Clinical Significance of Serum Galectin-9 and Soluble CD155 Levels in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract

Signaling through coinhibitory receptors downregulates the immune response to prevent excessive immune activation and maintain optimal immunity and tolerance. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of the soluble forms of coinhibitory receptors and their ligands, namely, galectin-9 (the ligand of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3) and CD155 (the ligand of T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain), and their association with clinical features in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The serum levels of galectin-9 and soluble sCD155 were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in patients with SSc, and the results were evaluated with respect to clinical features. Patients with SSc exhibited raised serum levels of galectin-9, but not sCD155. Serum galectin-9 levels were raised not only in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc but also in patients with limited cutaneous SSc. Furthermore, serum galectin-9 levels correlated positively with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In addition, increased serum galectin-9 levels tended to be associated with higher mortality and serious organ involvement. These results suggest that galectin-9, but not CD155, may be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. In addition, the measurement of serum galectin-9 levels could be used to predict serious organ involvement and high mortality in patients with SSc.

A potential contribution of decreased serum galectin‐10 levels to systemic inflammation and pulmonary vascular involvement in systemic sclerosis

“…The galectins comprise 17 family members, and genes encoding galectin‐1, galectin‐2, galectin‐3, galectin‐4, galectin‐7, galectin‐8, galectin‐9, galectin‐10 (Gal‐10), galectin‐12, galectin‐13, galectin‐14 and galectin‐16 proteins are identified in humans. Among them, serum levels of galectin‐1, galectin‐3, galectin‐7 and galectin‐9 have been investigated in SSc 7–10 . Serum galectin‐1 levels are significantly lower in SSc patients with pitting scars or digital ulcers 7 .…”

“…Serum galectin‐3 levels are decreased in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), while enhanced in SSc patients with digital ulcers and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) 8 . Serum galectin‐7 levels inversely correlate with skin score, 9 whereas serum galectin‐9 levels positively correlate with skin score and ground‐glass opacity (GGO) score 10 . Thus, the galectins seem to be a member of molecules related to a broad range of SSc symptoms.…”

Dynamics of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

“…In conclusion, for now SSc remains an incurable disease with an etiology and pathogenesis that are not known in their entirety, with an invalidating course and an unfavorable psychological impact which diminishes the patient's quality of life; these reasons are a statement for the imperative need for future studies and observations on all aspects of the disease which might be useful for optimal management (1,37,38).…”

Prognostic role of galectins expression in patients with hepatic cancer

“…The family of galectins plays an important role in the control of apoptotic signaling pathways by regulating the immune response, inflammation, and angiogenesis. [22] Strikingly, very little attention has been given to understanding the molecular details behind this key regulatory network. Galectins families were found at both intracellular and extracellular sites.…”