Positive correlation between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid galectin-3 in suicide attempters

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Neuroinflammation is linked to depression and suicidal behavior.
• Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is implicated in microglial activation and inflammation.
• The relationship between peripheral Gal-3, neuroinflammation, and suicidality is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if peripheral Gal-3 levels correlate with central nervous system (CNS) Gal-3 levels.
• To examine the association between Gal-3 and neuroinflammatory markers in suicide attempters.
• To determine the relationship between Gal-3 and suicidal behavior.

Main Methods:

• Collected plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from suicide attempters and controls.
• Measured Gal-3 levels in plasma and CSF.
• Assessed depression severity using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).
• Analyzed CSF cytokine levels (IL-8, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• A strong positive correlation was found between plasma and CSF Gal-3 levels (r=0.77, p<0.001).
• No significant differences in Gal-3 levels were observed between suicide attempters and controls in either plasma or CSF.
• A negative correlation was found between CSF Gal-3 and IL-8 in suicide attempters (r=-0.40, p=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Peripheral Gal-3 levels appear to reflect CNS Gal-3 levels.
• This study's findings do not support a role for Gal-3 in the pathophysiology of suicidal behavior.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of Gal-3 in psychiatric disorders.