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Usefulness of Galectin-3 as a Biochemical Marker to Detect Ventricular and Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Children
Ewa Moric-Janiszewska1, Joanna Wawszczyk1, Aleksandra Morka2
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Jedności 8B, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland.
Insights
This study investigated galectin-3 (Gal-3) in pediatric cardiac arrhythmias. Researchers found no correlation between Gal-3 levels and arrhythmias, suggesting Gal-3 is not a useful biomarker for these conditions in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is implicated in fibrotic disorders and heart failure pathogenesis.
- The role of Gal-3 in pediatric supraventricular (SVa) and ventricular (Va) arrhythmias is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential link between galectin concentration and idiopathic cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients.
- To determine if Gal-3 can serve as a biomarker for pediatric arrhythmias.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 30 children (11-18 years) with arrhythmias and 20 controls.
- Serum Gal-3 levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis confirmed via 24-hour Holter ECG recording.
Main Results:
- A significant association was observed between creatinine kinase (CK) and Gal-3 in patients with SVa arrhythmias.
- No statistically significant correlation was found between Gal-3 concentration and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias studied.
- This suggests CK may influence Gal-3 levels in SVa patients.
Conclusions:
- Galectin-3 does not appear to be a reliable biomarker for diagnosing idiopathic cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients.
- Further research may be needed to understand the relationship between CK and Gal-3 in pediatric SVa arrhythmias.
Abstract:
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several fibrotic disorders. A number of studies have examined the relationship between galectin-3 levels and cardiac fibrosis in heart failure. Nevertheless, the role of galectin-3 in the etiology of supraventricular (SVa) and ventricular (Va) arrhythmias remains largely unexamined. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the potential correlation between galectin concentration and the occurrence of idiopathic cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients. Biochemistry analysis was performed on 30 children (11-18 years; 14 boys and 16 girls). The control group consisted of 20 children. Cardiac arrhythmia was confirmed by a 24 h Holter ECG recording. Serum galectin-3 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis of the data showed significant associations between creatinine kinase (CK) and Gal-3 in patients with SVa (SVT-supraventricular tachycardia) arrhythmias, suggesting a potential effect of CK on Gal-3 levels. However, no correlation was identified between Gal-3 concentration and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias under investigation. We concluded that galectin-3 does not have the potential to be a biomarker in the diagnosis of idiopathic arrhythmias in pediatric patients.
