Catalpol Prevents Glomerular Angiogenesis Induced by Advanced Glycation End Products via Inhibiting Galectin-3

Galectin Plasmatic Levels Reveal a Cluster Associated with Disease Aggressiveness and Kidney Damage in Multiple Myeloma Patients

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant disease characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells, primarily in the bone marrow. It accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers and 10% of hematologic malignancies. Clinical manifestations include hypercalcemia, anemia, renal failure, and bone lesions. The pathogenesis of MM involves complex interactions between myeloma cells and their microenvironment. Galectins, a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins, particularly galectin-1, -3, -4, -7, and -9, have been implicated in MM development. This study aimed to assess the plasma levels of these galectins in newly diagnosed MM patients and explore their correlation with clinical parameters. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients at the Oncohematology Service of the Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco, and galectin levels were measured using ELISA. Plasma levels of galectins-3, -7, and -9 were significantly higher in MM patients compared to the control group. Three clusters of MM patients were identified based on galectin plasma levels, with cluster 3, characterized by high levels of galectin-1, -4, and -7, being associated with a worse prognosis. A strong positive correlation was found between galectin-1, -4, and -7 levels and markers of kidney function (urea, creatinine, and β2-microglobulin), while negative correlations were observed with hematocrit and hemoglobin. Additionally, galectin-9 showed high accuracy in distinguishing MM patients from healthy controls (AUC = 0.931). Elevated galectin levels were indicative of disease aggressiveness and renal impairment in MM patients. Overall, our findings suggest that galectins-1, -4, -7, and -9 could serve as potential biomarkers for MM progression and severity, warranting further investigation into their utility in MM diagnosis and treatment.

Iridoids modulate inflammation in diabetic kidney disease: A review

In recent years, preclinical research on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) has surged to the forefront of scientific and clinical attention. DKD has become a pervasive complication of type 2 diabetes. Given the complexity of its etiology and pathological mechanisms, current interventions, including drugs, dietary modifications, exercise, hypoglycemic treatments and lipid-lowering methods, often fall short in achieving desired therapeutic outcomes. Iridoids, primarily derived from the potent components of traditional herbs, have been the subject of long-standing research. Preclinical data suggest that iridoids possess notable renal protective properties; however, there has been no summary of the research on their efficacy in the management and treatment of DKD. This article consolidates findings from in vivo and in vitro research on iridoids in the context of DKD and highlights their shared anti-inflammatory activities in treating this condition. Additionally, it explores how certain iridoid components modify their chemical structures through the regulation of intestinal flora, potentially bolstering their therapeutic effects. This review provides a focused examination of the mechanisms through which iridoids may prevent or treat DKD, offering valuable insights for future research endeavors. Please cite this article as: Zhou TY, Tian N, Li L, Yu R. Iridoids modulate inflammation in diabetic kidney disease: A review. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(3): 210-222.

Unraveling the role of galectin-3 in cardiac pathology and physiology

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a carbohydrate-binding protein with multiple functions. Gal-3 regulates cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis by orchestrating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. It is implicated in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, and its expression is increased in patients with heart failure. In atherosclerosis, Gal-3 promotes monocyte recruitment to the arterial wall boosting inflammation and atheroma. In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the expression of Gal-3 increases in infarcted and remote zones from the beginning of AMI, and plays a critical role in macrophage infiltration, differentiation to M1 phenotype, inflammation and interstitial fibrosis through collagen synthesis. Genetic deficiency of Gal-3 delays wound healing, impairs cardiac remodeling and function after AMI. On the contrary, Gal-3 deficiency shows opposite results with improved remodeling and function in other cardiomyopathies and in hypertension. Pharmacologic inhibition with non-selective inhibitors is also protective in cardiac disease. Finally, we recently showed that Gal-3 participates in normal aging. However, genetic absence of Gal-3 in aged mice exacerbates pathological hypertrophy and increases fibrosis, as opposed to reduced fibrosis shown in cardiac disease. Despite some gaps in understanding its precise mechanisms of action, Gal-3 represents a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and the management of cardiac aging. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of Gal-3 in the pathophysiology of heart failure, atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocarditis, and ischemic heart disease. Furthermore, we describe the physiological role of Gal-3 in cardiac aging.