver. Serum fibrosis marker (galectin-3) might be promising molecule for assessment of the patient condition in MS and be used as an additional criteria for diagnostics of cardiovascular catastrophes and, probably, of liver pathology — NAFLD.