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Functions of galectin-3 and its role in fibrotic diseases
Liu-cheng Li1, Jun Li2, Jian Gao2
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China (L.L., J.L.); and Pharmaceutical Preparation Section, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China (J.G.).
Abstract:
Fibrotic diseases occur in a variety of organs and lead to continuous organ injury, function decline, and even failure. Currently effective treatment options are limited. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a pleiotropic lectin that plays an important role in cell proliferation, adhesion, differentiation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that Gal-3 activates a variety of profibrotic factors, promotes fibroblast proliferation and transformation, and mediates collagen production. Recent studies have defined key roles for Gal-3 in fibrogenesis in diverse organ systems, including liver, kidney, lung, and myocardial. To help set the stage for future research, we review recent advances about the role played by Gal-3 in fibrotic diseases. Herein we discuss the potential profibrotic role of Gal-3, inhibition of which may represent a promising therapeutic strategy against tissue fibrosis.
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