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Galectin-3 in systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Yang Wu1, Li-Na Jiang1, Jing-Ru Wu1
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
Immunologic Research
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients exhibit elevated circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels compared to healthy individuals. This finding highlights Gal-3
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a protein implicated in various inflammatory and fibrotic processes.
- Understanding Gal-3's role in SLE pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically assess circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- To identify key factors influencing Gal-3 levels in SLE patients.
- To evaluate the potential of Gal-3 as a biomarker and therapeutic target in SLE.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed on 8 studies.
- Searches were conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Data from 397 SLE patients and 433 controls were analyzed using random-effects models and standard mean difference (SMD).
Main Results:
- SLE patients demonstrated significantly higher circulating Gal-3 levels compared to normal controls (SMD = 1.290, P < 0.001).
- Subgroup analyses by age, region, assay method, sample size, and quality score confirmed consistent findings.
- Egger's test revealed no significant publication bias, and sensitivity analyses confirmed result stability.
Conclusions:
- Elevated circulating Gal-3 levels are a significant characteristic of SLE.
- Gal-3's involvement in SLE warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.
- These findings support the clinical relevance of Gal-3 in SLE management.
