Galectin-3 serum levels are independently associated with microalbuminuria in chronic heart failure outpatients

Abstract

Background:Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a novel biomarker reflecting inflammation status and fibrosis involving worsening of both cardiac and renal functions.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Gal-3 serum levels and microalbuminuria in a group of chronic heart failure (CHF) outpatients.Patients and Methods:We enrolled CHF outpatients having stable clinical conditions and receiving conventional therapy. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, routine chemistry analysis, echocardiography, and evaluation of the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR).Results:Among the patients enrolled, 61 had microalbuminuria (UACR, 30-299) and 133 normoalbuminuria (UACR, < 30). Patients with normoalbuminuria showed significantly higher levels of Gal-3 than those without (19.9 ± 8.8 vs. 14.6 ± 5.5 ng/mL). The stepwise regression analysis indicated that Gal-3 was the first determinant of microalbuminuria (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 - 1.14, P = 0.012), followed by diabetes (OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.00 - 4.57; P = 0.049) and high central venous pressure (OR 2.80; 95% CI: 1.04 - 7.58; P= 0.042).Conclusions:Our findings indicate an independent association between Gal-3 levels and microalbuminuria, an early marker of altered renal function. This suggests the possible role of Gal-3 in the progression of cardiorenal syndrome in CHF outpatients.

Galectin-3 is independently associated with progression of nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

“…Incident albuminuria was examined only in the Framingham Offspring Study and no relationship with galectin-3 was found [17]. An independent association between galectin-3 concentration and microalbuminuria has been reported in individuals with chronic heart failure [25].…”

Galectin-3 as a novel biomarker for disease diagnosis and a target for therapy (Review)

“…In outpatients with HF, increased serum levels of galectin-3 reflected increased neurohumoral activity and reduced eGFR, however, not myocardial function ( 42 ). In another study enrolling a group of outpatients with chronic HF, galectin-3 serum levels were significantly and independently associated with micro-albuminuria ( 43 ). However, Zhang et al ( 44 ) reported that for inpatients with HF, galectin-3 only predicted mortality associated with renal function for patients with an eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73 m 2 .…”

A Multiparametric Approach Based on NT-proBNP, ST2, and Galectin3 for Stratifying One Year Prognosis of Chronic Heart Failure Outpatients

“…Both these novel biomarkers reflect different pathophysiological pathways compared with natriuretic peptides, i.e., cardiac remodeling related to fibrosis. Moreover, Gal-3 also seems associated to renal dysfunction [ 2 , 3 ].…”