Serum Gal-3 Levels Research Articles

Galectin-3 and Interleukin-17: A potential role in the pathogenesis of human papilloma virus infection.

In many cases, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is self-limiting, as innate and adaptive cell-mediated immunity is needed for infection elimination; however, the inability of the immune system in some patients to clear the infection is a matter of debate. The interleukin-17 (IL-17) family cytokines play an important protective role in host immune response to infections, through maintaining immunity against specific pathogens, induction of antimicrobial proteins, and recruitment of neutrophils to sites of invasion. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) may be considered as a marker of viral infection as many studies reported its increased serum level in viral infections. To evaluate levels of serum Gal-3 and IL-17 in patients with verrucas and to explore the potential role of these markers in the pathogenesis of the disease. Fifty patients suffering from HPV Infection, and fifty healthy controls were included in this study. Serum levels of Gal-3 and IL-17 were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients' serum Gal-3 was significantly higher, while IL-17 was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls (p-value<0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between Gal-3 serum level and disease duration and number of warts. Significant negative correlation exists between IL-17 and Gal-3 levels. Our results indicate a potential role of both IL-17 and Gal-3 in the pathogenesis of warts and open a new opportunity in targeting these markers in the future in treating warts.

Presence of galectin-3 in peritoneal dialysate. Does it have a role in the peritoneal membrane inflammatory process?

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) causes structural and functional changes in the peritoneal membrane, which are attributed to local inflammatory process. This study assessed the presence of galectin-3 (Gal-3), a known inflammatory modulator, in dialysate effluent and correlated its levels with markers of inflammatory process. Gal-3 levels in serum and dialysate effluent were measured in prevalent PD patients on morning visits (n= 27) or during peritoneal equilibration tests (PET, n= 16), it association with clinical and laboratory parameters, including dialysate/plasma creatinine (D/P creatinine) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels was analysed. Gal-3 levels in dialysate effluent correlated with D/P creatinine (0.663, p= 0.005) and dialysate effluent IL-6 levels (0.674, p= 0.002), but not with serum Gal-3 levels or dialysis vintage. Patients who were high transporters had higher Gal-3 levels in dialysate effluent, as compared to lower transporters. In multivariate regression analysis, dialysate IL-6 level was the strongest predictor of dialysate Gal-3 levels. This study found Gal-3 in dialysate effluent correlated with D/P creatinine and dialysate IL-6 levels. These findings may imply that Gal-3 has a role in the intraperitoneal inflammatory process. However, this needs to be investigated further.

A translational study of Galectin-3 as an early biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ischemic-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury.

We evaluated Galectin-3 (Gal-3) as a potential early biomarker of acute kidney disease (AKI), and the effect of Gal-3 inhibition by modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced AKI. Among fifty-two post-cardiac surgery patients, serum and urine Gal-3 levels were examined on intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In a rat renal I/R injury model, Gal-3 levels, renal function, and histopathology were evaluated in rats pretreated with P-MCP for one week (n = 16) compared to controls (n = 16). Among post-cardiac surgery patients, median serum and urine Gal-3 levels on ICU admission were higher in patients who developed AKI than those who did not (AKI vs non-AKI serum: 18.37 vs. 8.08 ng/ml, p < 0.001; AKI vs non-AKI urine:13.27 vs. 6.27 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Serum and urine Gal-3 levels were reliable biomarkers for detecting AKI (AUC: 0.88 and 0.87). In the rat renal I/R injury model, I/R caused an increase of Gal-3 at 0.5 h after reperfusion (p < 0.05). Gal-3 inhibition by P-MCP significantly decreased Gal-3 release and expression (p < 0.05), reduced interleukin (IL-6) release (p < 0.05), decreased renal dysfunction, and reduced renal tubular injury. Gal-3 is a potential early biomarker in the diagnosis of AKI. Inhibition of Gal-3 may provide therapeutic utility in the treatment of I/R-induced AKI.

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

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

MO710GALECTIN-3, IS IT A NEW PLAYER IN PERITONEAL INFLAMMATION AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING PERITONEAL DIALYSIS?

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a common used method for renal replacement therapy. Prolonged PD treatment causes structural and functional changes in the peritoneal membrane which are attributed to local inflammatory process in the peritoneal cavity. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a galactoside-binding lectin with pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects. The aim of this study was to assess correlation between Gal-3 serum and dialysate effluent levels with peritoneal membrane transport characteristics. Method Gal-3 levels in serum and dialysate effluent were measured simultaneously in prevalent PD patients in morning visit or during peritoneal equilibration test (PET). Gal-3 levels were correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters. Interlukin (IL) -6 levels were measured in dialysate effluent. Gal-3 mRNA and protein expression were evaluated after exposure of primary endothelial cell culture to several dialysate solutions. Results 37 PD patients were included in the study; mean age was 65.7±13.1 years, mean dialysis vintage was 17.5±13 months. Gal-3 levels in dialysate effluent correlated with peritoneal equilibration test (PET) results (0.663, p=0.005) and effluent IL-6 levels (0.674, p=0.002) but not with serum Gal-3 levels or dialysis vintage. Patients with high PET results had higher effluent Gal-3 levels as compared average low PET results. In multivariate regression analysis effluent IL-6 level was the most dominant predictor of effluent Gal-3 levels. Gal-3 mRNA and protein expression in primary endothelial cell culture were not affected by stimulation with dialysate solutions. Conclusion Our study demonstrated presence of Gal-3 within the dialysate effluent in PD patients. Gal-3 levels correlated with peritoneal membrane transport characteristics and effluent IL-6 levels suggesting a role in the inflammatory process within the peritoneal cavity.

Genetic variants in LGALS3 are related to lower galectin-3 serum levels and clinical outcomes in systemic sclerosis patients: A case-control study

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare complex disease characterized by vascular damage, autoimmunity, and extensive skin and internal organs fibrosis. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is encoded by gene LGALS3 (Lectin, Galactoside-Binding, Soluble, 3; 14q22.3) and it has been reported to play a central role in self-tolerance, inflammation, and fibrosis. Objective To investigate associations among LGALS3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum levels Gal-3 and SSc susceptibility and their clinical features. Methods A case-control study with 88 patients and 151 matched controls was performed. LGALS3 variants were analyzed by the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system whereas Gal-3 serum levels were measured by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations among genotypes, clinical features, and Gal-3 levels were performed by univariable and multivariable analysis through statistical packages. Results The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C genotype was more frequent in SSc patients than controls according to overdominant model [OR 1.89 (CI 95% 1.01 − 3.52); p = .046]. Also, LGALS3 rs4652 C/C polymorphic genotype was associated with lower patient Gal-3 levels (p = .03) and control group (p = 0.005), as noted by generalized linear model (GLM). The LGALS3 rs1009977 G/T controls showed higher Gal-3 levels than wild-type and polymorphic genotypes (p = .03); however, in SSc patients, no difference was found. None of the LGALS3 SNPs or Gal-3 levels was associated with clinical manifestations in SSc patients. Considering only the SSc group, GLM analysis pointed LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), myopathy, and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (SHAQ) as important predictors for Gal-3 levels. Conclusion The LGALS3 rs4652 A/C was more frequent in SSc patients and related to lower Gal-3 levels. These findings were corroborated through a GLM to estimate Gal-3 values. Also, by model equations, Gal-3 levels may be predicted by HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, myopathy, and LGALS3 rs4652 and rs2075601 factors. In these ways, we suggest that galectins may be promising biomarkers to identify susceptibility to SSc as well as to identify HAQ, SHAQ, PAH, and myopathy outcomes.

Galectin-3-A New Player of Kidney Damage or an Innocent Bystander in Children with a Single Kidney?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the galectin-3 (Gal-3) level in children with a congenital solitary functioning kidney (cSFK) and determine its association with common renal function parameters. The study consisted of 68 children (49 males) with cSFK. We demonstrated that children with cSFK had a lower level of galectin-3 than that of healthy subjects (p < 0.001). No significant differences in serum cystatin C (Cys C) levels between the cSFK children and the reference group were found. The subjects with cSFK and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) had significantly higher levels of Gal-3 and Cys C compared to those with normal eGFR (p < 0.05). Children with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 showed significant statistical differences between the values of area under ROC curve (AUC) for Gal-3 (AUC 0.91) and Cys C (AUC 0.96) compared to that for creatinine level (AUC 0.76). Similar analyses carried out among cSFK children with eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 revealed an AUC value of 0.69 for Gal-3, 0.74 for Cys C, and 0.64 for creatinine; however, no significant superiority was shown for any of them. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses for identifying the SFK children among all participants based on the serum levels of Gal-3 and Cys C did not show any diagnostic profile (AUCs for Gal-3 and Cys C were 0.22 and 0.59, respectively). A positive correlation between the Gal-3 and Cys C concentrations was found (r = 0.39, p = 0.001). We demonstrated for the first time that Gal-3 might play an important role in the subtle kidney damage in children with cSFK. However, further prospective studies are required to confirm the potential applicability of Gal-3 as an early biomarker for kidney injury and possible progression to CKD.

Age-related trabecular bone loss is associated with a decline in serum Galectin-1 level

BackgroundSenile osteoporosis with age-related bone loss is diagnosed depending on radiographic changes of bone and bone mineral density (BMD) measurement. However, radiographic alterations are usually signs of medium-late stage osteoporosis. Therefore, biomarkers have been proposed as indicators of bone loss. In the current study, Galectin-1 (Gal-1) showed age-related decline in mice serum. The role of Gal-1 in osteoporosis has not been investigated so far. Hence, the current study illustrated the relationship of serum Gal-1 level with bone loss.MethodsWe employed 6- and 18-month-old mice to establish an animal model of age-related trabecular bone loss, whose bone density and microstructure were investigated by micro-CT. ELISA was used to measure the levels of Gal-1 in serum. The correlation analysis was performed to illustrate the relationship between serum Gal-1 levels and trabecular bone loss. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the abundance of Gal-1 in bone marrow of mice. ELISA and western blot were performed to measure the secretion ability and protein expression of Gal-1 in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and myeloid progenitor (MP) respectively. Flow cytometry was used to measure BMSC number in bone marrow. Finally, male volunteers with age-related BMD decrease were recruited and the relationship between serum Gal-1 and BMD was analyzed.ResultsGal-1 showed age-related decline in mice serum. Serum Gal-1 was positively associated with BV/TV of femur, tibia and L1 vertebrae in mice. BMSC secreted more Gal-1 compared with HSC and MP. BMSC number in bone marrow was significantly lower in aged mice compared with young mice. Significant attenuation of Gal-1 protein expression was observed in BMSC and HSC from aged mice compared with young mice. Further, we found a decline in serum Gal-1 levels in men with age-related BMD decrease. There was positive correlation between BMD and serum Gal-1 levels in these men.ConclusionsAge-related trabecular bone loss is associated with a decline in serum Gal-1 level in mice and men. Our study suggested Gal-1 had great potential to be a biomarker for discovering BMSC senescence, diagnosing early osteoporosis and monitoring trabecular bone loss.

Circulating Galectin-1 and Galectin-3 in Sera From Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: Associations With Clinical Features and Treatment.

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rheumatic disease characterized by fibrosis, microvascular damage and immune dysregulation. Two major subsets, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) can be defined, according to the extent of skin involvement. Increasing evidence indicates a role for galectins in immune and vascular programs, extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, suggesting their possible involvement in SSc. Here, we determined serum levels of galectin (Gal)-1 and Gal-3 in 83 SSc patients (dcSSc n = 17; lcSSc n = 64; ssSSc n = 2), and evaluated their association with clinical manifestations of the disease. Patients with dcSSc showed lower Gal-3 levels, compared to lcSSc (p = 0.003), whereas no considerable difference in Gal-1 levels was detected between groups. Remarkably, higher concentrations of Gal-1 were associated with the presence of telangiectasias (p = 0.015), and higher concentrations Gal-3 were associated with telangiectasias (p = 0.021), diarrhea (p = 0.039) and constipation (p = 0.038). Moreover, lower Gal-3 levels were associated with the presence of tendinous retractions (p = 0.005). Patients receiving calcium blockers (p = 0.048), methotrexate (p = 0.046) or any immunosuppressive treatment (p = 0.044) presented lower concentrations of Gal-3 compared to those not receiving such treatments. The presence of telangiectasia and the type of SSc maintained their statistical association with Gal-3 (β 0.25; p = 0.022 and β 0.26; p = 0.017, respectively) in multiple linear regression models. In conclusion, serum levels of Gal-3 are associated with clinical manifestations of SSc. Among them, the presence of telangiectasias could be explained by the central role of this lectin in the vascularization programs.

Human galectin-1 and galectin-3 promote Tropheryma whipplei infection

ABSTRACT Tropheryma whipplei, is an actinobacterium that causes different infections in humans, including Whipple’s disease. The bacterium infects and replicates in macrophages, leading to a Th2-biased immune response. Previous studies have shown that T. whipplei harbors complex surface glycoproteins with evidence of sialylation. However, the exact contribution of these glycoproteins for infection and survival remains obscure. To address this, we characterized the bacterial glycoprofile and evaluated the involvement of human β-galactoside-binding lectins, Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and Galectin-3 (Gal-3) which are highly expressed by macrophages as receptors for bacterial glycans. Tropheryma whipplei glycoproteins harbor different sugars including glucose, mannose, fucose, β-galactose and sialic acid. Mass spectrometry identification revealed that these glycoproteins were membrane- and virulence-associated glycoproteins. Most of these glycoproteins are highly sialylated and N-glycosylated while some of them are rich in poly-N-acetyllactosamine (Poly-LAcNAc) and bind Gal-1 and Gal-3. In vitro, T. whipplei modulates the expression and cellular distribution of Gal-1 and Gal-3. Although both galectins promote T. whipplei infection by enhancing bacterial cell entry, only Gal-3 is required for optimal bacterial uptake. Finally, we found that serum levels of Gal-1 and Gal-3 were altered in patients with T. whipplei infections as compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that galectins are also involved in vivo. Among T. whipplei membrane-associated proteins, poly-LacNAc rich-glycoproteins promote infection through interaction with galectins. T. whipplei modulates the expression of Gal-1 and Gal-3 both in vitro and in vivo. Drugs interfering with galectin–glycan interactions may provide new avenues for the treatment and diagnosis of T. whipplei infections.

Serum galectin-9 could be a potential biomarker in assessing the disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Serum galectin levels have been reported to be associated with the activity in autoimmune diseases. This study investigated whether serum levels of galectin (Gal)-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 could be used as biomarkers in assessing the disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Eighty AAV patients were selected for inclusion in our AAV cohort. AAV-specific indices and clinical and laboratory data were assessed on the same day when blood samples were obtained from the patient and serum levels of Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 were measured by ELISA from obtained sera. High disease activity was defined as Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) ≥ 12. The optimal cut-off value of galectins was extrapolated by receiver operator characteristic analysis and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between Gal-3, Gal-9, and BVAS. The median values of BVAS, Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 were 8.0, 38.1 ng/mL, 12.4 ng/mL, and 1017.7 ng/mL, respectively. Serum Gal-3 and Gal-9 levels were correlated with BVAS (r=0.375 and r=0.462), while only serum Gal-9 levels were independently associated with BVAS (β=0.250) in linear regression analyses. Serum Gal-9 ≥10.28 ng/mL was also associated with high activity of AAV (odds ratio 5.303) in multivariable logistic regression analysis. In addition, serum Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-9 levels were found to differ according to ANCA positivity status and the presence of renal manifestations. These results suggest the potential possibility of serum Gal-9 levels in assessing AAV disease activity.

Validation of galectin-1 as potential diagnostic biomarker of early rheumatoid arthritis

Galectin 1 (Gal1) is a lectin with a wide cellular expression that functions as a negative regulator of the immune system in several animal models of autoimmune diseases. Identification of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved during the last decade, although there is still a need for biomarkers allowing an early diagnosis. In this regard, it has been recently proposed that Gal1 serum levels are increased in patients with RA compared to the general population. However, this topic is controversial in the literature. In this work, we provide additional information about the potential usefulness of Gal1 serum levels as a biomarker for RA diagnosis. We studied Gal1 serum and synovial fluid levels and clinical parameters in samples from 62 patients with early arthritis belonging to the PEARL study. In addition, 24 healthy donors were studied. We found that both patients fulfilling RA criteria and patients with undifferentiated arthritis showed higher Gal1 levels than healthy donors. Similar findings were observed in synovial fluid, which showed even higher levels than serum. However, we did not find correlation between Gal1 levels and disease activity or disability. Therefore, our results suggest that Gal1 could be a diagnostic but not a severity biomarker.

The expression levels of Mir-146b and Mir-221 in thyroid carcinoma tissues and their correlation with malignancy degree

This experiment aimed to investigate the correlation between the expressions of mir-146b and mir-221 and the proliferation, invasion, and malignancy of tumor cells. For this purpose, 135 patients with thyroid cancer treated in our hospital and 120 patients with non-malignant thyroid cancer in the outpatient clinic were selected as subjects. Fine needle biopsy tissues of the two groups were taken as samples to detect the expression levels of mir-146b and mir-221 in the tissues. The effect of the two microRNA on the proliferation and migration of cancer cells was observed by the transfection of cell lines. The contents of gal-3 and MMP9 in serum were further detected, and their relationship with the expressions of mir-146b and mir-221 was analyzed. The results showed that the expressions of mir-146b and mir-221 were significantly decreased and increased in thyroid carcinoma fine-needle aspiration tissues. Mir-146b inhibited the proliferation and migration of cancer cells, while mir-221 promoted this process. In the more cancer cells, the expression levels of these two genes changed more, and the serum levels of gal-3 and MMP9 also increased. It was concluded that the expression levels of mir-146b and mir-221 were correlated with the degree of tumor malignancy, and the low expression of mir-146b and the high expression of mir-221 were correlated with the proliferation, invasion, and malignancy of thyroid cancer tumor cells.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarker galectin-3 and hippocampal volume in a community study

Galectin-3 (Gal3) is expressed by microglia and performs functions including adhesion; activation of macrophages and fibroblasts, and mediates inflammatory responses in the hippocampus. The present study examined whether serum Gal3 levels predict hippocampal volume in a multi-ethnic, community-based sample. Results of a multiple linear regression (controlling for depression, serum creatinine level, age, BMI, total brain volume, MoCA score, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, history of diabetes) showed that Gal3 levels significantly predicted left (p = .027) but not right hippocampal volume. The relationship was stronger in men than women. Findings suggest this novel inflammatory biomarker is associated with human hippocampal volume.

LGALS3 +191A and +292C polymorphisms are associated with a reduction in serum gal-3 levels, but not with the clinical events of individuals with sickle cell anemia

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) +191 C&gt;A (rs4644) and +292 A&gt;C (rs4652) of the LGALS3 gene and the serum levels of galectin-3 (gal-3) are associated with clinical events in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). Methods: SNP +191 and +292 of the LGALS3 gene were detected by the TaqMan PCR system in real time. Gal-3 levels were measured in serum by ELISA. The study included 322 patients, mean age 36 (21-84). Results: AA and CA genotypes of the +191 region were related to lower levels of gal-3 when compared to CC genotype (p=0.0296). Lower level of gal-3 was also associated with the +191/+292 (AA/CC; CA/CC) diplotypes (p=0.0137) compared to the diplotypes (CC/AA; CC/CC; CC/AC; CA/AC). There was no association between serum levels of galectin-3 and genotype frequencies of the LGALS3 +191 and +292 polymorphisms with clinical events in SCA. Conclusion: The polymorphisms +191 and +292 of the LGALS3 are associated to decrease in serum levels of gal-3. However, no association of polymorphisms and levels of gal-3 with clinical events was observed in patients SCA.

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.

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.

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.

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.