Galanin Concentrations Research Articles

Galanin Receptors (GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3) Expression in Colorectal Cancer Tissue and Correlations to the Overall Survival and Poor Prognosis of CRC Patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third in men. The postoperative pathomorphological evaluation of patients with CRC is extremely important for future therapeutic decisions. Although our previous studies demonstrated high galanin (GAL) presence within tumor tissue and an elevated concentration of GAL in the serum of CRC patients, to date, there is a lack of data regarding GAL receptor (GalR) protein expression in CRC cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of all three types of GalRs (GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3) within epithelial cells of the human colon and CRC tissue with the use of the immunohistochemical method and to correlate the results with the clinical-pathological data. We found stronger immunoreactivity of GalR1 and GalR3 in CRC cells compared to epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa of the large intestine. No differences in the GalR2 protein immunoreactivity between the studied tissues were noted. We also found that the increased immunoexpression of the GalR3 in CRC tissue correlated with the better prognosis and longer survival (p < 0.0079) of CRC patients (n = 55). The obtained results suggest that GalR3 may play the role of a prognostic factor for CRC patients. Based on data from the TCGA-COAD project deposited in the GDC Data Portal, we also found that GalR mRNA in cancer samples and the adjacent normal tissue did not correlate with immunoexpression of the GalR proteins in CRC cells and epithelial cells of the unchanged mucosa.

Adipocyte related peptides - galanin and resistin in endometrioid type endometrium cancer.

The aim of (this) study was to investigate concentrations of galanin and resistin in patients with endometrioid type endometrium cancer. A total of 85 patients (52 Endometrioid type Endometrium Cancer patients and 33 healthy controls) were included in the study. Serum galanin and resistin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It was found that the sensitivity and specificity of galanin at the cut off level of 0,37 ng/mL, was 82.96% and 68.78% respectively (AUC = 0.795, CI:0.691-0.898, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of resistin at the 0.27 ng/mL cut off level, was found to be 82.95% and 59.12% respectively (AUC = 0.705, CI:0.588-0.822, p < 0.001) for prediction of endometrioid type endometrium cancer diagnosis. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, increased galanin concentration, greater than 0.37 ng/mL, increased the risk of having endometrioid type endometrium cancer 10.2 times (95% CI: 3.425-30.881, p < 0.001) and resistin concentration > 0.27 ng/mL, increased the risk of having endometrioid type endometrium cancer 5.6 fold (95% CI: 1.939-16.282, p = 0.001). On the other hand, according to adjusted Odds Ratio results of the multiple logistic regression analysis, effect of interaction between galanin and resistin on having endometrioid type endometrium cancer was statistically significant. Increased galanin concentration > 0.37 ng/mL with increased resistin concentration > 0.27 ng/mL had adjusted Odds Ratio = 27.182 times greater risk of having endometrioid type endometrium cancer (95% CI: 6.653 to 111.109, p < 0.001). Increased galanin and resistin levels, either separately or together with, seemed to increase the risk of endometrioid type endometrium cancer other than different risk factors.

Effect of galanin on severity of tremor in Parkinson's disease

Objective. To study the effect of galanin on the severity of tremor in Parkinson's disease.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A comprehensive examination of 73 patients with Parkinson's disease and 16 apparently healthy individuals (control group) was carried out. We used the clinical-anamnestic method, the Hen-Yar scale of movement disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD), the MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Serum galanin content was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Serum galanin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using an ELISA Kit for Galanin (USA). Statistical processing of the material was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 program.&#x0D; Results. Tremor is one of the main complaints of PD patients. In the main group, the average severity of the disease, subjective and objective manifestations of movement disorders were determined. In patients with PD, a decrease in the quantitative content of blood serum galanin (6.0 [4.3; 10.2] ng / ml) was determined in comparison with the control group (16.9 [9.8; 18.1] ng/ml, p = 0.001). A negative correlation dependence of the galanin content with motor manifestations was revealed in the first (R = 0.8; p = 0, 0001) and second (R = 0.53; p = 0.000002) parts of the MDS-UPDRS, as well as with the severity of resting tremor in the hand (R = 0.81; p = 0.000000) and leg (R = 0.76; p = 0.000001). The dependence of serum galanin on the form of the disease was not obtained in the study.&#x0D; Conclusions. In Parkinson's disease, there is a decrease in the quantitative content of the neuropeptide galanin in the blood serum, which is negatively associated with motor manifestations of the disease and is associated with the severity of parkinsonian tremor.

Adipokines in patients with hypertensive disease with obesity in the dynamics of combined antihypertensive therapy

Hypertensive disease today is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, as well as the most common disease associated with obesity. Evaluation of the level of adipokines, namely adiponutrin and galanin, depending on the degree and duration of hypertension, the degree of obesity and their correction against the background of combined antihypertensive therapy is relevant for further understanding of this comorbidity and improvement of the early diagnostics. 127 people were examined, including 107 patients with hypertension of degree 1–3 and 20 healthy persons. Of the patients included in the study, the adiponutrin and the galanin levels were determined in 58 patients, out of which 22 were prescribed different regimens of combined antihypertensive therapy. To determine the level of adiponutrin and galanin, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used. A significant increase was found in the blood serum of the examined adipokines in comparison with the control group: the galanin level was 4.8 times higher than in the control group, the adiponutrin level in patients with this comorbid pathology was 3.3 times higher than that in the control group. The galanin level is most pronounced in patients with hypertension of degree 3 and obesity of degree 3, which is confirmed by the presence of a direct correlation with systolic, diastolic and pulse blood pressure, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The adiponutrin level in the blood serum increased correspondingly to the increase in body mass index: in patients with obesity of degree 3 it was 15.8 times higher than this indicator in patients with normal body weight, 8.8 times higher than in patients with overweight, 6.1 times higher than in patients with obesity of degree 1 and 2.5 times higher than in patients with obesity of degree 2. The levels of the studied adipokines in patients differed also relative to the duration of hypertension. There was a 1.8-, 5.1-, 5.2-fold increase (respectively, ≤5, 6–10, &gt;10 years) of the galanin content in the blood serum compared to the control group. Also an increase of the serum adiponutrin level was noted in comparison with the control group. Against the background of combined antihypertensive therapy, we observed favourable dynamics of galanin and adiponutrin. It is important to conduct further studies to assess the activity of galanin and adiponutrin with a longer follow-up period in wider populations.

Galanin and glypican-4 levels depending on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Galanin is a neuropeptide which has effects not only on metabolic syndrome but also on reproduction. Glypican-4 is an adipokine associated with insulin sensitivity by interacting directly with the insulin receptor. This study evaluated serum concentrations of galanin and glypican-4 in relation with the hormonal profile as well as metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 44 women with PCOS and 44 age-matched controls were eligible. Hirsutism scores, hormonal profile, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors as well as galanin and glypican-4 levels were evaluated in each subject. Women with PCOS exhibited lower levels of galanin (20.2 pg/mL versus 26.4 pg/mL, p = 0.002) and higher concentrations of glypican-4 (3.1 ng/mL versus 2.6 ng/mL, p < 0.001) than controls. Both adipokines were correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), insulin, triglyceride and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) index; glypican-4 also showed positive correlations with fasting blood glucose, free testosterone, modified Ferriman-Gallwey scores (p < 0.05). Multiple Linear Regression analyses showed that PCOS and BMI were the best predictors affecting galanin levels with a decreasing and increasing effect respectively; however BMI was the best predictor affecting glypican-4 levels with an increasing effect (p < 0.001). Galanin levels were lower and glypican-4 levels were higher in women with PCOS than controls. Further studies are needed to determine whether these adipokines could be used as additional markers for insulin sensitivity and lipid profile and whether they might play a role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, in which metabolic cardiovascular risks are increased.

Serum Galanin in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Recent studies have attempted to measure several biomarkers to understand the complex interactions of the anatomic systems that may be involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In CNS, galanin takes part in a variety of pathological and physiological processes. Prior research has indicated it is involved in several neuropsychiatric disorders and has a role in inhibiting the neuronal firing and release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. To date, serum galanin levels have not been investigated in the context of ASD. This study aimed, therefore, to compare the serum galanin levels of children with ASD and healthy controls and to reveal any association between galanin level and the severity of ASD, as well as other psychological and demographic parameters. Serum galanin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in 116 children with ASD and 98 healthy children. We observed significantly increased serum concentrations of galanin in children with ASD relative to healthy children. Moreover, children with severe ASD had significantly higher galanin levels than those with less severe disease. We also confirmed significant positive correlations between galanin and psychiatric parameters in children with ASD. For the first time, we suggest a possible correlation between serum galanin and the degree of ASD severity. Increased galanin levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD.

GALANIN LEVELS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH OBESITY

The aim: To study the level of Galanin concentration in hypertensive patients with obesity, and to identify how the degree of hypertension and the degree of obesity affect the level of Galanin in patients with this comorbid pathology. Materials and methods: The study included 58 patients with hypertension. Grade 1 was diagnosed in 12 (20.69%), grade 2 – 16 (27.59%), grade 3 – 30 (51.72%) examined patients. Of the patients enrolled to study, 32 were women and 26 were men, 32 to 79 years old (mean age – 57,5±10.11 years). Results: The level of Galanin in all groups of hypertensive patients was significantly increased compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001). The concentration of the latter in the blood serum gradually increases according to the degree of hypertension, while (p&lt;0.01), and the maximum level of Galanin was observed in group of patients with grade 3 hypertension (Me 164.47 pg/mL). The level of Galanin concentration in all subgroups of patients, depending on the presence and degree of obesity, was significantly increased compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.001), the maximum level of Galanin was in the group with hypertension and obesity of 3 degrees (Me = 166.48 pg/mL). Conclusions: In hypertensive patients with obesity, a significant increase in the concentration of Galanin was detected; most pronounced in arterial hypertension grade 3 and obesity grade 3. Galanin is possibly a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in a cohort of patients with abdominal obesity.

Colorectal Cancer Invasion and Atrophy of the Enteric Nervous System: Potential Feedback and Impact on Cancer Progression.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion within the large intestine wall results in the replacement of normal tissue architecture by tumour mass. Cancer cells digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) by the release of proteolytic enzymes. The disintegration of matrix ground substance activates several deposited growth factors which stimulate cell proliferation. Stromal (mainly fibroblasts), immune and cancer cells dominate in this area and become involved in a network of multimodal interactions which significantly induce proliferation of colon cancer cells, inhibit their apoptosis and promote their spreading within the local tumour microenvironment. Cancer invasion destroys nerve fibres and neurons of the local enteric nervous system (ENS) and induces subsequent atrophy of the submucosal and myenteric plexuses in areas adjacent to the cancer boundary. Interestingly, the reduction of plexuses’ size is accompanied by the increased number of galanin-immunoreactive neurons and increased galanin content in parts of the colon located close to the tumour. Galanin, a neuroprotective peptide, may inhibit the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis and in this way promote cancer cell survival. The possible role of acetylcholine and some ENS neuropeptides was also discussed. Invasion of cancer cells spreads along nerve fibres with the involvement of locally-released neutrophins which promote, via their specific receptors, cancer cell proliferation and pro-survival signalling pathways. Thus, during CRC development cancer cells and neurons of the ENS release many neurotransmitters/neuropeptides which affect key cellular signalling pathways promoting cancer cell proliferation and pro-survival phenotype. The multiple interactions between ENS neurons, cancer cells and other cell types present in the colon wall increase cancer cell invasiveness and have a negative impact on the course of CRC.

Comments on: Serum nesfatin-1 and galanin concentrations in the adult with metabolic syndrome. Relationships to insulin resistance and obesity.

[No Abstract Available].

Galanin expression is down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether galanin and its three receptors (Gal-R1, Gal-R2, Gal-R3) contribute to development of gastric cancer.MethodsPreoperative and postoperative fasting venous blood samples were collected from 34 patients with gastric cancer and 13 healthy individuals. Plasma galanin contents, as well as expression levels of galanin and its receptors, were quantitatively examined in a cohort of human gastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues.ResultsStatistically significantly lower galanin levels were found in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer, compared with postoperative samples from these same patients, as well as with samples from healthy donors. Furthermore, galanin and Gal-R1 expression levels were dramatically reduced in gastric cancer tissues, compared with corresponding adjacent tissues, whereas Gal-R2 and Gal-R3 levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, galanin mRNA and protein expression levels in the preoperative samples from patients with gastric cancer were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, and size of the gastric cancer.ConclusionsOverall levels of galanin and Gal-R1 expression were down-regulated in patients with gastric cancer; local levels were also specifically downregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Galanin and its receptor, Gal-R1, may contribute to development of gastric cancer.

Serum nesfatin-1 and galanin concentrations in the adult with metabolic syndrome. Relationships to insulin resistance and obesity.

Objectives:To investigate the serum levels of nesfatin-1 and galanin in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and also to show their association with the parameters of the disease.Methods:We performed a case-control study with 84 participants (44 patients with MetS diagnosed according to the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and International Diabetes Federation criteria and 40 control group) were recruited from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between October 2014 and June 2015. Anthropometric parameters, biochemical markers as well as nesfatin-1 and galanin were measured.Results:Nesfatin-1 levels were found to be significantly lower and galanin levels significantly higher in MetS group compared to the control group. A significant negative correlation between serum nesfatin-1 and weight, waist circumference, and body mass index were observed. A significant positive correlation between serum galanin and with fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, and triglycerides.Conclusion:Our findings indicated a lower level of nesfatin-1 and a higher level of galanin in patients with MetS, suggesting a role of these neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Influence of starvation and transportation on serum galanin and hematobiochemical parameters in goats

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of starvation and transportation on hematological parameters and serum concentrations of galanin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL-cholesterol in goats. On the first day, first and second blood samples from ten Cashmere (Raini) goats (5 males and 5 non-lactating and non-pregnant females) were prepared before food and water deprivation at 8:00 a.m. (T1) and 3 h after food and water deprivation (T2) at 11:00 a.m., respectively. On the second day, third and fourth blood samples were collected before transportation at 8:00 a.m. (T3) and 3 h after transportation (T4) at 11:00 a.m., respectively. Final blood samples were taken 24 h after arrival (T5). No significant difference was found between the male and female goats in the measured serum parameters, except galanin. Serum concentration of galanin showed a significant increment due to the starvation followed by a decrement in males and an increment in females. Food and water deprivation caused a significant increment in neutrophil and band cell counts besides a significant decrement in lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil counts. Transport stress caused a significant decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts as well as a significant increment in neutrophils and band cells counts. It seems that besides interspecies difference, the condition of transportation was the main cause for the controversial findings about its effects on physiology and health of animals.

Neuropeptides and lymphocyte populations in the porcine ileum and ileocecal lymph nodes during postnatal life.

The maturation-related changes in the concentrations of galanin (Gal), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) and somatostatin (Som), as well as in subpopulations of lymphocytes expressing antigens CD2 (lymphocytes T), CD4 (T helper), CD8 (T cytotoxic), CD21 (B lymphocytes), CD5-/CD8+ (NK cells) and TCRgamma/delta (gut mucosal/intraepitelial cells) were studied in the ileal Peyer’s patches and ileo-cecal lymph nodes in female pigs aged 3 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 4 months. As regards neuropeptide concentrations statistically significant changes in the ileum and lymph nodes were found only in case of Gal and VIP. The concentrations of neuropeptides were significantly higher only in new-born animals. As regards the changes in subpopulations of lymphocytes, statistically significant changes were noticed only in 4-months old animals and were dealing only with CD2+ and TCRgamma/delta cells in the ileum as well as CD4+, CD8+, CD21+ and TCRgamma/delta in lymph nodes. The highest number of CD8+, CD21+ and TCRgamma/delta lymphocytes occurred in 4-months old animals.

Changes in the tissue concentrations of several neuropeptides in porcine intestines and intestine-innervating ganglia in the course of porcine proliferative enteropathy

Inflammatory processes are associated with changes in the interplay of different pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, including neuropeptides, in tissue. This study was performed to investigate the influence of proliferative enteropathy on the concentration of several neuropeptides known to be involved in the regulation of the inflammatory process in porcine intestine and intestine-innervating ganglia. The concentration of galanin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide were assayed with ELISA in the coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion, inferior mesenteric ganglion, selected dorsal root ganglia, ileum and the descending colon in healthy and sick pigs. The concentrations of the studied neuropeptides were higher in sick animals. Statistically significant differences were found for coeliac-superior mesenteric ganglion (galanin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, somatostatin and neuropeptide Y), inferior mesenteric ganglion (galanin, somatostatin and neuropeptide Y), dorsal root ganglia (galanin, somatostatin, neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptide), ileum (galanin and somatostatin) and the descending colon (galanin, somatostatin and neuropeptide Y). The data clearly show the influence of the inflammatory process on the concentration of some of the studied neuropeptides present in inflamed tissues and ganglia innervating the inflamed gut. These changes must be associated with the role the studied neuropeptides play in the inflammatory process.

Association between Birth Weight and Galanin Concentrations in Maternal Plasma, Amniotic Fluid, and Umbilical Cord Blood in Normal Pregnancies and Pregnancies Complicated By Gestational Diabetes

Association between Birth Weight and Galanin Concentrations in Maternal Plasma, Amniotic Fluid, and Umbilical Cord Blood in Normal Pregnancies and Pregnancies Complicated By Gestational Diabetes

Adrenomedullin and galanin responses to orthostasis in older persons

Neuroendocrine responses to orthostasis may be critical in the maintenance of mean arterial pressure in healthy individuals. A greater reduction in orthostatic tolerance with age may relate to modulation of hormonal responses such as adrenomedullin and galanin. Thus, we investigated (i) whether adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations increase during orthostatic challenge in older subjects, (ii) whether adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations are higher in older females compared with older males when seated and during orthostatic challenge, and (iii) whether postural changes in plasma concentrations of galanin are correlated with levels of adrenomedullin in either older females or males. Subjects (n = 18; 12 ♀; 55-80 years old) performed a sit-to-stand test in a 25°C sensory-minimised environment, with blood samples collected after 4 min of being seated and then when standing. Plasma adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were determined. Baseline plasma concentration of adrenomedullin (5·35 ± 0·74 (n = 12, females) vs. 7·40 ± 1·06 pg/mL (n = 5, males)) and galanin (64·07 ± 9·05 vs. 98·99 ± 16·90 pg/mL, respectively) did not significantly differ between genders. Furthermore, plasma adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were not significantly affected by adoption of the upright posture in either gender and were not correlated in females or males. Adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations were similar between genders and did not change following adoption of the standing posture. To further clarify the roles, these hormones play in orthostatic intolerance, adrenomedullin and galanin concentrations should be assessed in participants who show presyncopal symptoms during an orthostatic challenge.

The central effect of 3-iodothyronamine on brain neuropeptides in mice

3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) is an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormone with noticeable metabolic and neurological effects. Alteration of feeding behaviour by this compound was different at various doses in experimental models and it is not clear whether this effect is partially accounted by changes in neuropeptide secretion. In this study, we attempted to find out whether chronic low dose 3-iodothyronamine treatment could modulate some food intake regulatory neuropeptides such as leptin, ghrelin, and galanin in mice brain. Eighteen male mice were divided randomly into control (n = 8) and treatment (n = 10) groups. The experimental procedure was applied for 7 days during which treatment group received T1AM (i.p) whereas the control group received DMSO and normal saline. The brain was analyzed for leptin, ghrelin, and galanin concentrations. There were significant differences in leptin concentration (1.75 ± 0.05 versus 2.9 ± 0.07 ng/ml) and ghrelin concentration (8.4 ± 0.35 versus 5 ± 0.08 ng/ml) between control and treatment groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in galanin concentration (745.87 ± 34.91 ng/l) in control group compared with the treatment group (698.05 ± 66.88 ng/l). Interestingly, the treatment group mice lost weight (~1 g) whereas non-significant increase in weight mean was seen in control group before (day 1) and after the procedure (day 8). Clearly, further works in this area will be required to delineate the central role of T1AM, but based on our findings described here, we propose that some of peripheral metabolic effects of this compound may be accomplished by brain peptide regulation.

Serum Galanin Concentration is Increased in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Tolerance.

Although extensive data have shown that galanin can regulate the food intake and glucose metabolism of animals, little is known regarding the galanin concentration in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate whether serum galanin levels and other metabolic parameters are changed in patients with IGT compared with controls with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Data regarding serum galanin levels and relative metabolic parameters were collected in 12 patients with IGT and 12 healthy patients with NGT. At 1 hour and 2 hours after dinner, serum galanin, insulin and glucose levels were significantly higher in patients with IGT than in controls with NGT. Additionally, the body weights of patients with IGT was higher than those of the controls. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between galanin levels and 1-hour glucose concentrations (r=-0.580; p=0.048) in patients with IGT. The higher serum galanin levels as well as the negative correlation between galanin levels and 1-hour glucose content in patients with IGT may result from the interaction between insulin and galanin in differing conditions, suggesting that the galanin level may be used as a potential biomarker for the prediction of IGT in clinical settings.

Involvement of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in anterior cingulate cortex of normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy

The present study was performed to explore the role of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy. Intra-ACC injection of galanin induced significant increases in hindpaw withdrawal latencies (HWLs) to thermal and mechanical stimulations in both normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy, the increased HWLs were attenuated significantly by intra-ACC injection of galanin receptor 2 antagonist M871, indicating an involvement of galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in ACC. Interestingly, the galanin-induced HWL was significant higher in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats tested by Randall Selitto test. Furthermore, both the galanin mRNA expression and galanin content increased significantly in ACC in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats. Moreover, both the mRNA levels of galanin receptor 2 and the content of galanin receptor 2 in ACC increased significantly in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats. These results found that galanin induced antinociception in ACC in both normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy. And there may be plastic changes in the expression of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in rats with mononeuropathy, as well as in the galanin-induced antinociception.

Role of sympathetic cotransmitter galanin on autonomic balance in heart failure: an active player or a bystander?

Objective:Galanin, a cotransmitter similar to neuropeptide Y (NPY), aggravates autonomic imbalance in systolic heart failure (HF) by attenuating vagal tonus after burst sympathetic activity. In animal HF models, galanin antagonists have improved cardiac function. To determine whether galanin is a promising therapeutic target in HF, we studied its concentrations in HF patients and evaluated its correlation with NPY, markers of humoral activity such as pro-BNP and copeptin, and echocardiographic parameters of HF severity.Methods:After recording demographic and echocardiographic characteristics of 87 individuals (57 HF patients and 30 control subjects), fasting serum concentrations of galanin, NPY, copeptin, and pro-BNP were determined.Results:Unlike pro-BNP, copeptin, and NPY, which were significantly elevated in HF patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively), galanin was similar in HF patients and control subjects (p=0.9). NPY correlated with the echocardiographic parameters of HF severity (r=–0.22, p=0.03 for EF; r=0.3, p=0.005 for Tei index of RV; r=–0.23, p=0.03 for TAPSE; and r=0.24, p=0.024 for E/e¢) and pro-BNP (r=0.22, p=0.046). NPY levels were also associated with beta blocker (BB) use, wherein BB significantly decreased NPY in both HF patients and control subjects. Galanin correlated with humoral biomarkers, pro-BNP and copeptin (r=0.39, p<0.001 and r=0.41, p<0.001, respectively). Although current smoking, BB therapy, pro-BNP, copeptin, and body mass index were associated with galanin in univariate analyses, the multiple linear regression model revealed that pro-BNP was the only significant determinant of galanin levels in HF patients.Conclusion:Our findings confirmed the role of NPY in autonomic balance and suggest that galanin is associated with the proadrenergic state, but its role in HF in humans remains unclear.