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Published on: February 20, 2017
Associations between galectin-1, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and heart failure with preserved ejection
Yi-Lin Tsai1, Ruey-Hsing Chou2, Ya-Wen Lu1
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
Elevated serum galectin-1 levels are linked to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) and increased risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mortality in patients with angina.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Galectin-1, a glycan-binding protein, exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.
- Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is a critical factor in heart failure and mortality.
- The complex pathophysiology of DD necessitates further investigation into associated biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum galectin-1 levels and DD.
- To explore the relationship between serum galectin-1 levels, DD, and incident heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
- To assess the prognostic value of galectin-1 in patients with angina pectoris.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 258 patients with angina pectoris symptoms.
- Assessment of serum galectin-1 levels and echocardiographic parameters.
- Evaluation of a composite endpoint including all-cause mortality or new-onset HFpEF.
Main Results:
- Patients with higher galectin-1 levels showed increased left ventricular mass, left atrial diameter, and DD prevalence.
- Elevated galectin-1 levels were significantly associated with the composite endpoint (p=0.039).
- High galectin-1 remained a significant predictor of DD (OR 2.44, p=0.005) and was linked to poorer survival (log rank p=0.043) after adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum galectin-1 levels are associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.
- Higher galectin-1 levels predict an increased risk of all-cause mortality and incident HFpEF.
- Galectin-1 may serve as a potential biomarker for adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with angina.
Background:
Galectin-1 is a glycan-binding protein with broad anti-inflammatory properties. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is associated with heart failure and mortality. The pathophysiology of DD is complex and our study aimed to investigate the associations between serum galectin-1 level, DD, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Methods:
Patients with symptoms of angina pectoris were enrolled. Serum galectin-1 levels and echocardiography were assessed. The study endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or new-onset HFpEF.
Results:
In total, 258 patients were enrolled (63% male; mean age 68±12 years) and grouped into tertiles based on galectin-1 levels. Patients in the highest galectin-1 group had increased left ventricular mass indexes, left atrial diameters, and prevalence of DD compared to those in the lower tertiles (all p<0.05). Moreover, elevated galectin-1 levels were significantly associated with the composite endpoint (p=0.039). After adjusting for confounding factors, high galectin-1 levels remained significantly associated with DD (odds ratio 2.44, p=0.005). The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed patients in the highest galectin-1 group had lowest cumulative survival of composite endpoint (log rank p=0.043).
Conclusions:
Elevated serum galectin-1 levels were associated with DD and the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and incident HFpEF.
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