The Role of Galectin-3 in Heart Failure—The Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential—Where Do We Stand?

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences Vol. 24; no. 17; p. 13111
• Main Authors: Zaborska, Beata, Sikora-Frąc, Małgorzata, Smarż, Krzysztof, Pilichowska-Paszkiet, Ewa, Budaj, Andrzej, Sitkiewicz, Dariusz, Sygitowicz, Grażyna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Apoptosis; atrial fibrillation; Biomarkers; Cell cycle; Cell growth; Diagnosis; Extracellular matrix; fibrosis; galectin-3; Glycoproteins; Health aspects; Heart failure; Immune system; Inflammation; Mortality; Peptides; Proteins; Review; Transcription factors
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713111

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an important factor in the pathophysiology of HF, mainly due to its role in cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and ventricular remodeling. Fibrosis is a hallmark of cardiac remodeling, HF, and atrial fibrillation development. This review aims to explore the involvement of Gal-3 in HF and its role in the pathogenesis and clinical diagnostic and prognostic significance. We report data on Gal-3 structure and molecular mechanisms of biological function crucial for HF development. Over the last decade, numerous studies have shown an association between echocardiographic and CMR biomarkers in HF and Gal-3 serum concentration. We discuss facts and concerns about Gal-3’s utility in acute and chronic HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Finally, we present attempts to use Gal-3 as a therapeutic target in HF.