Serum Galectin-3 Levels In Patients Research Articles

Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

Comparison of Preoperative and Postoperative Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

Analysis Of The Relationship Between HBA1C and Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Subjects With Type 2 Of Diabetes Mellitus

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by increased blood glucose levels known as hyperglycemia. This disease can be diagnosed by examining HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin). Hemoglobin A1c is a minor component of hemoglobin related to glucose. Meanwhile, galectin-3 is a protein encoded in humans by the LGALS3 gene. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HbA1c and serum galectin-3 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted using an observational analysis technique with a cross-sectional study design</em><em>. This research was conducted at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Hasanuddin University State University Hospital, and Laboratorium Universitas Hasanuddin Medical Research Center State College Hospital Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar</em><em>. This research was conducted from January to March 2023</em><em>. </em><em>The population in this study were all patients with type 2 DM who visited the Hasanuddin University Hospital (RSPTN-UH) for treatment a total of 112 patients</em><em>. Research sampling technique with non-probability purposive sampling. The sample of this study was 60 patients. Data analysis with the Independent T-test or Mann-Whitney test. The results of the study were that serum Galectin-3 levels in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus had a higher average value of 20.18 ± 6.15 ng/mL compared to controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, namely 14.80 ± 6.41 ng/ mL although there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.012) but no significant correlation was found between HbA1c and serum Galectin-3 levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects (r=0.176 p=0.179) with the distribution of data in the Scatterplot not forming a linear relationship pattern</em><em>. </em><em>It is recommended that type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients carry out an HbA1c examination as an effective test to control glucose levels, reduce the risk of complications, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid type 2 DM.</em></p><p><em><br /></em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keyword: HbA1c, Serum Galectin-3, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus</em></strong>

Assessment of Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: This study was aimed to compare serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to evaluate the relationship between insulin resistance parameters and serum Gal-3 levels. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine pregnant women who were screened for GDM with oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) at the 24th–28th gestational weeks were included in the study. According to the results of OGTT, 34 pregnant women were included in the GDM group and 25 pregnant women were included in the control group. Results: Serum Gal-3 value was found to be similar in the GDM and control group (P < 0.471). However, there was a significant positive association between Gal-3 and fasting insulin (r = 0.509, P < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = 0.479, P < 0.001) in the whole pregnancies, and between Gal-3 levels and fasting insulin (r = 0.608, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.609, P < 0.001), and OGTT 60 min glucose (r = 0.444, P = 0.016) in the GDM patients. Conclusions: There was no difference in the last trimester serum Gal-3 levels between GDM and healthy pregnant women. However, a significant positive correlation was determined between Gal-3 and fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and OGTT 60 min glucose values in the GDM group, and fasting insulin and HOMA-IR values in whole pregnancies. The results of our study support previous data reporting the relationship between Gal-3 and GDM through insulin resistance.

The Role of Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Sarcoidosis

Introduction: Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein, the levels of which increase in the presence of diseases that progress with pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the role of galectin-3 levels in the staging and assessing of the severity of sarcoidosis. Methods and Subjects: Seventy-three subjects were studied; 25 were healthy individuals and 48 patients had pathologically confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis in which other potential causes had been ruled out. Galectin-3 levels were measured and compared in terms of such parameters as hemogram, biochemistry, age, body mass index, and smoking status. Results: The mean galectin-3 levels of the sarcoidosis patients (14.87 ± 5.57) were significantly higher than those in the healthy subjects (11.81 ± 2.67), and the mean galectin-3 levels differed significantly among different stages of the disease (p < 0.05). The serum galectin-3 level in patients with stage 2, 3, and 4 sarcoidosis was found to be higher than in patients with stage 0 and 1 sarcoidosis and the control group. In addition, serum galectin-3 levels in the sarcoidosis patients had significant positive correlations with blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, white blood cells, red blood cell, hemoglobin, and neutrophil levels (34.9% [p < 0.05]; 40.1% [p < 0.05]; 41.2% [p < 0.01]; 43.3% [p < 0.01]; 34.7% [p < 0.05]; and 40.6% [p < 0.01], respectively) and a significant negative correlation with the platelet distribution width levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum galectin-3 levels are significantly elevated in sarcoidosis patients with parenchymal involvement at stage 2 or higher, suggesting that serum galectin-3 levels can be used to estimate disease severity in sarcoidosis.

Serum Galectin-3 and its Relation to Insulin Resistance in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin diseases. It is particularly prevalent during the late adolescent period. It is a chronic skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit and develops due to blockages in the skin's hair follicles. to evaluate serum galectin-3, fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose levels in patients with AV, assessment of its clinical significance, relation to severity of AV and its relation to Insulin resistance (IR). This study included 60 patients suffering from AV. In addition to 20 apparently healthy individuals of matched age and sex as a control group. All studied individuals were subjected to complete history taking and complete clinical examination. there was a statistically significant difference regarding the serum galectin-3and HOMA-IR values between studied patients and control groups. HOMA-IR levels were higher in patients than controls, which indicate presence of IR in AV patients more than the controls. Besides, HOMA-IR levels were higher in severe AV than mild or moderate AV. Regarding serum galectin-3 level; it was significantly higher in AV patients than controls. IR is more common among AV patients especially in patients with severe AV lesions and that could be explained by higher serum galectin-3 level in those patients. Since acne is a problem in adolescents, the early recognition of IR might help in better management of acne patients.

P2.03-51 Gene Variants and Expressions of Galectin-3 Is Associated with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and Vascular Invasion of the Tumor

Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside binding protein and known for its deregulation in cancer. In previous studies, correlations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and cancer development have been identified in the context of genetic susceptibility to different types of cancer. However, potential phenotypic variations related to galectin-3 SNPs have not yet been evaluated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, it was aimed to correlate expression levels of gene and protein galectin-3 with genotype and allele distribution of rs4644 and rs4652 SNPs of galectin-3 between NSCLC patients (n=65) and healthy control (n=95) individuals. SNPsrs4644 and rs4652 in galectin-3 were studied using TaqMan Real-Time PCR system. Tissue gene expression levels of galectin-3 for patients was also analysed by Real-Time PCR. Galektin-3 serum levels were measured by ELISA. There were no significant differences in genotype and allele distribution of SNPs and galectin-3 gene expression levels between the tumor tissues compared to tumor surrounding tissues (p> 0.05); Mean serum level of galectin-3 was significantly higher in patients (26.05 ± 1.77 ng / ml) than that of controls (11.62 ± 1.30 ng/ml) (p <0.0001). The presence of angiolymphatic invasion was statistically significantly associated with AA genotype (p = 0.04). SNP rs4644 AC/CC genotype was found to be associated with higher serum galectin-3 levels in patients compared to that of controls (p<0.0001) while SNP rs4652 with AA / AC genotype was associated with lower serum galectin-3 levels in controls compared to patients (p<0.0001). Serum galectin-3 level has been shown to be statistically significantly associated with of vascular invasion among patients who had AC genotypes for both SNPs rs4644 and rs4652 (p = 0.03; p = 0.019 respectively). Galectin-3 could be defined as a possible biomarker for NSCLC and it plays a role as surrogate marker for vascular invasion in tumors.

A preliminary data: Evaluation of serum Galectin-3 levels in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

AimIn our study, we aimed to collect data for the hypothesis that Galectin-3 might be used as a new prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (IPD). MethodIn this prospective and cross-sectional study, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scales were applied to each patient diagnosed as IPD according to the UK Brain Bank diagnostic criteria. The control group consisted of healthy individuals with the same age, gender, and body mass index characteristics as the patients meeting the exclusion criteria. ResultsA total of 111 cases were included in the study, 48 were IPD, and 63 were healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the IPD and control groups in terms of demographic, anthropometric, and blood parameters (p > 0.05). Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in IPD than the control group (p < 0.001). Serum galectin-3 levels, UPDRS scores, and duration of disease were significantly higher in patients with IPD in parallel with the progression of the disease (p < 0.001; 0.001; 0.009). No significant relationship was detected between the stage of the disease and other parameters (p < 0.05). ConclusionOur study supports the hypothesis that serum galectin-3 level might be associated with IPD. Our data suggest that serum galectin-3 levels might be an accessible biomarker for the detection and prevention of chronic, progressive diseases such as IPH.

Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Liver Cirrhosis and Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Background: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a global health problem. It is the fifth most common solid tumor and the third cause of cancer-related mortality per year.In Egypt, it represents 75% of malignant liver tumors. Early detection and diagnosis of these cases are required for successful treatments and improved outcomes. Aim of the Work: this study aimed to detect serum galactin-3 levels in patients with HCC, liver cirrhosis and chronic viral hepatitis (HBV, or HCV) patients. Patients and Methods: this prospective study was conducted on a total of 60 patients, 20 of them with chronic viral hepatitis B or C, 20 with cirrhosis secondary to chronic viral hepatitis and 20 with HCC secondary to chronic viral hepatitis. It was carried out at the Clinical Pathology Department, Tanta University Hospital. Results: the mean galectin‑3 levels were 15.5 ng/mL (±5.5) in HCC patients, 20.46 ng/mL (±7.56) in cirrhotic patients and 7.003 ng/mL (±4.24) in chronic viral hepatitis group. There were statistical differences between HCC and cirrhotic patients (P< 0.03), but they were lower in chronic hepatitis group statistically compared to cirrhosis and HCC (P< 0.001). Conclusion: serum galectin‑3 levels in patients with chronic HBV or HCV may guide us about progression to cirrhosis or HCC and prognosis of the disease. In these patients, if galectin‑3 levels were found to be high, serum alpha‑feto protein level and ultrasonographic examination could be repeated at more frequent intervals. This may also guide us in terms of the treatment plan. Recommendations: it was recommended to measure changes of galectin-3 in hepatitis carries. Measurement of galectin-3 in a large scale of patients to explore its prognostic value.

Galectin-3: A biochemical marker to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of arrhythmia. AF leads to electrical remodelling and fibrosis of the atria; however, the mechanism(s) remain poorly understood. Galectin-3 is a potential mediator of cardiac fibrosis. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between serum galectin-3 levels and paroxysmal AF. Forty-six patients with paroxysmal AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function, and 38 age- and gender-matched control subjects, were involved in the study. Serum galectin-3 levels were analyzed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum galectin-3 levels (median 1.38 ng/mL; 1.21 ng/mL-1.87 ng/mL; p< 0.001) were significantly elevated in patients with paroxysmal AF compared with the control. Left atrial diameter was significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal AF (41.2±3.0 mm vs. 39.6±3.3 mm). Left atrial diameter was found to be significantly correlated with serum galectin-3 levels in patients with paroxysmal AF (r= 0.378, p= 0.001). Serum galectin-3 levels are significantly elevated and significantly correlated with left atrial diameter in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Association between circulating galectin-3 levels and the immunological, inflammatory and nutritional parameters in patients with colorectal cancer.

Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, exhibits pleiotropic biological functions and has a role as one of the immunological modulators. However, the associations between circulating galectin-3 and immunological, inflammatory and nutritional parameters have not yet been fully elucidated. The serum concentration of galectin-3 was examined in association with interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-12 and IL17 production, lymphocyte stimulation, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and rapid turnover proteins, including retinol-binding protein (RBP), prealbumin (PA) and transferrin (TF) in 50 patients with untreated colorectal cancers. Significant increases (P<0.05) were observed in the serum galectin-3 levels in patients with untreated colorectal cancer (9.6±4.5 ng/ml) compared with the normal controls (3.2±1.6 ng/ml). Higher serum galectin-3 concentrations were observed in patients with colon cancer (11.5±4.4 ng/ml) compared to in patients with rectal cancer (8.0±4.0 ng/ml) (P=0.005). The levels of circulating galectin-3 inversely correlated with the production of IL-10 (r=-0.59, P<0.001), and IL-12 (r=-0.69, P<0.001). Galectin-3 concentration also inversely correlated with the lymphocyte stimulation assay stimulation index (r=-0.42, P=0.021). However, the level of serum galectin-3 correlated with IL-17 production (r=0.67, P<0.001). Serum galectin-3 levels exhibited significant correlations with NLR (r=0.41, P=0.009), WBC (r=0.32, P=0.035), and CRP (r=0.63, P<0.001), and statistically significant inverse correlations with RBP (r=-0.45, P=0.002), PA (r=-0.46, P=0.001) and TF (r=-0.72, P<0.001). Galectin-3 may be one of the key factors in the regulation of immunological, inflammatory and nutritional conditions.

Galectin-3 Predicts Left Ventricular Remodeling of Hypertension.

Previous studies have suggested that galectin-3 is an important mediator of cardiac fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of galectin-3 in identifying early left ventricular remodeling (LVRM) in patients with hypertension. A total of 107 patients with hypertension and 108 controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of galectin-3 were significantly greater in hypertension patients with LVRM compared with those without LVRM. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that body mass index and galectin-3 were independent predictors of LVRM in the hypertension group. Only left ventricular mass was independently correlated with serum galectin-3 levels in patients with hypertension. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve for galectin-3 of 0.698 (P<.001), with an optimal cutoff of 9.43 ng/mL. Therefore, galectin-3 is independently correlated with LVRM and can be regarded as a valuable biomarker of early cardiac remodeling of hypertension.

Serum Galectin-3: diagnostic value for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Thyroid cancer constitutes approximately 1% of all cancers, approximately 90% of the endocrine malignancies, and is responsible for 0.4% of cancer-related deaths. Additional markers are required for the accurate diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. There is no marker that can accurately facilitate pre-operative benign-malignant differentiation of thyroid nodules. The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative serum Galectin-3 levels in thyroid cancer and to avoid unnecessary aggressive interventions. Sixty-four patients who were operated between May 2009 and April 2011 were included in this study prospectively. Patients with toxic nodules and those with malignancies detected in preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were excluded. Patients with thyroid nodules of >3 cm in ultrasonography or having suspicious cytological findings in their preoperative FNABs regardless of the nodule size were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups, "control"and "cancer," according to the postoperative pathology results. The control group included 50 and cancer group included 14 patients. The mean age of the control group was 44.84±13.17 (19-79), while it was 44.14±15.94 (25-72) in the cancer group. A statistically significant difference was found between Galectin-3 levels in the cancer and control groups (p<0.001). In the present study, serum Galectin-3 levels in patients with malignant nodules were statistically significant.

Prognostic significance of serum galectin-3 levels in patients with hepatocellular cancer and chronic viral hepatitis.

Background/Aim:Galectins affect diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes such as development, inflammation, and tumor growth. We aimed to compare serum galectin-3 levels in three patient groups with chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV, HCV), cirrhosis secondary to HBV or HCV, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to HBV or HCV and evaluate the role of galectin-3 during HCC progression.Patients and Methods:Nineteen patients with hepatocellular cancer, 22 patients with cirrhosis, and 24 patients with chronic hepatitis B and C were included in this study. Serum galectin-3 levels in different liver diseases were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:The mean galectin-3 levels were 4.61 ng/mL (±2.32) in HCC patients, 5.68 ng/mL (±2,2) in cirrhotic patients, 1.98 ng/mL (±1.50) in chronic viral hepatitis group. There were no statistical differences between HCC and cirrhotic patients (P = 0.5), but lower in chronic hepatitis group statistically compared with cirrhosis and HCC (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively). In case of cirrhotic patients, galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis secondary to HCV compared with HBV (P = 0.03). When we evaluated galectin-3 levels in HCC patients, it was found to be 3.92 ng/mL in HCC secondary to hepatitis B and 5.37 ng/mL in HCC secondary to hepatitis C.Conclusion:Serum galectin-3 levels in patients with chronic HBV or HCV may guide us about progression to cirrhosis or HCC and prognosis of the disease. Especially, galectin-3 levels may be more pronounced in case of HCV.

Effects of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation on Serum Galectin-3 Levels

Galectin-3 is known to play an important role in a number of fibrotic conditions, including cardiac fibrosis. Many studies have focused on the association between galectin-3 levels andcardiac fibrosis in heart failure. However, the role of galectin-3 in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been evaluated thoroughly yet. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum galectin-3 levels were elevated in patients with AF and preserved left ventricular function. Seventy-six patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF and preserved left ventricular systolic function and 75 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled in this observational study. Galectin-3 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum galectin-3 (median 0.6 ng/ml [interquartile range 0.2 to 1.4] vs 0.5 ng/ml [interquartile range 0.1 to 0.7], p <0.001) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) (mean 29.5 ± 3.5 vs 26.5 ± 2.5ml/m(2), p <0.001) were significantly greater in patients with AF compared with the control group. Serum galectin-3 levels were also significantly higher in patients with persistent AF than those with paroxysmal AF (median 0.8 ng/ml [interquartile range 0.4 to 1.4] vs 0.5 ng/ml [interquartile range 0.2 to 0.9], p <0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that serum galectin-3 (odds ratio 87.53, 95% confidence interval 6.06 to 1,265.03, p= 0.001) and LAVI (odds ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.60, p <0.001) were independent predictors of AF. Only LAVI was independently correlated with serum galectin-3 levels in patients with AF in linear regression analysis. In conclusion, serum galectin-3 is significantly elevated and is also significantly correlated with LAVI in patients with AF with preserved left ventricular function.

Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients Undergoing First-time Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Patients Undergoing First-time Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

Predictive value of serum galectin-3 levels in patients with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AimsThis study was conducted to determine whether galectin-3 (Gal3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, has usefulness to predict outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and resultsWe measured Gal3, urea, creatinine and natriuretic peptides on admission in 419 selected patients with HF and LVEF over 45%. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and/or readmission at one-year follow-up. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were generated for Gal3 and classical risk factors. We also evaluated the reclassification of patients on the basis of the different score category after adding Gal3 levels.A total of 219 patients had combined adverse events, and 129 patients died during the follow-up. Kaplan–Meir survival curve showed significantly increased primary endpoint and all-cause mortality according to quartiles of Gal3 (log rank, P<0.001). Serum Gal3 levels above median (13.8ng/ml) was a significant predictor of primary endpoint risk after adjustment for age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, anemia, diabetes, serum sodium, brain natriuretic peptide levels, NYHA class and urea, respectively (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.07–1.91 P=0.015). The reclassification index increased significantly after addition of Gal3 (9.5%, P<0.001) and the integrated discrimination index was 0.022, (P=0.001). The clinical prediction model with Gal3 increased the c-statistic from 0.711 to 0.731 (difference of 0.020, P=0.001). ConclusionsSerum Gal3 is a strong and independent predictor of unfavorable outcomes in patients with HF and preserved LVEF. We also demonstrated the improvement of adding the new biomarker to the model.

Serum galectin-3 level in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by progressive fibrosis. Activated fibroblasts are mainly responsible for fibrosis in SSc. Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, plays many important regulatory roles in both physiological and pathological processes including proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the serum galectin-3 levels in patients with SSc. Thirty-seven SSc patients, 23 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (serving as patient control group), and 28 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Disease activity and severity scores were detected with Valentini disease activity index and Medsger disease severity scale in the SSc group and SLE disease activity index and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage index in the SLE group. The serum levels of galectin-3, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and interleukin-6 were determined. Compared to the control group, the galectin-3 levels were higher in the SSc and SLE groups. The galectin-3 levels were not correlated with the disease activity and severity indexes in both patient groups. But, the serum galectin-3 levels were higher in the active SSc and SLE subgroups than in the inactive SSc (4.6 ± 5.8 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1 ng/ml, p = 0.015) and SLE (17.4 ± 11.3 vs. 6.5 ± 8.9 ng/ml, p = 0.019) subgroups. These results suggest that galectin-3, which is associated with fibrosis and inflammation by previous studies, may be a prominent biomarker of disease activity in SSc.

Serum galectin-3 levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objectives Galectin-3 might serve as a biomarker of human metabolic alterations. We measured serum levels of galectin-3 in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and examined their association with clinical and histological phenotypes. Design and methods Serum levels of galectin-3 were assayed in 71 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 39 controls. Results Serum galectin-3 levels did not differ in patients with NAFLD (median 4.1 ng/mL; interquartile range: 1.5–5.5 ng/mL) compared with healthy controls (median 3.1 ng/mL; interquartile range: 0.8–7.5 ng/mL, P = 0.93). Among patients with NAFLD, however, serum galectin-3 levels correlated significantly with BMI (r = 0.267, P < 0.05). This association persisted after adjustment for potential confounders (β = 0.30; t = 2.11, P < 0.05). Conclusions Although galectin-3 was modestly associated with BMI, our results do not support the hypothesis that levels of this molecule are altered in patients with NAFLD.