Serum Gal-3 Research Articles

The chimera-type galectin-3 is a positive modulator of trophoblast functions with dysregulated expression in gestational diabetes mellitus.

From conception, a delicate regulation of galectins, a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, is established to ensure maternal immune tolerance in pregnancy. Though galectin-3 (gal-3), the only chimera-type galectin, is abundantly expressed at the feto-maternal interface; the physiological role of this lectin during pregnancy remains to be fully elucidated and requires further investigation. In this study, we analyzed serum gal-3 levels during the course of healthy gestation. Trophoblast functions were evaluated upon gal-3 exogenous stimulation using trophoblastic cell lines (e.g. , HIPEC65, SGHPL-4, and BeWo cells). Finally, we investigated variations in peripheral gal-3 levels associated with the development of spontaneous abortion and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Gal-3 circulating levels increased as normal pregnancy progressed. In vitro experiments showed that exogenous gal-3 positively regulated trophoblast functions inducing invasion, tube formation, and fusion. Compared with normal pregnant women, circulating gal-3 levels were significantly decreased in patients who developed GDM. Our results reveal a physiological role for gal-3 during pregnancy, promoting proper trophoblast functions associated with healthy gestation. GDM is associated with a failure to increase circulating gal-3 levels late in gestation. Thus, dysregulation of gal-3 may indicate a contribution of the chimera-type lectin to this adverse pregnancy outcome.

Down-regulation and Clinical Implication of Galectin-9 Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Chronic Kidney Disease.

In various autoimmune diseases, Galecin-9 (Gal-9) has been shown to regulate the T-cell balance by decreasing Th1 and Th17, while increasing the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the role of Gal-9 in the patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. This study aims to measure the Gal-9 levels in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with ACS plus CKD and examine their clinical implication. The serum levels of Gal-9 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the expression levels of Gal-9, Tim-3, and Foxp3 mRNA in PBMCs were detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the expression of Gal-9 on the surface of PBMCs and in PBMCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the correlation of serum Gal-9 levels with anthropometric and biochemical variables in patients with ACS plus CKD was analyzed. The lowest levels of Gal-9 in serum and PBMCs were found in the only ACS group, followed by the ACS+CKD group, and the normal coronary artery (NCA) group, respectively. Serum Gal-9 levels were increased along with the progression of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) categories of G1 to G4. Additionally, serum Gal-9 levels were negatively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), estimated GFR (eGFR), and lipoprotein(a), but positively with creatinine, age, osmotic pressure, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Notably, serum Gal-9 was independently associated with hs-CRP, osmotic pressure, and lipoprotein(a). Furthermore, serum Gal-9 levels were elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in ACS group. It was suggested that the levels of Gal-9 in serum and PBMCs were decreased in patients with simple ACS and those with ACS plus CKD, and hs-CRP, eGFR, osmotic pressure and T2DM may have an influence on serum Gal-9 levels.

Serum galectin-3 levels are decreased in schizophrenia

Objective:To determine whether changes in serum galectin-3 (gal-3) concentrations in schizophrenia patients have etiopathogenetic importance. Since very little research has assessed the connection between galectins and schizophrenia, we wanted to examine alterations in the inflammatory marker gal-3 in schizophrenia and investigate possible correlations between clinical symptomatology and serum concentrations.Methods:Forty-eight schizophrenia patients and 44 healthy controls were included in this study. The Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) were administered to determine symptom severity. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum gal-3 levels were measured.Results:Mean serum gal-3 levels were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients, and there were no significant differences in age or sex with the control group. There was also a significant positive correlation between serum gal-3 concentrations and negative schizophrenia symptoms according to the SANS.Conclusion:The results indicate that gal-3 is decreased in schizophrenia patients, which could contribute to inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Elevated serum levels of checkpoint molecules in patients with adult Still\u2019s disease

BackgroundThe interaction between galectin-9 (Gal-9) and its ligand, T cell immunoglobulin, and mucin-containing-molecule-3 (TIM-3), one of the coinhibitory receptors, transduce the inhibitory signaling to regulate immune responses. The dysregulated expression of checkpoint molecules has been reported under various inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. The aim of this study is to investigate the levels of these checkpoint molecules and their associations between proinflammatory markers in patients with adult Still’s disease (ASD).MethodsSerum samples were collected from 47 patients with active ASD, 116 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 37 healthy controls (HCs). Serum levels of Gal-9, soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3), and IL-18 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were compared with the clinical features of ASD.ResultsSerum Gal-9 levels in patients with ASD (median: 21.57 ng/ml, interquartile range IQR [11.41–39.72]) were significantly higher compared to those in patients with RA (7.58 ng/ml, IQR [5.57–10.20] p < 0.001) as well as those in HCs (4.51 ng/ml, [IQR; 3.58–5.45], p < 0.001). Similarly, serum sTIM-3 levels in patients with ASD were significantly higher than those in patients with RA and HCs. Serum levels of Gal-9 or sTIM-3 showed positive correlations with IL-18 levels (Gal-9; r = 0.90, p < 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.78, p < 0.001) in patients with ASD. Serum levels of Gal-9 or sTIM-3 correlated with serum ferritin (Gal-9; r = 0.77, p < 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.71, p < 0.001) and ASD disease activity score (Pouchot’s score, Gal-9; r = 0.66, p < 0.001, sTIM-3; r = 0.59, p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant correlation between serum Gal-9 or sTIM-3 and CRP. ASD patients with chronic arthritis phenotype had a significantly higher Gal-9/ferritin and sTIM-3/ferritin ratio than those without this phenotype. After immunosuppressive treatment, Gal-9 and sTIM-3 levels showed a significant decline in parallel to the disease activity scores.ConclusionsSerum levels of the coinhibitory checkpoint molecules were elevated and correlated with disease activity in patients with ASD. These coinhibitory checkpoint molecules may be implicated in the autoinflammatory process seen in ASD.

Impact of Galectin-3 Circulating Levels on Frailty in Elderly Patients with Systolic Heart Failure.

Background: Heart Failure (HF), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, represents a relevant trigger for the development of frailty in the elderly. Inflammation has been reported to play an important role in HF and frailty pathophysiology. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), whose levels increase with aging, exerts a relevant activity in the processes of cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of Galectin-3 to serve as a biomarker of frailty in HF patients. Methods: 128 consecutive patients aged 65 and older with the diagnosis of systolic HF underwent a frailty assessment and blood sample collection for serum Gal-3 detection. A multivariable regression analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to identify significant predictors of frailty. Results: Frailty was present in 42.2% of patients. Age: Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.29; 95% Confidence Interval CI (CI) = 1.03–10.55, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale Comorbidity Index (CIRS-CI): OR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.03–3.32, C-Reactive phase Protein (CRP) OR = 3.73; 95% CI = 1.24–11.22, N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP): OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.21–4.72 and Gal-3: OR = 5.64; 95% CI = 1.97–16.22 resulted in being significantly and independently associated with frailty. The DCA demonstrated that the addition of Gal-3 in the prognostic model resulted in an improved clinical ‘net’ benefit. Conclusions: Circulating levels of Gal-3 are independently associated with frailty in elderly patients with systolic HF.

Association between galectin-3 levels and isolated coronary artery ectasia.

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a well-recognised disorder characterised by abnormal dilation of the coronary arteries. Underlying mechanisms associated with abnormal luminal dilation in CAE remain to be elucidated. However, histopathological features resemble those of coronary atherosclerosis. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a valuable biomarker for both progression and destabilisation of atherosclerotic lesions. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the literature examining serum Gal-3 levels in patients with isolated CAE. In the present study, therefore, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between serum Gal-3 levels and isolated CAE. Between March 2016 and March 2017 this prospective, case-controlled study included a total of 49 consecutive isolated CAE patients (31 males, 18 females) diagnosed with CAE by coronary angiography at the catheter laboratory of Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training and Research Hospital, and 43 individuals (19 males, 24 females) with normal coronary arteries. Physical examination, medical history, blood biochemistry and transthoracic echocardiography were performed in both groups. Serum concentrations of Gal-3 were measured using blood samples. Median Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in isolated CAE patients than in the controls [23.2 (23.9 ± 7.1) vs 16.8 ng/ml (17.8 ± 7.3); p < 0.001]. According to the Markis classification, the extent of CAE was not correlated with Gal-3 levels (p = 0.41). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Gal-3 concentration was an independent predictor of isolated CAE. Our study results suggest that Gal-3 serum concentrations significantly increased in patients with isolated CAE, indicating that Gal-3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of isolated CAE.

P1606TIM-3/GAL-9 AS PREDICTORS OF COMPOSITE OUTCOMES AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: A COHORT STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (Tim-3) and its ligand, galectin-9 (Gal-9), play an important role in immune regulation. Serum soluble Tim-3 (sTim-3) and Gal-9 (sGal-9) were observed to be correlated with renal function after kidney transplantation in our previous study, but whether these two could predict the adverse outcomes after transplantation is unknown. Method 91 recipients receiving kidney transplantation were enrolled in this cohort study. 20 of all recipients suffered composite outcomes after kidney transplantation within two years. 71 recipients had stable renal function during this period. The expressions of sTim-3 and sGal-9 before and one month after transplantation were measured by ELISA. Results The level of sTim-3 before transplantation was significantly higher in recipients with stable renal function than composite outcomes (Median: range, 2275: 840-4236 pg/ml vs 1589: 353-3094 pg/ml, P=0.002, shown in Figure 1). The level of sGal-9 after transplantation was significantly lower in stable group than composite outcome group (Median: range, 4869: 1418-13080 pg/ml vs 6852: 4128-10760 pg/ml, P=0.003, shown in Figure 1). Area under curve (AUC) of sTim-3 before transplantation was 0.737 (P=0.002, shown in Figure 2) through the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve). AUC of sGal-9 after transplantation was 0.751 (P=0.003, shown in Figure 2). After survival analysis, the percentage of recipients free from composite outcomes was significantly lower in patients with low level of sTim-3 than high sTim3 (P&amp;lt;0.0001, shown in Figure 3), so was in patients with high sGal-9 than low sGal-9 (P=0.0004, shown in Figure 3). Conclusion Serum sTim-3 and sGal-9 could predict the adverse outcomes within two years after kidney transplantation.

Gentianella acuta prevents acute myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats via inhibition of galectin-3/TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB inflammatory signalling.

Gentianella acuta (G.acuta), as a folk medicine, was used to treat heart disease by the Ewenki people in Inner Mongolia. However, the effect of G.acuta on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not clear. To explore the mechanisms of G.acuta on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced AMI, rats were administered G.acuta for 28days, then injected intraperitoneally with ISO (85mg/kg) on days 29 and 30. An electrocardiogram helped to evaluate the myocardial injury. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were evaluated, and haematoxylin eosin, Masson's trichrome staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining were used to detect myocardial histological changes. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)-6. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to analyse serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to examine relevant molecular events. The results revealed that pre-treatment with G.acuta decreased the elevation in the ST segment; reduced serum LDH, CK and AST levels; alleviated cardiac structure disorder; and reduced inflammatory infiltration, abnormal collagen deposition and cardiomyocyte apoptosis that were induced by ISO. Furthermore, pre-treatment with G.acuta inhibited serum Gal-3 levels and Gal-3 expression in heart tissue, and also impeded TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB signalling activation, which ultimately prevented the expression of inflammatory cytokines. The study indicated that pre-treatment with G.acuta protects against ISO-induced AMI, and the protective role may be related to inhibiting Gal-3/TLR4/MyD88/NF-кB inflammatory signalling.

Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in type2 diabetes mellitus is associated with serum galectin-3 level.

Aims/IntroductionGalectin‐3 (Gal3) contributes to insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity, the three risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.Materials and methodsA total of 134 hospitalized type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment method, and divided into 65 MCI and 69 controls. Levels of variables, Gal3 and Aβ42, were investigated in relation with cognitive function in both type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with MCI and high‐fat diet/streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.ResultsSignificantly higher levels of serum Gal3 and lower levels of plasma Aβ42 (all P < 0.05) were found in the MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus group as compared with the non‐MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus control. Partial correlation analysis showed that Gal3 is negatively correlated with both MMSE score (r = −0.51, P < 0.01) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (r = −0.47, P < 0.001) after adjustment for glycated hemoglobin, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and Aβ42 in all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, with a stronger effect seen in the MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus group after further analysis with MCI strata. A simple logistic regression model showed that Gal3 and Aβ42 are significantly associated with MCI type 2 diabetes mellitus patients after adjustment with the covariates sex, age, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and antidiabetic drugs. Serum and brain Gal3 levels were significantly increased in high‐fat diet/streptozotocin diabetic rats, which correlate to the impairment of learning and memory ability. Gal3 inhibitor modified citrus pectin decreased serum and brain Gal3 levels in diabetic rats, accompanied by the amelioration of learning and memory impairment.ConclusionsGal3 might be associated with cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and serum Gal3 level might be a new risk factor of MCI in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Differential regulation and correlation between galectin-9 and anti-CCP antibody (ACPA) in rheumatoid arthritis patients

BackgroundGalectin-9 (Gal-9) is involved in the regulatory process of immune responses or inflammation. The aim of the present study is to characterize circulating Gal-9 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationship with RA disease activity and phenotype.MethodsA total of 116 RA patients and 31 age-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Disease activity of RA patients was determined by Disease Activity Score of 28 joint scoring system (DAS28-ESR). Levels of Gal-9 in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsSerum levels of Gal-9 were significantly higher in patients with RA compared to those in controls (median 7577 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 5570–10,201] versus 4738 pg/ml [IQR 4267–5630], p = 0.001). There were significant differences in serum Gal-9 between RA patients with and without RA-ILD (9606 pg/ml [IQR 8522–12,167] versus 7078 pg/ml [IQR 5225–9447], p < 0.001) or those with and without advanced joint damage (stage II–IV, 9606 pg/ml [IQR 8522–12,167] versus 7078 pg/ml [IQR 5225–9447], p < 0.001). Although serum levels of Gal-9 correlated with the titers of ACPA (r = 0.275, p = 0.002), levels of ACPA titers conferred the different relationship, between serum Gal-9 and inflammatory mediators or RA disease activity. Although Gal-9 was correlated with ACPA titers (r = 0.508, p = 0.002), there was no correlation between Gal-9 levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), or DAS28-ESR in RA patients with high titers of ACPA (> 200 U/ml). Conversely, Gal-9 was correlated with MMP-3 (r = 0.300, p = 0.007) or DAS28-ESR (r = 0.331, p = 0.004) but not with ACPA titer in RA patients with low titers of ACPA titers (< 200 U/ml).ConclusionsSerum levels of Gal-9 were increased in RA patients and associated with RA disease activity in RA patients without high titers of ACPA. The levels of ACPA titers may influence the values of circulating Gal-9 in RA patients with various clinical phenotypes. These data suggest that Gal-9 possessed the properties of pro-inflammatory or arthropathic biomarker under the status of ACPA titers.

Early transient suppression of immune checkpoint proteins T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 and programmed cell death-1 in peripheral blood lymphocytes after blastocyst transfer is associated with successful implantation

To compare the changing peripheral levels of immune checkpoint proteins T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3)/galectin-9 (Gal-9), and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) over a 9-day period after blastocyst transfer between women who did and did not conceive. Prospective observational study. University teaching hospital. Fifty-one infertile women undergoing day-5 blastocyst transfer. Serial blood samples obtained on the day of embryo transfer (ET), and 3, 6, and 9 days afterward for measurement of membranous Tim-3 and PD-1 expression on various peripheral lymphocytes by flow cytometry, and serum concentrations of ligands Gal-9 and PD-L1 by ELISA. Membranous Tim-3 and PD-1 expression on lymphocytes and serum Gal-9 and PD-L1 concentrations and comparison of results between pregnant and nonpregnant women. In women who conceived, the measurements exhibited three different types of response: [1] a transient and statistically significant reduction of Tim-3+NK-like T cells, Tim-3+/PD-1+CD8+ T cells, and Tim-3+/PD-1+CD4+ T cells that returned back to baseline level 9 days after ET; [2] a reduction followed by steady increase to above baseline level on day 9 (Tim-3+CD56dimNK cells); [3] a steady increase in expression after ET to reach a level statistically significantly higher than that of the baseline by day 9 (Tim-3+CD56brightNK cells). Women who did not conceive showed no statistically significant fluctuation in any of the parameters measured across the four time pointswith exception of increased Tim-3 expression on NK cells on day 9. Successful blastocyst implantation is associated with a reduction of Tim-3 and PD-1 expression in peripheral lymphocytes on days 3 and 6 that is no longer apparent on day9.

Differences of TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 in lobar pneumonia and bronchial pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae.

To investigate the differences of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and galectin-3 concentrations in lobar pneumonia and bronchopneumonia induced by mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in children and to explore these related factors predicting the severity of MP. A total of 148 children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) and 32 healthy controls were analyzed from March 2017 to August 2018 in our province. Clinical information was collected from the hospitalized MP patients. The 148 patients with MPP were divided into two groups: lobar pneumonia group and bronchial pneumonia group. The 32 healthy children were considered the control group. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 were examined in the serum of 148 children patients with MPP and 32 healthy children by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 levels were obviously higher in both the lobar pneumonia and bronchial pneumonia groups, compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, these levels were significantly higher in the lobar pneumonia group, compared to the bronchial pneumonia group. After treatment, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 totally descended during the recovery period. There are differences in serum TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 concentrations in lobar pneumonia and bronchial pneumonia caused by MP in children. In general, the TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in the lobar pneumonia group, when compared to the bronchial pneumonia group. This was because most lobar pneumonia cases are much more serious than bronchial pneumonia. Moreover, it has been proven that TNF-α, IL-6 and Gal-3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis development of MPP. At the same time, these are important issues in diagnosing MPP.

Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia and their Unaffected Siblings.

Many hypothesis suggest that inflammation plays an important role in schizophrenia. Galectins can regulate inflammatory response in central nervous system. The relation between galectins and neuropsyhchiatric diseases and schizophrenia is unclear. The present study compared levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 of patients with schizophrenia to that of first-degree relatives without the disease and healthy controls in order to evaluate any possible association. Sixty-two patients with schizophrenia, fifty-five unaffected siblings and fifty-eight age- and sex-matched healthy controls enrolled. Serum Gal-1, Gal-3 and CRP levels were measured. PANNS and CGI-S were used to evaluate the severity of disease. There was a statistically significant difference in serum Gal-1 levels among the patient, sibling, and control groups. There were no statistically significant correlations between serum CRP ​​and serum Gal-1 or Gal-3 levels. Gal-1 values were significantly higher in the unaffected siblings compared to both the patient group and the healthy control group. Gal-3 levels were elevated in the sibling group relative to the patient group. In the literature, the relationship between galectins and schizophrenia is very limited and appears to be a new field of study. Future studies are needed to evaluate the protective roles of galectins.

The predictive value of serum galectin 3 for abdominal aortic calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study

Heterotopic vascular calcification is a common complication of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular calcification. The current study aims to explore the potential predictive value of serum Gal-3 for severe abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and AAC progression in MHD patients. A prospective cohort who underwent hemodialysis during July 2014 at the Blood Purification Center of Ruijin Hospital were followed up for 3 years. Two AAC assessments were performed: one at baseline and one after the 3-year follow-up period. Serum Gal-3 was detected with quantitative ELISA kits. SPSS 23.0 and MedCalc 11.4.2.0 were used to analyze the data. One hundred and fifty-two patients were recruited. Approximately 59.9% were male, the median age was 60 (50-67) years. Logistic regression analysis indicated that serum Gal-3 was an independent risk factor for both follow-up severe AAC and AAC progression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed significant prognostic value of serum Gal-3 for predicting severe AAC and AAC progression within 3 years. We found serum Gal-3 is correlated to vascular calcification in ESRD patients. Gal-3 may be a potential biomarker of vascular calcification for MHD patients.

Galectin-9 as a biomarker for disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by elevated interferon (IFN) signature genes. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that is reportedly useful as a biomarker for IFN gene signatures. In a cross-sectional study of Japanese patients with recent-onset SLE, we aimed to determine whether raised serum Gal-9 levels were associated with the disease activity or organ damage seen in SLE patients. The current study included 58 Japanese patients with SLE and 31 age-matched healthy individuals. Disease activity and organ damage were assessed using SLE Disease Activity 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gal-9 concentrations were quantified using ELISA. Correlation analyses between Gal-9 and clinical parameters including disease activity were performed. Serum levels of Gal-9 were significantly increased in patients with SLE compared with the control group (16.6 ng/ml, [interquartile range (IQR); 3.6-59.7] versus 4.74 ng/ml, [IQR; 3.0-9.5], p<0.0001). Gal-9 was significantly correlated with disease activity measures in the SLEDAI-2K. Serum Gal-9 levels were significantly greater in patients with SLE-related organ involvement (23.1 ng/ml, [IQR; 5.1-59.7] versus 12.5ng/ml, [IQR; 3.6-39.0], p = 0.013). Whereas there was no difference in serum levels of CXCL10 or M2BPGi between patients with and without SLE-related organ involvement. Serum levels of Gal-9 were significantly higher in SLE patients with active renal involvement determined by BILAG renal score (A-B) compared to those without active renal involvement (C-E). Whereas there was no significant difference in serum levels of Gal-9 between SLE patients with or without active other organ involvements (neurological or hematological) determined by BILAG score. SLE patients with detectable circulating IFN-α had raised serum Gal-9 levels. Levels of Gal-9 were significantly higher in the CSF from patients with recent-onset neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) than in those from non-SLE controls (3.5 ng/ml, [IQR; 1.0-27.2] versus 1.2 ng/ml, [IQR; 0.9-2.1], p = 0.009). Gal-9 could be a serologic marker of disease activity and organ involvement in SLE patients. Future studies evaluating the role of Gal-9 in the SLE phenotype may provide insights into SLE pathogenesis.

Serum galectin-9 level in patients with atopic dermatitis before and after phototherapy

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a member of galectin family, which is widely distributed in epithelial tissues and binds to various receptors expressed on the cell surface, such as T-cell Ig and Tim −3, CD4, and IgE. Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet light to treat skin conditions, including AD. It plays important roles in immune suppression. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum level of Gal-9 in patients with AD before and after treatment with phototherapy. Patients and methods The present study included 20 patients with AD and 20 healthy controls. Blood sample collection was done, and Gal-9 level in sera of patients and controls was measured using ELISA. Patients were subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, and six area, six sign atopic dermatitis score calculation and received treatment by phototherapy ultravilot B (UVB) sessions for 6–8 weeks. After the end of phototherapy sessions, the authors measured the serum Gal-9 again. Results Serum level of Gal-9 in patients with AD was significantly higher than control group, with significant increase with severity of the disease. There was a decrease in serum Gal-9 level after treatment with phototherapy. Conclusion Serum Gal-9 level was significantly elevated in patients with AD, correlated with disease severity, and decreased after treatment with phototherapy. This suggests a possible role of Gal-9 in the pathogenesis of AD. New treatment strategies directed to lower Gal-9 level may be a hope for future perspectives in the treatment of AD.

Serum galectin-3 and galectin-3 binding protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

IntroductionThe roles of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and galectin-3 binding protein (G3BP) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are of ongoing interest, but the data are insufficient due to highly limited available studies. There are no data on cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).AimTo assess serum Gal-3 and G3BP concentrations in SLE patients with and without LE-specific skin lesions, CLE patients and to correlate levels of proteins with clinical and laboratory parameters.Material and methodsThe study included 71 SLE patients with and without LE-specific skin lesions, 23 CLE patients and 40 controls. Gal-3 and G3BP were measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).ResultsSerum Gal-3 and G3BP concentrations were significantly higher in SLE with and without LE-specific lesions compared to controls, but without differences between SLE groups. Gal-3 and G3BP levels were also elevated in CLE compared to controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.005; respectively). There was a positive correlation between G3BP level and CLASI activity score both in CLE (r = 0.55, p = 0.006) and in SLE patients with LE-specific lesions (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). G3BP and Gal-3 levels did not differ in SLE with LE-specific lesions and CLE. There was a positive correlation between serum G3BP level and the SLEDAI score in SLE patients (r = 0.26, p = 0.03).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that serum G3BP and Gal-3 are elevated in CLE. Additionally, G3BP might be associated with the extent of skin lesions. There are no differences between G3BP and Gal-3 concentrations in SLE with and without LE-specific skin lesions.

Novel marker in proliferative and involuting phases of infantile hemangioma

Background No single theory can explain the characteristics of infantile hemangioma (IH), but the emergence of new biomarkers will help to discover a general mechanism in its pathogenesis.Objective To evaluate serum level of galectin-3 (gal-3) in patients with IH and its possible role in the pathogenesis during proliferative and involuting phases.Patients and methods This case–control study included 60 patients with IH as group 1 (G1). They were subdivided into 30 patients with age ranged from 3 to 12 months (proliferative phase, G1A) and 30 patients with age ranged from more than 12 to 24 months (involuting phase, G1B). In addition, 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy participants who served as a control group (G2) were included. The diagnosis was based on clinical bases and ultrasonic examination. Assessment of serum level of gal-3 was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits in all studied groups and was correlated with clinical findings of IH.Results Serum gal-3 levels were significantly higher in the patient group (G1) than controls (G2) (P=0.001). Serum gal-3 levels were significantly higher in G1B compared with G1A and controls (P<0.001 for both). Serum gal-3 level was higher in G1A than control group, but it did not reach statistical significance (P=0.67).Conclusion Serum gal-3 may have a role in the pathogenesis of IH possibly through its pro-angiogenic effect in the proliferative phase and induction of fibrosis in involuting phase.

Expression of microRNA-214 and galectin-3 in peripheral blood of patients with chronic heart failure and its clinical significance.

Expression of microRNA (miR)-214 and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in peripheral blood of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and its clinical significance were investigated. A total of 50 cases of CHF patients, diagnosed and treated in Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital from January 2017 to March 2018, were the study group and 30 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were the control group. Concentration of serum Gal-3 was detected by ELISA and the expression of miR-214 in serum was detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of miR-214 and Gal-3 in the peripheral blood of CHF patients were analyzed. The diagnostic and predictive values of efficacy were analyzed by ROC curve analysis, and the correlation between miR-214 and Gal-3 was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis. The serum expression levels of miR-214 and Gal-3 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the expression levels of miR-214 and Gal-3 were positively correlated in the peripheral blood of CHF patients (r=0.712, P<0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of miR-214 and Gal-3 for CHF diagnosis was 0.916 and 0.852, respectively (P<0.05). The AUC for predicting the efficacy of miR-214 and Gal-3 was 0.874 and 0.897, respectively (P<0.05). In conclusion, it is speculated that miR-214 and Gal-3 are involved in the occurrence and development of CHF, which is of guiding significance for the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of CHF.

Blocking extracellular Galectin-3 in patients with osteoarthritis

ObjectiveThis pilot clinical trial examined the efficacy of blocking extracellular Galectin-3 (Gal-3) with modified citrus pectin (MCP), in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods50 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive MCP or placebo at a dose of 4 g (5 capsules) twice daily for 12 weeks. Serum Gal-3 levels and OA severity were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks. Gal-3 levels were detected by sandwich ELISA and OA severity was determined using WOMAC-knee, SF-36, and RAPID3 surveys during these visits. MCP tolerability was assessed by a basic metabolic panel during a week 6 follow up visit. ResultsPatients enrolled in both the MCP treatment and placebo groups shared similar baseline characteristics in OA severity, serum Gal-3 levels, and pain management. Improvement across all surveys was noted independent of supplement or placebo treatment. No significant change in Gal-3 levels were observed in either cohort over the 12-week study. ConclusionTreatment of knee OA with a 12-week course of MCP did not significantly improve disease burden compared to placebo.