Galectin‐3 and risk of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Galectin‐3 is an inflammatory marker that is raised in myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. Recent studies have explored its role in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to examine the association between serum concentration of galectin‐3 and AF. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database were searched. A total of 280 studies were identified, of which 28 studies involving 10 830 patients were included in our meta‐analysis. Results Galectin‐3 is present at higher concentrations in patients with AF than those in sinus rhythm (mean difference [MD] = −0.68 ng/mL, 95% CI: −0.92, −0.44, Z = 5.61, P < .00001). Galectin‐3 levels were significantly higher in the persistent AF than in the paroxysmal AF group (MD = −0.94 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.85, −0.03, Z = 2.04, P = .04). Higher galectin‐3 levels were associated with a 45% increase in the odds of developing AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.83, Z = 3.11, P = .002) and risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] =1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29, Z = 3.12, P = .002). Conclusions Our meta‐analysis found that galectin‐3 is significantly higher in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF, and can predict both AF development and recurrence after treatment.

Galectin-3, N-terminal Propeptides of Type I and III Procollagen in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Metabolic Syndrome

“…The largest meta-analysis, which included 28 studies and 10813 patients, was published in 2020. This meta-analysis demonstrated that galectin-3 is higher in patients with AF than in patients with sinus rhythm, and an increased level of galectin-3 is associated with a higher risk of AF development (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.15–1.83, p = 0.002) [ 17 ]. However, for many years the role of galectin-3 in the development of AF in patients with MS remained unknown.…”

Association between routine biomarkers and atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker

“…isoprostanes, and others. [9][10][11][12][13][14] SND is associated with atrial fibrosis, atrial myopathy, and structural remodeling, creating a substrate that facilitates AF development and perpetuation. 3,4 Furthermore, bradycardia per se, ion-channel remodeling, abnormal calcium handling, electrophysiological alterations, and autonomic abnormalities contribute to the atrial arrhythmogenesis.…”

“…Remarkably, the role of pathophysiologic pathways that involve oxidative and inflammatory processes in AF is under meticulous investigation 9,10 . Several inflammatory indexes and oxidative stress markers have been associated with AF in different clinical settings 9‐14 . These include CRP, interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), myeloperoxidase, galectin‐3, nitrotyrosine, F2 isoprostanes, and others 9‐14 …”

“…9,10 Several biomarkers associated with these processes have been studied in patients with AF. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Recently, much attention has been paid on the role of routine biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, such as uric acid, RDW, and γGT, in AF. 13,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] RDW is a marker of anisocytosis of erythrocytes and is related to inflammatory and oxidative stress.…”

“…Inflammation and oxidative stress seem to play a significant pathophysiologic role in AF development and perpetuation 9,10 . Several biomarkers associated with these processes have been studied in patients with AF 9‐14 …”