The Role of Galectin-3 as a Biomarker in the Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Pathology Axis

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a multifunctional protein, plays a pivotal role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Substantial evidence has linked its overexpression and secretion to the pathogenesis of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, heart failure, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and chronic kidney disease. Diabetes mellitus, a persistent metabolic disorder, exerts profound effects on both renal and cardiovascular systems. Contemporary research has investigated a range of various biomarkers aimed at predicting the early onset of renal and cardiac dysfunction in diabetic patients. An early decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may occur even with normal urinary albumin excretion. Given that NT-proBNP concentrations are influenced by GFR, there is a critical need to identify biomarkers capable of detecting early cardio-renal injury in individuals with diabetes. Elevated Gal-3 levels in diabetic patients have been associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and progressive kidney failure and may serve as an indicator of subclinical cardiac and renal dysfunction. Incorporating Gal-3 assessment into clinical practice has the potential to improve diagnostic precision and support personalized management for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic disorders. This review aims to elucidate the role of Gal-3 as a pivotal biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic guidance in general in different types of diseases which involve cardio-renal complications.