Evaluation of galectin-3 and titin in cats with a sarcomeric gene mutation associated with echocardiography

Cardiac biomarkers, such as serum galectin-3 (Gal-3) and titin levels, may be related to cats with sarcomeric gene mutations. This study evaluated cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters in cats with or without myosin-binding protein C3 (MYBPC3) gene mutations.

Forty-two healthy cats without cardiac symptoms, including Bengal, Maine Coon, Scottish fold, and Ragdoll cats, were enrolled in this study. Cats were categorized into three groups: Homozygous wild type (n = 17), homozygous MYBPC3 gene mutation (n = 14), and heterozygous MYBPC3 gene mutation (n = 11). All recruited cats underwent echocardiography, and blood samples were collected for DNA extraction. DNA sequencing for MYBPC3 gene mutations at A31P and A74T loci was first examined by Sanger sequencing. The biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis (Gal-3) and myocardial stiffness (titin) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Gal-3 levels >250 pg/mL were associated with echocardiographic parameters. However, Gal-3 levels were not significantly different between cats with MYBPC3 gene mutations and those in the wild-type group. Titin was associated with the left ventricular (LV) thickness and systolic function (r = 0.405, p = 0.013). Qualitative measurement of titin antibodies showed that the highest percentage of these antibodies was found in homozygous wild-type cats. No correlation was found between titin levels and MYBPC3 gene mutations. Weight was positively associated with interventricular septum (r = 0.312, p = 0.056) and LV wall thickness (LVPW) (r = 0.219, p = 0.187). However, they were not associated with Gal-3 levels.

LVPW was correlated with weight in cats with sarcomeric gene mutations. Serum titin may be an underlying factor for cardiac hypertrophy in cats.