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Galectins-A Potential Target for Cardiovascular Therapy.
Ghulam Md Ashraf1, Asma Perveen2, Syed Kashif Zaidi3
1King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589. Saudi Arabia.
Current Vascular Pharmacology
|February 4, 2017
Summary
Galectins (Gals) are key in cell signaling and cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. This review explores Gals
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Cellular behavior is largely dictated by local cell-cell interactions, with galectins (Gals) playing a significant role in intercellular signaling.
- Gals are a family of beta-galactoside-binding lectins crucial in immunity, inflammation, wound healing, and carcinogenesis.
- Emerging research highlights the complex and often contradictory roles of Gals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between Gals and the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Gals' involvement in mechanisms like angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and atherosclerosis.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating Gal signaling for CVD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating galectins and cardiovascular disease.
- Synthesis of findings on Gals' roles in atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure.
- Analysis of Gals' impact on inflammatory processes and vascular remodeling.
Main Results:
- Gals exhibit dual roles, potentially alleviating ischemia while also promoting atherosclerosis.
- Galectins are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and myocarditis.
- Galectins serve as potential biomarkers for myocardial ischemia severity and heart failure.
Conclusions:
- Galectins are significantly associated with the development and pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases.
- Modulating galectin signaling presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular conditions, supported by preclinical evidence.
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