Galectin-3 Concentrations Research Articles

Chronic kidney disease predictors in obese adolescents

BackgroundGlomerular hyperfiltration, initiating development of obesity-related glomerulopathy, results in an enlargement of the glomeruli and unsealing of the filtration barrier. It can be followed by adaptive focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the study was to determine the expression pattern of lipid metabolism and selected kidney damage markers in obese adolescents and to identify potential factors which can predict CKD.MethodsThe study group consisted of 142 adolescents with a BMI z-score > 2. Sixty-two healthy and normal-weight individuals served as controls. The factors associated with the rate of glomerular filtration in obese adolescents were assessed by linear regression methods using univariate and multivariate analyses. The risk of developing CKD was estimated using the Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThe study group was divided into “elevated,” “normal,” and “decreased” glomerular filtration rate (GFR) patients. Increased urine galectin-3 (Gal-3) concentration was diagnosed in all patients. “Decreased GFR” subjects expressed increased urine concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and daily megalin excretion. Thirty-nine study participants developed CKD. Increased uric acid (UA) concentration was associated with CKD development both in “normal” and “decreased GFR” patients. Additionally, in “normal” GFR patients, increased concentrations of cholesterol (Ch), triglycerides (TG), and NGAL were associated with CKD.ConclusionsIncreased serum concentrations of Ch, TG, and UA and increased urine concentration of NGAL might predict CKD development in obese adolescents with normal and decreased GFR.Graphical abstractA higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

The value of plasma hypoxia markers for predicting imaging-based hypoxia in patients with head-and-neck cancers undergoing definitive chemoradiation

BackgroundTumor hypoxia worsens the prognosis of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, and plasma hypoxia markers may be used as biomarkers for radiotherapy personalization. We therefore investigated the role of the hypoxia-associated plasma proteins osteopontin, galectin-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as surrogate markers for imaging-based tumor hypoxia. MethodsSerial blood samples of HNSCC patients receiving chemoradiation within a prospective trial were analyzed for osteopontin, galectin-3, VEGF and CTGF concentrations. Tumor hypoxia was quantified in treatment weeks 0, 2 and 5 using [18F]FMISO PET/CT. The association between PET-defined hypoxia and the plasma markers was determined using Pearson’s correlation analyses. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were conducted to reveal the diagnostic value of the hypoxia markers. ResultsBaseline osteopontin (r = 0.579, p < 0.01) and galectin-3 (r = 0.429, p < 0.05) correlated with the hypoxic subvolume (HSV) prior to radiotherapy, whereas VEGF (r = 0.196, p = 0.36) and CTGF (r = 0.314, p = 0.12) showed no association. Patients with an HSV > 1 mL in week 2 exhibited increased VEGF (p < 0.05) and CTGF (p < 0.05) levels in week 5. Pretherapeutic osteopontin levels were higher in patients exhibiting residual hypoxia at the end of treatment (104.7 vs. 60.8 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and could therefore predict residual hypoxia (AUC = 0.821, 95% CI 0.604–1.000, p < 0.05). ConclusionIn this exploratory analysis, osteopontin correlated with the initial HSV and with residual tumor hypoxia; therefore, there may be a rationale to study hypoxic modification based on osteopontin levels. However, as plasma hypoxia markers do not correspond to any spatial information of tumor hypoxia, they have limitations regarding the replacement of [18F]FMISO PET-based focal treatments. The results need to be validated in larger patient cohorts to draw definitive conclusions.

Galectin 3 enhances platelet aggregation and thrombosis via Dectin-1 activation: a translational study.

Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, is abnormally increased in cardiovascular disease. Plasma Galectin-3 receives a Class II recommendation for heart failure management and has been extensively studied for multiple cellular functions. The direct effects of Galectin-3 on platelet activation remain unclear. This study explores the direct effects of Galectin-3 on platelet activation and thrombosis. A strong positive correlation between plasma Galectin-3 concentration and platelet aggregation or whole blood thrombus formation was observed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Multiple platelet function studies demonstrated that Galectin-3 directly potentiated platelet activation and in vivo thrombosis. Mechanistic studies using the Dectin-1 inhibitor, laminarin, and Dectin-1-/- mice revealed that Galectin-3 bound to and activated Dectin-1, a receptor not previously reported in platelets, to phosphorylate spleen tyrosine kinase and thus increased Ca2+ influx, protein kinase C activation, and reactive oxygen species production to regulate platelet hyperreactivity. TD139, a Galectin-3 inhibitor in a Phase II clinical trial, concentration dependently suppressed Galectin-3-potentiated platelet activation and inhibited occlusive thrombosis without exacerbating haemorrhage in ApoE-/- mice, which spontaneously developed increased plasma Galectin-3 levels. TD139 also suppressed microvascular thrombosis to protect the heart from myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury in ApoE-/- mice. Galectin-3 is a novel positive regulator of platelet hyperreactivity and thrombus formation in CAD. As TD139 has potent antithrombotic effects without bleeding risk, Galectin-3 inhibitors may have therapeutic advantages as potential antiplatelet drugs for patients with high plasma Galectin-3 levels.

Trend of Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Non-ST-Elevation and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background and Objectives: Given the fact that galectin-3 has a predictive significance on the development of myocardial dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction, the aim of our study was to examine potential factors that could be important for the dynamics of the concentration of this biomarker in the early postinfarction period. Materials and Methods: This study included 89 patients with a diagnosis of stable angina pectoris (SAP) or the first non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) or ST-elevation (STEMI) myocardial infarction, who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The study group included 23 patients with the first NSTEMI and 42 patients with STEMI, while the control group consisted of 24 patients with SAP hospitalized for elective PCI without a previous MI. All patients had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Galectin-3 levels were determined on days 1, 5, and 30 after PCI. The significance of various independent variables as predictors of galectin-3 concentration was analyzed after a series of univariate linear regression modeling in a multivariate linear regression model. Results: The average patients’ age was 63.99 ± 9.13 years. Statistically significantly higher values of C-reactive protein were established in STEMI compared to SAP (p < 0.01) or NSTEMI (p < 0.001), whereas WBC count was significantly lower in SAP than in STEMI (p < 0.001) and NSTEMI (p < 0.01) group. Although there were no statistically significant differences in measured galectin-3 concentrations between the examined groups on days 1, 5, and 30 after PCI, HTA, triglyceride level, LA size, treatment with trimetazidine and long-acting nitrates, as well as percentage of LM stenosis and E/A ratio were identified as independent predictors of galectin-3 concentration. Conclusions: In the post-MI period, very early values of galectin-3 correlate mostly with atherosclerosis factors, while on day 30 this biomarker correlates with diastolic dysfunction and “announces” left ventricular remodeling.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Concentration of Galectin-3 in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BackgroundAlthough the predictive value of galectin-3 for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction has been demonstrated, the diagnostic value remains unclear. The present study was performed to address this issue.HypothesisGalectin-3 has diagnostic value for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.MethodsThis is a diagnostic experiment. We conducted an observational study of 223 patients with combined symptoms of heart failure and diseases that can lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Patients were grouped into the heart failure group and control group in accordance with the 2016 European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Baseline information and serum galectin-3 concentration were assessed within 24 h after admission.ResultsSerum galectin-3 concentration was significantly higher in the heart failure group compared with the control group. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that higher galectin-3 concentration was associated with the occurrence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The area under the curve of galectin-3 was 0.763, indicating that galectin-3 has moderate diagnostic value for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Galectin-3 >15.974 ng/mL identified heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with 76.0% sensitivity and 71.9% specificity.ConclusionsThere was a correlation between galectin-3 and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and galectin-3 was an independent predictor of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The diagnostic value of galectin-3 for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was moderate (AUC: 0.763, 95% CI: 0.696–0.821, P < 0.01, and the sensitivity is 76.0% while the specificity is 71.9% at the threshold 15.974 ng/mL) and was higher than that of interventricular septal thickness or E/A ratio.

Galectin-3 as a Novel Biomarker for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

Galectin-3 has been shown to play a key pathophysiological role in pulmonary associated inflammatory response and lung fibrosis in COVID-19 and is a mediator for viral adhesion. However, there is limited data about its potential role in severity and prognosis of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of serum galectin-3 concentrations in the severe clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: the severity of pneumonia, in-hospital mortality, and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This single-center study included 68 patients with laboratory- and radiologically-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to our emergency department. The study population was divided into patients with primary clinical out-comes (n = 32) and those without (n = 36). The need for ICU admission and/or in-hospital mortality were the primary clinical endpoints. The study group was also classified based on pneumonia severity: severe or mild/moderate. Blood samples were collected within 48 hours of admission to estimate serum galectin-3 concentrations. Multivariate regression analysis showed that lower concentrations of galectin-3 and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were independently associated with the primary clinical outcomes (OR = 0.951, p = 0.035; OR = 0.862, p = 0.017, respectively); increased concentrations of galectin-3 were an independent predictor of severe pneumonia (OR = 1.087, p = 0.016). In the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, serum galectin-3 concentrations at hospital admission predicted pneumonia severity with 52.1% sensitivity and 90% specificity with a cutoff of 38.76 ng/mL. Circulating galectin-3 at hospital admission could be a useful biomarker for identifying COVID-19 patients at high risk for severe pneumonia.

Profile of Plasma Galectin-3 Concentrations, Inflammatory Cytokines Levels and Lymphocytes Status in Breast Cancer under Chemotherapy

We investigated relationship between galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels and T lymphocytes apoptosis and the activation rates in breast cancer during chemotherapy. We used plasma samples from 112 women classified into two groups: 70 women with breast cancer (BC) and submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (3 cycles) and 42 healthy women used as controls. In the group of BC, blood samples were taken before each cycle of chemotherapy and Gal-3 levels was evaluated by ELISA sandwich. Flow cytometry was used to study T cells apoptosis and activation. Before treatment, median value of Gal-3 was 6.31 ng/ml (range 1.07 - 50.74) in BC and 0.84 ng/ml (range 0.00 - 4.82) in HC. Gal-3 levels were highest in plasmas from BC (p p p = 0.010). In addition, we found a dynamic relationship between gal-3 levels, tumor size and T lymphocytes apoptosis rates during treatment depending to the cure efficiency. We suggest gal-3 plasma concentrations could be used as predictive biomarker for chemotherapy efficiency in breast cancer patients.

Analysis of the Association between Galectin-3 Concentration in Tears and the Severity of Dry Eye Disease: A Case-Control Study.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of dry eye disease (DED) and galectin-3 concentration (gal-3) and its cleavage (gal-3C) in tear fluid. Twenty-eight DED patients and 14 controls were recruited at Keio University Hospital. The lissamine green conjunctival staining (LG) score, fluorescein corneal staining (FL) score, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, and ocular symptoms questionnaire score (dry eye questionnaire score, DEQS) were evaluated. Furthermore, the correlation between these parameters and the concentrations of gal-3 in tears (ng/µg) and the detection rate of gal-3C (%) were analyzed. Gal-3 concentration in tears was positively correlated with the LG score (R = 0.60, p < 0.01), FL score (R = 0.49, p < 0.01), and DEQS (R = 0.45, p < 0.01), and negatively correlated with the TBUT score (R = −0.40, p < 0.01) and Schirmer’s I value (R = −0.36, p < 0.01). The detection rate of gal-3C in tears was significantly associated with the severity of DED, especially with the LG (p < 0.01) and FL (p < 0.01) scores. Therefore, the concentration of gal-3 and the detection rate of gal-3C in tears had a significant relationship with the severity of ocular surface barrier disruption.

Prognostic value of galectin-3 and right ventricular function for long-term mortality in heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy

Recently, associations between the biomarker galectin-3 and numerous pathological processes involved in heart failure (HF) and right ventricular (RV) function have been observed. We aimed to assess the long-term prognostic ability of galectin-3 and RV function parameters for all-cause mortality in HF patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We prospectively studied 63 symptomatic HF patients with a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35%. The median serum galectin-3 concentration was 13.4 ng/mL (IQR 11.05, 17.15). A detailed assessment of LV and RV geometry and function was performed with echocardiography. CRT defibrillator implantation was achieved in all patients without major complications. The follow-up lasted 5 years. In the multivariable Cox regression model, independent predictors for all-cause mortality were log baseline galectin-3 and baseline RV function expressed as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion with HR 2.96 (p = 0.037) and HR 0.88 (p = 0.023), respectively. Analysis of subgroups defined by galectin-3 concentration and CRT response showed that patients with high baseline galectin-3 concentrations and a lack of response to CRT had a significantly lower probability of survival. In our patient cohort, the baseline galectin-3 concentration and RV function were independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality in HFrEF patients following CRT implantation.

What is the role of profibrogenic and proinflammatory factors in developing atrial fibrillation associated with metabolic syndrome components?

Aim. To determine the concentration of blood fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) components.Material and methods. The study included 646 patients aged 35-65 years: patients with AF and MS (n=142), those with AF and without MS (n=113), those with MS and without AF (n=175) and the control group consisted of healthy subjects without cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (n=107). All participants underwent anthropometric and laboratory investigations. Profibrogenic (aldosterone, galectin-3, TGF-beta1, CTGF) and proinflammatory (CT-1, IL-6) factors were determined in serum and plasma by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (version 22.0).Results. The highest concentrations of fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers were found in patients with AF in combination with MS. In MS patients without AF, the concentration of aldosterone, galectin-3, TGF-beta1, CTGF, CT-1, and IL-6 was also higher than in healthy subjects. The levels of aldosterone, CT-1 and IL-6 in patients with AF were higher in the presence of three or more MS components, while the highest values of these parameters were found in patients with five MS components. The lowest concentrations of galectin-3, CTGF, and CT-1 in patients with AF were found in patients without MS components, and in the presence of even 1 MS component, they were significantly higher. Correlation analysis made it possible to establish a stronger relationship between aldosterone and TGF-betal with systolic blood pressure (p=0,493, p&lt;O,O001 and p=0,530, p&lt;O,O001), and CT-1, CTGF and IL-6 in a greater degree correlated with waist circumference (p=0,563, p&lt;0,0001; p=0,626, p&lt;0,0001; p=0,480, p&lt;O,O001). The concentrations of galectin-3 and CTGF were more positively correlated with an increase in the number of MS components. In patients with AF and hypertension (HTN), but without abdominal obesity (AO), higher values of aldosterone (108,1±70,3 pg/ml and 89,3±32,2 pg/ml, p=0,003) and TGF-beta1 (3680,1±1863,3 pg/ml and 1968,1±1611,5 pg/ml, p=0,015) in serum than in AF patients without HTN and without AO. In the group of patients with AF and AO, but without HTN, higher concentrations of IL-6 (2,9±0,7 pg/ml and 1,9±0,6 pg/ml, p=0,001) and CTGF (162,9±92,2 pg/ml and 116,3±63,4 pg/ml, p=0,0001).Conclusion. It can be assumed that hypertension through the aldosterone system and TGF-beta1, as well as abdominal obesity through the cytokine system CT-1 and IL-6 activate various mechanisms and pathways for myocardial remodeling. Integral molecules galectin-3 and CTGF mediate their interactions, in particular in patients with a combination of several MS components and contribute to a higher AF risk.

Fibrosis biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes depending on the degree of albuminuria

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a risk of developing chronic heart failure (CHF). The degree of albuminuria is a marker of DN and is associated with an increased risk of chronic heart failure (CHF).Aim. To evaluate fibrosis biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters in patients with T2DM without CHF, depending on urinary albumin excretion.Materials and methods. The study included 42 patients with T2DM without verified CHF. The patients were divided into two groups: 1) a group with normoalbuminuria and 2) a group with a moderate increase in albuminuria (albumin / creatinine ratio of 30–300 mg / g). Echocardiography was performed and galectin-3, ST-2, PIСP, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 concentrations were measured.Results. The groups did not differ by age, sex, body mass index (BMI), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Galectin-3 concentrations were significantly higher in the group with a moderate increase in albuminuria than in the group of patients without albuminuria – 13.6 (11.2; 15.1) ng / ml and 7.4 (6.7; 7.9) ng / ml, respectively, p = 0.002. The groups also did not differ in the values of biomarkers, such as P1CP, TIMP-1, and MMP-9. Besides, the group with normoalbuminuria had lower E/e’ values than the group with a moderate increase in albuminuria – 8 (7; 9) and 10 (9; 12.5), p = 0.02.Conclusion. The patients with type 2 diabetes and a moderate increase in albuminuria have higher values of galectin-3 and a more pronounced diastolic dysfunction. The identified changes may reflect a higher risk of chronic heart failure in this group of patients.

Circulating Galectin-3 Evaluation in Dogs With Cardiac and Non-cardiac Diseases.

Galectin-3 is involved in important biological functions such as fibrogenesis and inflammation. Notably, it is associated with various diseases and plays a major role in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Although heart diseases are relatively common in dogs, a few studies have analyzed the circulating galectin-3 concentration in dogs with various heart diseases, including myxomatous mitral valve disease, patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonic stenosis. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effect of heart disease on circulating galectin-3 levels in dogs, and also to evaluate the correlation between galectin-3 concentration and conventional echocardiographic indices along with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration in dogs with heart diseases. The medical records and archived serum samples of 107 dogs were evaluated retrospectively. In total, 107 dogs were classified into healthy dogs (n = 8), cardiac disease (n = 26), and non-cardiac disease groups (n = 73). The circulatory galectin-3 levels were analyzed using a commercially available canine-specific galectin-3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. This study demonstrated that dogs with heart, endocrine, and dermatologic diseases had significantly higher galectin-3 levels than healthy dogs (p = 0.009, p = 0.007, and p = 0.026, respectively). Among dogs with heart diseases, dogs with concentric cardiomyopathy had significantly increased circulatory galectin-3 levels compared with healthy dogs (p = 0.028). E′/A′ had a positive association with galectin-3 levels among conventional echocardiographic indices. Moreover, the galectin-3 concentration could predict diastolic dysfunction. In dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease, a significantly positive correlation was revealed between galectin-3 levels and NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.007). Overall, this study demonstrates that circulatory galectin-3 levels increase in dogs with heart, endocrine, and dermatologic diseases. Moreover, this study demonstrates that galectin-3 concentration could be helpful to evaluate cardiac remodeling and diastolic function. Further large-scale research is required to evaluate the role of circulating galectin-3 in dogs with heart diseases.

Elevated serum galectin-1 concentrations are associated with increased risks of mortality and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.

BackgroundGalectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the β-galactoside binding protein family, is associated with inflammation and chronic kidney disease. However, the effect of Gal-1 on mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically-ill patients remain unclear.MethodsFrom May 2018 to March 2020, 350 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a tertiary medical center, were enrolled in this study. Forty-one patients receiving long-term renal replacement therapy were excluded. Serum Gal-1 levels were determined within 24 h of ICU admission. The patients were divided into tertiles according to their serum Gal-1 levels (low, serum Gal-1 < 39 ng/ml; median, 39–70 ng/ml; high, ≥71 ng/ml). All patients were followed for 90 days or until death.ResultsMortality in the ICU and at 90 days was greater among patients with elevated serum Gal-1 levels. In analyses adjusted for the body mass index, malignancy, sepsis, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and serum lactate level, the serum Gal-1 level remained an independent predictor of 90-day mortality [median vs. low: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–3.60, p = 0.006; high vs. low: aHR 3.21, 95% CI 1.90–5.42, p < 0.001]. Higher serum Gal-1 levels were also associated with a higher incidence of AKI within 48 h after ICU admission, independent of the SOFA score and renal function (median vs. low: aHR 2.77, 95% CI 1.21–6.34, p = 0.016; high vs. low: aHR 2.88, 95% CI 1.20–6.88, p = 0.017). The results were consistent among different subgroups with high and low Gal-1 levels.ConclusionSerum Gal-1 elevation at the time of ICU admission were associated with an increased risk of mortality at 90 days, and an increased incidence of AKI within 48 h after ICU admission.

The effect of left atrial appendage closure on heart failure biomarkers: A PRAGUE-17 trial subanalysis.

The randomized PRAGUE-17 trial demonstrated noninferiority of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) to non-vitamin K anticoagulants (NOACs) for the prevention of major cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events. However, the left atrial appendage is an important source of natriuretic peptides and plays a role in left atrial reservoir function. Changes of heart failure (HF) biomarkers after LAAC compared to NOAC has not been studied. The aim of the study was to compare the changes in concentrations of HF biomarkers between LAAC and NOAC patients. Of 402 patients randomized in the PRAGUE-17 trial, biomarkers were analyzed in 144 patients (73 in the NOAC and 71 in the LAAC group). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Serum concentration of NT-proBNP, NT-proANP, Galectin-3, and GDF-15 were measured at baseline (before the procedure in the LAAC group), at the 6-month (and at 24-month for NT-proBNP) follow-up timepoint. There were no significant differences in baseline, 6 month, and delta (δ = baseline - 6 month) concentrations of NT-proANP between the groups (NOAC: baseline 2.6 [0.5; 4.9], 6-month 3.1 [1.8; 4.8], p = .068; LAAC: baseline 3.3 [1.1; 4.6], 6-month 2.6 [0.9; 5.3], p = .51; p value for δ in concentrations between groups = 0.42). Similarly, there were no significant differences in baseline, 6, 24 months, and delta concentrations of NT-proBNP between the groups (NOAC: baseline 461.0 [113.5; 1342.0], 6 month 440.0 [120.5; 1291.5], 24 month 798 [274; 2236], p = .39; LAAC: baseline 421.0 [100.0; 1320.0], 6 month 601.0 [145.0; 1230.0], 24 month 855 [410; 1367], p = .28; p value for δ in concentrations between groups = 0.73 at 6 months, and 0.58 at 24 months). Finally, no significant differences were present in baseline, 6 month, and δ concentrations of Galectin-3 and GDF-15 between the two groups. LAAC did not significantly influence the levels of HF biomarkers 6 months after the procedure.

MiR-339 and galectin-3: diagnostic value in patients with airway obstruction after lung transplantation.

Respiratory complications can be the cause of graft dysfunction after lung transplantation (LTx). MicroRNAs are small regulatory molecules-potential biomarkers of respiratory diseases and post-transplant complications. Galectin-3 is highly expressed in fibrosis of transplanted solid organs. The aim was to evaluate the expression of plasma miR-339 and galectin-3 concentrations in lung recipients including with airway obstruction after LTx. The study included 57 lung recipients (34 men and 23 women aged 10 to 74years) were followed up to 5years after LTx. The plasma microRNAs were detected by real-time PCR; galectin-3 levels were measured by ELISA. During follow-up in 30 recipients, post-transplant complications were detected: 12 (40.0%) cases of airway obstruction. The levels of miR-339 and galectin-3 were significantly higher in recipients with airway obstruction compare with 27 (47.3%) recipients without any complications (P=0.036 and P=0.014, resp.). Increasing miR-339 (above the 0.02 fold change) and galectin-3 (above the 11.7ng/ml) threshold plasma levels in lung recipients is associated with high risk (RR=7.14±0.97 [95% CI 1.05-48.60], P=0.045) of airway obstruction after LTx. A measurement of miR-339 expression in combination with galectin-3 level might be perspective to identify recipients at risk of airway obstruction after LTx.

Relationship between Circulating Galectin-3, Systemic Inflammation, and Protein-Energy Wasting in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients.

Galectin-3 reportedly participates in the inflammatory process that causes insulin resistance in the target tissues. However, the role of high plasma galectin-3 levels as an indicator of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis remains unclear. This study included 240 hemodialysis patients (64.5 [55.3−74.0] years, 35.8% women) from a tertiary medical center. A baseline assessment of demographic and clinical data, biochemical parameters, and body composition was conducted. Plasma galectin-3 and other biomarkers were measured using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Participants were then divided into two subgroups depending on the median value of plasma galectin-3. Malnutrition was identified using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) and the criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Independent risk factors for elevated plasma galectin-3 and malnutrition were identified by multivariate logistic regression. The high galectin-3 group was more likely to be older, have lower lean tissue mass and GNRI scores, be diagnosed with PEW, dialyze through a tunneled catheter, and have higher circulating IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 concentrations than the low galectin-3 group. After multivariate adjustment, only low mean arterial pressure, dialyzing with tunneled cuffed catheters, and elevated systemic inflammatory markers correlated with high galectin-3 levels. Plasma galectin-3 concentrations also increased significantly in hemodialysis patients with PEW. However, compared with other commonly used nutritional indicators, galectin-3 did not show superiority in predicting PEW. Although the plasma galectin-3 levels correlated with PEW severity, this correlation disappeared after adjustment for potential confounding variables (OR, 1.000; 95% CI, 0.999–1.001). In conclusion, plasma galectin-3 is a valuable biomarker for systemic inflammation but is less prominent for PEW in patients with maintenance hemodialysis. Further identification of novel biomarkers is required to detect patients at risk for malnutrition and implement appropriate interventions.

Molecular mechanisms of left atrial fibrosis development in patients with atrial fibrillation and metabolic syndrome: what biomarkers should be used in clinical practice?

Aim. To determine the blood concentration of fibrosis biomarkers in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in combination with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to analyze the relationship with myocardial fibrosis.Material and methods. This cross-sectional case-control study included 547 patients aged 35 to 65 years: experimental group — patients with MS (n=373), of which 202 patients had AF; comparison group — AF patients without MS (n=110); healthy subjects without cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders (n=64). Patients with AF and MS who underwent electroanatomic mapping before pulmonary vein isolation (n=79) were assessed for left atrial (LA) fibrosis severity.Results. It was found that the blood concentration of circulating profibrogenic biomarkers in patients with AF and MS is higher than in patients with AF without MS: aldosterone (135,1 (80,7-224,1) and 90,1 (68,3-120,3) pg/ml, p&lt;0,0001), galectin-3 (10,6 (4,8-15,4) and 5,8 (4,8-8,3) pg/ml, p=0,0001), GDF15 (938,3 (678,3-1352,1) and 671,0 (515,7-879,5) pg/ml, p=0,001), TGF-beta-1 (4421,1 (2513,5-7634,5) and 2630,5 (2020,7-3785,4) pg/ml, p=0,001), CTGF (167,8 (78,9-194,3) and 124,3 (74,4-181,9) pg/ml, p&lt;0,0001), PIIINP (88,5 (58,6120,4) and 58,9 (40,7-86,1) ng/ml, p&lt;0,0001), PINP (3421,4 (1808,1-4321,7) and 2996,1 (2283,8-3894,3) pg/ml, p&lt;0,0001). Patients with paroxysmal AF have higher concentrations of TGF-beta1, CTGF and PINP than patients with persistent and permanent AF. In patients with persistent AF and MS, the concentrations of galectin-3, aldosterone, and PIIINP were higher than in patients with paroxysmal AF, while in patients with permanent AF, they were significantly lower. The plasma concentration of galectin-3 positively correlated with levels of PINP (p=0,465, p&lt;0,0001), PIIINP (p=0,409, p&lt;0,0001), GDF-15 (p=0,369, p&lt;O,O001), CTGF (p=0,405, p&lt;0,0001). According to multivariate regression, of all studied biomarkers, GDF-15 had a greater effect on PIIINP concentration (в=0,234, p=0,038), and galectin-3 — on PINP (в=0,248, p&lt;0,021). Positive correlations of the severity of left atrial fibrosis with the concentration of galectin-3 (p=0,563, p&lt;0,0001), PINP (p=0,620, p&lt;0,0001), TGF-beta-1 (p=0,390, p&lt;0,0001) and CTGF (p=0,551, p&lt;0,0001). According to linear multivariate regression, the most significant effect on LA fibrosis severity among the studied biomarkers is exerted by galectin-3 (в=0,432, p&lt;0,0001), PINP (в=0,343, p=0,001) and PIIINP (в=0,286, p=0,008).Conclusion. An increase in the blood concentration of profibrogenic biomarkers galectin-3, TGF-beta-1, CTGF, PIIINP, and PINP is associated with an increase in LA fibrosis severity and probably has a pathogenetic role in increasing the AF risk in patients with MS.

Analysis of the Correlation of Galectin-3 Concentration with the Measurements of Echocardiographic Parameters Assessing Left Atrial Remodeling and Function in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

Galectin-3 (gal-3) is a fibrosis marker and may play a role in fibrosis of the left atrium (LA). Left atrial wall fibrosis may influence the transition from paroxysmal to non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we assessed the correlation of gal-3 concentration with the main echocardio-graphic parameters evaluating dimensions, volume, compliance, and left atrial contractility during AF and after successful electrical cardioversion (DCCV). The study included 63 patients with left atrial enlargement who qualified for DCCV due to persistent AF. The procedure recovered sinus rhythm in 43 (68.3%) patients. The concentration of gal-3 was negatively correlated with the echocardiographic parameters of LA including dimensions (LA length pre, rho = −0.38; p = 0.003), volume (LAV pre, rho = −0.39; p = 0.003), compliance (LASr mean post, rho = −0.33) and contractility (pLASRct mean post, rho = −0.33; p = 0.038). Negative correlations of gal-3 concentration were also observed in relation to the volume and contractility of the left ventricle. The concentration of gal-3 significantly negatively correlates with the size, systolic function, and compliance of the LA wall in patients with persistent AF. Determining gal-3 concentration in patients with persistent AF may help in the assessment of remodeling of the LA wall.

Serum galectin-3 levels in patients with psoriasis.

Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin associated with cellular proliferation, inflammation and angiogenesis, which are the major characteristics of psoriatic skin. To investigate serum galectin-3 levels in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls and to study its relationship with disease characteristics. Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 78 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Serum galectin-3, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum Galectin-3, IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in psoriasis patients compared with control group (P<.001, P=.003, P<.001 and P<.001, respectively). A cut-off value of 10ng/mL for galectin-3 was set after receiver operating characteristic analysis. A serum galectin-3 level >10ng/mL increased the risk of psoriasis by 14.5 times (95% CI: 6.6-32.3, P<.001) and a serum galectin-3 level >10ng/mL predicted psoriasis with 83.3% sensitivity and 74.3% specificity. No statistically significant association was observed between serum galectin-3 concentrations and disease characteristics including disease severity, presence of psoriatic arthritis, nail involvement and psoriatic comorbidity. No statistically significant correlation was observed between serum galectin-3 level and serum IL-17, IL-6 and TNF-α levels (all three P values>.05). Elevated serum galectin-3 levels in psoriasis patients may indicate a possible role of galectin-3 in pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Galectin-3 Level Insera Patients with Bladder Cancer in Babylon Province

For the assessment of Galectin-3 leveland toinvestigate the possible relation of Galectin-3 with age, genderand different stage and grade of bladder cancer in Babylon province. Galectin-3 was measured in two hundredsubjects; 100 diagnosed with bladder cancer and 100 healthy subjectswere registered in this revision.Theage of patients and control ranged between (38-79) years.The level of Galectin-3was assessed in serum byenzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)technique.Serum levels of Galectin-3displayed a significantincrease in bladder cancer group associated with control group (p&lt;0.01). Amongbladder cancer patients inBabylon province, increase Galectin-3 concentration indicate the significant relationshipwithbladder cancer.