Galectin-3: a modifiable risk factor in heart failure

Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2014 Jun;28(3):237-46. doi: 10.1007/s10557-014-6520-2.

Abstract

Myocardial galectin-3 is upregulated upon cardiac stressors such as angiotensin II and pressure overload leading to cardiac remodeling and heart failure. The expression level of galectin-3 mirrors the progression and severity of heart failure and therefore, galectin-3 is being used as a biomarker for heart failure. However, as galectin-3 is causally involved in pathological myocardial fibrosis it has been suggested that galectin-3 also actively contributes to heart failure development. In this review we discuss how galectin-3 could be a target for therapy in heart failure. Currently, attempts are being made to target or inhibit galectin-3 using natural or pharmaceutical inhibitors with the aim to ameliorate heart failure. Available experimental evidence suggests that galectin-3 inhibition indeed may represent a novel tool to treat heart failure. A strong interaction with aldosterone, another strong pro-fibrotic factor, has been described. Clinical studies are needed to prove if galectin-3 may be used to install specific treatment regimens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Design
  • Galectin 3 / genetics*
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure / genetics
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Galectin 3