Galectin-3 as a Marker for Increased Thrombogenicity in COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding lectin, is implicated in inflammation, lung fibrosis, and thrombosis.
• It is recognized as a prognostic marker for COVID-19 severity.
• Its precise role in COVID-19-associated thrombogenicity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between galectin-3 levels and thrombogenicity in patients with COVID-19.
• To compare galectin-3 levels and thrombotic markers between COVID-19 positive and negative patients with acute respiratory diseases.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study including 55 COVID-19 positive (COVpos) and 35 COVID-19 negative (COVneg) patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory diseases.
• Measurement of serum galectin-3, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), antithrombin, tissue plasminogen activator, and D-dimer.
• Correlation analysis of galectin-3 levels with thrombotic markers and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score.

Main Results:

• Galectin-3, vWF, antithrombin, and tissue plasminogen activator levels were significantly higher in the COVpos cohort compared to the COVneg cohort.
• In the COVpos group, galectin-3 showed positive correlations with vWF, antithrombin, and D-dimer.
• Galectin-3 levels also correlated positively with the SOFA Score, indicating a link to clinical disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Galectin-3 is elevated in COVID-19 and associated with markers of hypercoagulability and increased disease severity.
• In acute respiratory diseases, galectin-3 may serve as a marker for both severity and heightened thrombotic risk.
• Future research should explore galectin-3 as a potential therapeutic target in COVID-19 management.