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Galectin-3 is a member of the lectin family of carbohydrate-binding proteins involved in cell adhesion, immune regulation and inflammatory responses. It is widely expressed in multiple tissues and cell types, particularly immune cells.
Galectin-3 plays a key role in inflammation and fibrosis and has been implicated in the development and progression of several cardiometabolic and renal diseases.
Elevated circulating galectin-3 levels have been associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Higher levels have also been observed in individuals with prediabetes, suggesting a potential link with early metabolic dysfunction.
These findings indicate that galectin-3 may reflect underlying metabolic and inflammatory processes associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.
Increased galectin-3 levels have been associated with declining kidney function and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in patients with diabetes.
Higher concentrations have been linked with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and greater albuminuria. Evidence from community-based studies also suggests that elevated galectin-3 may predict incident CKD, supporting its potential role as a marker of renal impairment.
Galectin-3 has been associated with atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and cardiovascular mortality. Elevated levels are more frequently observed in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia.
In patients with coronary artery disease, higher galectin-3 concentrations have been linked to adverse outcomes and increased cardiovascular risk.
Galectin-3 is involved in cardiac fibrosis and remodelling, processes central to the development of heart failure. Elevated levels have been reported in patients with heart failure and have been associated with hospitalisation and mortality.
Measurement of galectin-3 may therefore provide prognostic information in patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Galectin-3 is increasingly recognised as a biomarker associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction, renal impairment and cardiovascular disease. Its involvement in inflammation and fibrosis supports its potential utility in risk assessment and disease monitoring.