Elevated galectin-3 level predicts pulmonary artery hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a heterogenic group of devastating disorders that characterizes higher rates of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recent clinical studies have shown that clinical features, hemodynamic parameters, echocardiography patter, multi-spiral computer tomography findings, exercise capacity, and anti-nuclear antibody profiles could be used as predictors of clinical severity and outcomes in PAH patients. However, the reliability, sensitivity, specificity and predictive value are derived from PAH patients with different comorbidities and specific complications associated with CTD, congenital heart disease and respiratory disease might be unacceptable. The aim of the mini review: to summarize the knowledge regarding predictive value of galectin-3 as a biomarker in PAH individuals. The mini review is argued the perspective to utilize single sample and serial measurements of Gal-3 as a regulatory peptide contributed in PAH pathogenesis aimed to improve prediction of PAH development and progression.

Galectin-3: One Molecule for an Alphabet of Diseases, from A to Z

“…Gal-3 plasma levels are correlated with right ventricle dysfunction [ 358 ] and with extracellular matrix markers [ 356 , 357 ]. Gal-3 seems to play a key role in acute and chronic inflammatory responses to endothelial injury, vascular remodeling and fibrosis in PAH [ 359 ]. The serial measurement of Gal-3 serum levels was suggested as a useful marker to improve prediction and progression of PAH [ 360 ].…”

Is Elevated Circulating Galectin-3 Level A Predictor of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Development and Progression?

“…The heterogeneity of nature evolution, clinical features, prognosis, and treatment response supports the need for identifying PAH patients at risk with various methods [44]. Recent clinical studies have shown that clinical status, hemodynamics, several biomarkers (growth differentiation factor-15, interleukin-6, creatinine, and NT-proBNP levels) and exercise capacity may predict severity and clinical outcomes in selected cohorts of patients with PAH [11] including subjects with known cardiac dysfunction [45].…”