Galectin-3 in systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

This study aims to assess the circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explore the major related influencing factors. Systematic searches of all relevant English articles were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception to September 22nd, 2025. Continuous variable data from multiple studies were subjected to a random-effects meta-analysis using Stata 12.0 software to estimate the pooled effect size. Data on circulating Gal-3 levels were analyzed using the standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and 95% prediction intervals (PI) in the presence of significant heterogeneity. A total of 8 studies were finally included in this meta-analysis, involving 397 patients with SLE and 433 normal controls. The combined effect showed that SLE patients had significantly higher circulating Gal-3 levels than normal controls (SMD = 1.290, 95% CI: 0.713-1.868, 95% PI: -0.25-2.80, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses stratified by age, region, assay method, sample size and Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale score also demonstrated consistent results. Egger's linear regression test indicated no significant publication bias (P>0.05). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were stable. SLE patients have higher circulating levels of Gal-3 than normal controls. Given the crucial role of Gal-3 in SLE, it is worthwhile to investigate its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker.