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Galectin-3 in patients with chronic heart failure: association with oxidative stress, inflammation, renal dysfunction
Elena A Medvedeva1, Ivan I Berezin, Elena A Surkova
1Department of Cardiology, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russian Federation - elena5583@mail.ru.
Insights
Galectin-3, a fibrosis biomarker, is elevated in chronic heart failure (HF) and predicts mortality. Higher galectin-3 and cystatin-C levels indicate a worse prognosis in HF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Fibrosis Research
Background:
- Galectin-3 is an emerging biomarker for fibrosis.
- It may influence cardiac remodeling and heart failure (HF) progression and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between galectin-3 levels and mortality in patients with chronic HF.
- To explore correlations between galectin-3 and other biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and kidney dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 190 patients with chronic HF (NYHA class II-IV).
- Measured galectin-3 and other biomarkers (NT-proBNP, CRP, IL-6, etc.) at baseline.
- 26-month follow-up for all-cause mortality.
Main Results:
- Galectin-3 levels positively correlated with inflammatory cytokines (hs-CRP, IL-6) and oxidative stress markers.
- Galectin-3 levels differed significantly across NYHA functional classes.
- Galectin-3 was the most sensitive and specific predictor of 26-month mortality in chronic HF.
Conclusions:
- Elevated galectin-3 is present in chronic HF patients across all NYHA classes.
- Galectin-3, along with cystatin-C, are independent predictors of mortality in chronic HF.
- Specific thresholds for galectin-3 (>21 ng/mL) and cystatin-C (>2800 pg/mL) are associated with increased mortality risk.
Background:
Galectin-3 is a recently developed biomarker of fibrosis, which may play a role in cardiac remodeling and associated with both the progression and severity of heart failure (HF).
Methods:
A prospective cohort study of 190 patients with documented prior myocardial infarction and chronic HF (NYHA class II-IV) was conducted. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their NYHA functional class. Levels of galectin-3, NT-proBNP, CRP, IL-6, oxidized-LDL, extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), 3-nitrotyrosine, SH-groups, cystatin-C were determined. Follow-up period was 26 months, and all-cause mortality was determined as the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis was performed and statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
Results:
The cytokines hs-CRP, IL-6 and markers of oxidative stress had significant positive correlation with plasma galectin-3 levels in all groups of patients. The level of galectin-3 was significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). Galectin-3 was found to be the most sensitive and specific value in determination of 26 months mortality in patients with chronic HF. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, galectin-3 and cystatin-C were associated with death during the follow up period.
Conclusions:
Galectin-3 levels are elevated in patients with chronic HF across all NYHA functional classes. Galectin-3 shows positive correlation with markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney dysfunction. Galectin-3 levels and cystatin-C levels are independent predictors of 26-month mortality in patients with chronic HF. Patients with cystatin-C level >2800 pg/mL carry a worse prognosis. Galectin-3 level >21 ng/mL associated with increased mortality.
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