Serum Galectin-3 Levels Correlate with Reduced Vascular Reactivity in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background and Objectives: Endothelial dysfunction is essential in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications. Galectin-3 mediates inflammation and organ fibrosis and promotes endothelial dysfunction. Meanwhile, the vascular reactivity index (VRI) reflects endothelial function. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the association between serum galectin-3 levels and VRI in patients diagnosed with CAD. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighteen patients with CAD were enrolled. Endothelial function was noninvasively evaluated using digital thermal monitoring, and VRIs were obtained. According to VRI values, patients were classified into good (≥2.0), intermediate (1.0-1.9), and poor (<1.0) subgroups. Galectin-3 levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Patients with poor vascular reactivity were older in age (p = 0.028) and had higher serum total cholesterol (p = 0.003), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.005), and galectin-3 (p < 0.001) levels. Multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis revealed galectin-3 as an independently associated factor of lower VRIs (β = -0.488; p < 0.001). Logistic regression model confirmed that galectin-3 independently was associated with higher odds of vascular reactivity dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.120; 95% confidence interval, 1.016-1.235; p = 0.023) or poor vascular reactivity (odds ratio, 1.445; 95% confidence interval, 1.179-1.772; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum galectin-3 is independently associated with reduced VRIs and endothelial dysfunction in patients with CAD.