Galectin-3 as a Next-Generation Biomarker for Detecting Early Stage of Various Diseases

Assessment of novel cardiovascular biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is a common comorbidity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pre-COPD patients, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether Galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels correlate with cardiovascular biomarkers and cardiopulmonary function in COPD and pre-COPD patients to assess its potential role as a marker for cardiovascular comorbidity.

METHODS

Community-dwelling adults with and without COPD were recruited. Biomarkers including Gal-3, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured. Subjects underwent pulmonary function tests, chest CT, echocardiograms, and a 6-minute walking test. The relationships between biomarkers and cardiopulmonary function were examined.

RESULTS

Among 120 subjects (97 COPD, 23 pre-COPD), the mean age was 70.2 years, and the mean predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) was 68.5%. Gal-3 levels averaged 1733.7 pg/mL. Gal-3 significantly correlated with NT-proBNP (ρ = 0.229, p = 0.012) and negatively with maximal pulse rate during the 6-minute walking test (ρ=-0.185, p = 0.043). No significant correlation was found between Gal-3 and hs-cTnT levels. However, hs-cTnT levels showed significant negative correlations with age (ρ=-0.526, p < 0.001), FEV1% (ρ=-0.373, p < 0.001), E/A ratio (ρ=-0.390, p < 0.001), and walking distance (ρ=-0.444, p < 0.001), and positive correlations with deceleration time (ρ = 0.299, p = 0.001), right ventricular systolic pressure (ρ = 0.197, p = 0.037), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (ρ = 0.212, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Gal-3 levels show correlations with NT-proBNP and maximal pulse rate, supporting its investigation as a potential marker for cardiovascular comorbidity in COPD and pre-COPD populations.

Intravitreal injection of the Galectin-3 inhibitor TD139 provides neuroprotection in a rat model of ocular hypertensive glaucoma

Neuroinflammation is a significant contributor to the pathology of glaucoma. Targeting key-mediators in this process is a realistic option to slow disease progression. Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside binding lectin that has been associated with inflammation in both systemic and central nervous system diseases. Elevated Galectin-3 has recently been detected in multiple animal models of glaucoma and inhibiting Galectin-3 using an intravitreal injection of TD139 (a Galectin-3 small molecule inhibitor) is neuroprotective. We queried whether this neuroprotective effect was translatable to another animal model and species. TD139 was intravitreally injected, in a rat ocular hypertensive model of glaucoma, 3 days after the induction of ocular hypertension (at peak intraocular pressure). Retinal ganglion cell survival and glial morphological markers were quantified. The degeneration of retinal ganglion cells was prevented by TD139 injection, but gross glial markers remained unaffected. These data confirm that the intravitreal injection of TD139 is neuroprotective in a rat ocular hypertensive model of glaucoma, while suggesting that the inhibition of Galectin-3 is not sufficient to alter the gross inflammatory outcome.

Usefulness of Galectin-3 as a Biochemical Marker to Detect Ventricular and Supraventricular Arrhythmias in Children

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several fibrotic disorders. A number of studies have examined the relationship between galectin-3 levels and cardiac fibrosis in heart failure. Nevertheless, the role of galectin-3 in the etiology of supraventricular (SVa) and ventricular (Va) arrhythmias remains largely unexamined. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the potential correlation between galectin concentration and the occurrence of idiopathic cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients. Biochemistry analysis was performed on 30 children (11-18 years; 14 boys and 16 girls). The control group consisted of 20 children. Cardiac arrhythmia was confirmed by a 24 h Holter ECG recording. Serum galectin-3 levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis of the data showed significant associations between creatinine kinase (CK) and Gal-3 in patients with SVa (SVT-supraventricular tachycardia) arrhythmias, suggesting a potential effect of CK on Gal-3 levels. However, no correlation was identified between Gal-3 concentration and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias under investigation. We concluded that galectin-3 does not have the potential to be a biomarker in the diagnosis of idiopathic arrhythmias in pediatric patients.

Association Between Serum Galectin-3 and Parkinson's Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with poor prognosis. Observational studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between serum galectin-3 and PD, suggesting a potential role of galectin-3 as a biomarker for PD. However, it is still unclear whether galectin-3 contributes to the risk of the disease.

METHODS

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used in this study. Genetic instruments for serum galectin-3 level were selected from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), including 30,931 European individuals. Summary-level statistics for PD were derived from another published GWAS, including 33,674 cases and 449,056 controls. Primary analysis was conducted using the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method. Weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods were used as complementary analyses. To detect heterogeneity, Cochran's Q statistic and leave-one-out analysis were used. For testing potential horizontal pleiotropy, the MR-Egger intercept test and MR-PRESSO global test were conducted.

RESULTS

MR analysis using IVW model (OR 1.112, 95% CI 1.025-1.206, p = 0.010), weighted median (OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.037-1.242, p = 0.006), weighted mode (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.038-1.257, p = 0.030), and MR-PRESSO (OR 1.112, 95% CI 1.046-1.182, p = 0.012) presented a consistent result, indicating that increased serum galectin-3 was associated with a higher risk of PD. No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in the analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows a suggestive association between galectin-3 and PD. Increasing serum galectin-3 was associated with an increase in PD risk. Galectin-3 may play an important role in the causal pathway to PD.

Harnessing glycofluoroforms for impedimetric biosensing

Glycans play a major role in biological cell-cell recognition and signal transduction but have found limited application in biosensors due to glycan/lectin promiscuity; multiple proteins are capable of binding to the same native glycan. Here, site-specific fluorination is used to introduce protein-glycan selectivity, and this is coupled with an electrochemical detection method to generate a novel biosensor platform. 3F-lacto-N-biose glycofluoroform is installed onto polymer tethers, which are subsequently immobilised onto gold screen printed electrodes, providing a non-fouling surface. The impedance biosensing platform is shown to selectively bind cancer-associated galectin-3 compared to control glycans and proteins. To improve the analytical capability, Bayesian statistical analysis was deployed in the equivalent circuit fitting of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data. It is shown that Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis is a helpful method for visualising experimental irreproducibility, and we apply this as a quality control step.

TIM-3 on myeloid cells promotes pulmonary inflammation through increased production of galectin-3

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3) exhibits unique, cell type- and context-dependent characteristics and functions. Here, we report that TIM-3 on myeloid cells plays essential roles in modulating lung inflammation. We found that myeloid cell-specific TIM-3 knock-in (FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+) mice have lower body weight and shorter lifespan than WT mice. Intriguingly, the lungs of FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+ mice display excessive inflammation and features of disease-associated pathology. We further revealed that galectin-3 levels are notably elevated in TIM-3-overexpressing lung-derived myeloid cells. Furthermore, both TIM-3 blockade and GB1107, a galectin-3 inhibitor, ameliorated lung inflammation in FSF-TIM3/LysM-Cre+/- mice. Using an LPS-induced lung inflammation model with myeloid cell-specific TIM-3 knock-out mice, we demonstrated the association of TIM-3 with both lung inflammation and galectin-3. Collectively, our findings suggest that myeloid TIM-3 is an important regulator in the lungs and that modulation of TIM-3 and galectin-3 could offer therapeutic benefits for inflammation-associated lung diseases.

Galectin-3-upregulated FAK promotes angiogenesis through oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

The specific mechanism underlying the role of oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts in angiogenesis remains undefined. Herein, the expression of Galectin-3 in oral lichen planus and verifying whether Galectin-3 can promote angiogenesis through oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts has been investigated.

METHODS

The expression of Galectin-3 and CD34 in the oral lichen planus tissues (n = 30) and normal oral mucosa tissues (n = 15) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of Galectin-3 in the oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Galectin-3 overexpression lentiviral vector was constructed and transfected with oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts. In addition, oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts were treated with GB1107 (5 and 10 μM) to inhibit Galectin-3 expression and co-cultured with human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells, and analyzed by Transwell and tube formation assays. The expression of VEGF and FGF2 in oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts was detected, and the expression and phosphorylation levels of VEGFR2 and FAP in human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells were determined.

RESULTS

Oral lichen planus subcutaneous tissues highly expressed Galectin-3, positively correlated with angiogenesis. Oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts expressed significantly higher Galectin-3 than NFs. Oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts overexpressing Galectin-3 enhanced the migration and tube-forming capacity of co-cultured human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells. In oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts, 10 μM GB1107 reduced the proliferation and migration capacity, decreased the expression of α-SMA, FAP, VEGF, and FGF2, and inhibited the tube-forming capacity and the expression of VEGFR2 phosphorylation and FAK in co-cultured human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The upregulation of Galectin-3 expression in oral lichen planus is associated with angiogenesis, and the oral lichen planus-activated fibroblasts promote human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells migration and tube-forming differentiation through VEGFR2/FAP activation by Galectin-3.

Lupus Nephritis from Pathogenesis to New Therapies: An Update

Lupus Nephritis (LN) still represents one of the most severe complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. However, over the last few years, several studies have paved the way for a deeper understanding of its pathogenetic mechanisms and more targeted treatments. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on progress on several key aspects in this setting: pathogenetic mechanisms of LN, including new insight into the role of autoantibodies, complement, vitamin D deficiency, and interaction between infiltrating immune cells and kidney resident ones; the evolving role of renal biopsy and biomarkers, which may integrate information from renal histology; newly approved drugs such as voclosporin (VOC) and belimumab (BEL), allowing a more articulate strategy for induction therapy, and other promising phase III-immunosuppressive (IS) agents in the pipeline. Several adjunctive treatments aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk and progression of chronic renal damage, such as antiproteinuric agents, represent an important complement to IS therapy. Furthermore, non-pharmacological measures concerning general lifestyle and diet should also be adopted when managing LN. Integrating these therapeutic areas requires an effort towards a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. At the same time, the availability of an increasingly wider armamentarium may translate into improvements in patient's renal outcomes over the next decades.

Novel strategies in Parkinson's disease treatment: a review

An unprecedented extension of life expectancy observed during the past century drastically increased the number of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's diseases (PD) worldwide. Estimated costs of PD alone reached $52 billion per year, making effective neuroprotective treatments an urgent and unmet need. Current treatments of both AD and PD focus on mitigating the symptoms associated with these pathologies and are not neuroprotective. In this review, we discuss the most advanced therapeutic strategies that can be used to treat PD. We also critically review the shift of the therapeutic paradigm from a small molecule-based inhibition of protein aggregation to the utilization of natural degradation pathways and immune cells that are capable of degrading toxic amyloid deposits in the brain of PD patients.

Inflammation-Derived and Clinical Indicator-Based Predictive Model for Ischemic Stroke Recovery

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammatory responses are closely associated with poststroke prognosis severity. This study aimed to develop a predictive model, combining inflammation-derived markers and clinical indicators, for distinguishing functional outcomes in patients with subacute ischemic stroke.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on activities of daily living assessments, ischemic stroke participants were categorized into groups with little effective (LE) recovery and obvious effective (OE) recovery. Initial biocandidates were identified by overlapping differentially expressed proteins from proteomics of clinical serum samples (5 LE, 5 OE, and 6 healthy controls) and differentially expressed genes from an RNA sequence of the ischemic cortex in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice (n=3). Multidimensional validations were conducted in ischemia-reperfusion models and a clinical cohort (15 LE, 11 OE, and 18 healthy controls). Models of robust biocandidates combined with clinical indicators were developed with machine learning in the training data set and prediction in another test data set (15 LE and 11 OE). We identified 194 differentially expressed proteins (LE versus healthy controls) and 174 differentially expressed proteins (OE versus healthy controls) in human serum, and 5121 differentially expressed genes (day 3) and 5906 differentially expressed genes (day 7) in middle cerebral artery occlusion mice cortex. Inflammation-derived biomarkers TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1) and galactosidase-binding protein LGLAS3 (galectin-3) exhibited robust increases under ischemic injury in mice and humans. TIMP1 and LGALS3 coupled with clinical indicators (hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid) were developed into a combined model for differentiating functional outcome with high accuracy (area under the curve, 0.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined model is a valuable tool for evaluating prognostic outcomes, and the predictive factors can facilitate development of better treatment strategies.

Validity of galactin-3 in acromegaly: comparison with traditional markers

BACKGROUND

Acromegaly occurs due to overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has recently emerged as a novel biomarker, related to IGF-1. This study aimed to assess Gal-3 in patients with acromegaly and compare its effectiveness with traditional biomarker tests.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized case control study conducted in a single center included 50 acromegaly patients and 40 apparently healthy subjects (HS) serve as control group matched both age and BMI. Laboratory test was measured by routine assay used in center. Gal-3, GH, and IGF-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULT

There were 50 patients with an average age of 50.40 ± 12.229 (50% of males). Compared with HS, patients' serum GAL-3 levels have increased significantly. The serum GAL-3 exceeds 14.363 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 100.0 and a specificity of 100.0. Furthermore, serum Gal-3 levels in combination with traditional tests (GH and IGF-1) by DeLoongs test had a significant difference in discriminating acromegaly more accurately than traditional tests.

CONCLUSION

In a summary, this study recommended clinicians measure serum Gal-3 as biomarkers for patients with acromegaly. In addition, the result above shed light on role of Gal-3 on acromegaly pathogenesis and might provide a therapeutic target of acromegaly patients.

Involvement of Matricellular Proteins in Cellular Senescence: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Age-Related Diseases

Senescence is a physiological and pathological cellular program triggered by various types of cellular stress. Senescent cells exhibit multiple characteristic changes. Among them, the characteristic flattened and enlarged morphology exhibited in senescent cells is observed regardless of the stimuli causing the senescence. Several studies have provided important insights into pro-adhesive properties of cellular senescence, suggesting that cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is involved in characteristic morphological changes, may play pivotal roles in cellular senescence. Matricellular proteins, a group of structurally unrelated ECM molecules that are secreted into the extracellular environment, have the unique ability to control cell adhesion to the ECM by binding to cell adhesion receptors, including integrins. Recent reports have certified that matricellular proteins are closely involved in cellular senescence. Through this biological function, matricellular proteins are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases, including fibrosis, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, atherosclerosis, and cancer. This review outlines recent studies on the role of matricellular proteins in inducing cellular senescence. We highlight the role of integrin-mediated signaling in inducing cellular senescence and provide new therapeutic options for age-related diseases targeting matricellular proteins and integrins.

The significance of an immunohistochemical marker-based panel in assisting the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. However, the diagnosis of PC is still a difficult problem. A model with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 5 biomarkers has been reported from limited samples for the differential diagnosis of PC. In the present study, a series of IHC markers was applied in relatively large samples to optimize the diagnostic model for PC.

METHODS

In this study, 44 patients with PC, 6 patients with atypical parathyroid tumors and 57 patients with parathyroid adenomas were included. IHC staining for parafibromin, Ki-67, galectin-3, protein-encoding gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), E-cadherin, and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The effects of clinical characteristics, surgical procedure, and IHC staining results of tumor tissues on the diagnosis and prognosis of PC were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

A logistic regression model with IHC results of parafibromin, Ki-67, and E-cadherin was created to differentiate PC with an area under the curve of 0.843. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that negative parafibromin staining (hazard ratio: 3.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-8.34, P = 0.013) was related to the recurrence of PC.

CONCLUSION

An IHC panel of parafibromin, Ki-67 and E-cadherin may help to distinguish PC from parathyroid neoplasms. Among the 6 IHC markers and clinical features examined, the risk factor related to PC recurrence was parafibromin staining loss.

Fluorescent Chiral Quantum Dots to Unveil Origin-Dependent Exosome Uptake and Cargo Release

Exosomes are promising nanocarriers for drug delivery. Yet, it is challenging to apply exosomes in clinical use due to the limited understanding of their physiological functions. While cellular uptake of exosomes is generally known through endocytosis and/or membrane fusion, the mechanisms of origin-dependent cellular uptake and subsequent cargo release of exosomes into recipient cells are still unclear. Herein, we investigated the intricate mechanisms of exosome entry into recipient cells and intracellular cargo release. In this study, we utilized chiral graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as representatives of exosomal cargo, taking advantage of the superior permeability of chiral GQDs into lipid membranes as well as their excellent optical properties for tracking analysis. We observed that the preferential cellular uptake of exosomes derived from the same cell-of-origin (intraspecies exosomes) is higher than that of exosomes derived from different cell-of-origin (cross-species exosomes). This uptake enhancement was attributed to receptor-ligand interaction-mediated endocytosis, as we identified the expression of specific ligands on exosomes that favorably interact with their parental cells and confirmed the higher lysosomal entrapment of intraspecies exosomes (intraspecies endocytic uptake). On the other hand, we found that the uptake of cross-species exosomes primarily occurred through membrane fusion, followed by direct cargo release into the cytosol (cross-species direct fusion uptake). We revealed the underlying mechanisms involved in the cellular uptake and subsequent cargo release of exosomes depending on their cell-of-origin and recipient cell types. Overall, this study envisions valuable insights into further advancements in effective drug delivery using exosomes, as well as a comprehensive understanding of cellular communication, including disease pathogenesis.

Serum Galectin-3 as a Non-Invasive Marker for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a serious liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Galectin-3, an inflammatory and fibrotic molecule, has elevated circulating levels in patients with chronic liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to clarify whether galectin-3 can differentiate between patients with IBD, PSC, and PSC-IBD. Our study measured serum galectin-3 levels in 38 healthy controls, 55 patients with IBD, and 22 patients with PSC (11 patients had underlying IBD and 11 patients did not), alongside the urinary galectin-3 of these patients and 18 controls. Serum and urinary galectin-3 levels in IBD patients were comparable to those in controls. Among IBD patients, those with high fecal calprotectin, indicating severe disease, exhibited lower serum and elevated urinary galectin-3 levels compared to those with low calprotectin levels. Serum galectin-3 levels were inversely correlated with C-reactive protein levels. PSC patients displayed higher serum and urinary galectin-3 levels than IBD patients, with the highest serum levels observed in PSC patients with coexisting IBD. There was no correlation between serum and urinary galectin-3 levels and laboratory indicators of liver injury in both IBD and PSC patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that serum and urinary galectin-3 levels can distinguish IBD from PSC patients, and also reveals higher serum galectin-3 levels in PSC-IBD patients compared to those with isolated PSC.

Discovery of circulating blood biomarkers in patients with and without Modic changes of the lumbar spine: a preliminary analysis

PURPOSE

The following study aimed to determine the existence of blood biomarkers in symptomatic patients with or without lumbar Modic changes (MC).

METHODS

A cross-sectional sub-analyses of a prospective cohort was performed. Fasting blood samples were collected from patients with and without lumbar MC who had undergone spinal fusion or microdiscectomy. An 80-plex panel and CCL5/RANTES were used to assess preoperative plasma cytokine concentrations. Patient demographics and imaging phenotypes were also assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one subjects were analysed (n = 18 no MC; n = 13 MC). No significant differences were found in age, sex, body mass index, smoking and alcohol history, and surgical procedure (i.e. fusion, decompression) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Several statistically significant blood biomarkers in MC patients were identified, including elevated levels of C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5, p = 0.0006), while Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) was significantly lower (p = 0.009). Additionally, C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CXCL5, p = 0.052), Pentraxin 3 (PTX3, p = 0.06) and Galectin-3 (Gal-3, p = 0.07) showed potential relevance. Moreover, MC patients exhibited significantly higher levels of disc degeneration (p = 0.0001) and displacement severity (p = 0.020). Based on multivariate analyses and controlling for disc degeneration/displacement, CCL5 (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.002-1.033; p = 0.028) and MIF (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.382-0.951; p = 0.030) were independently associated with MC patients.

CONCLUSION

This "proof-of-concept" study is the first to identify specific and significantly circulating blood biomarkers associated with symptomatic patients with lumbar MC, independent of disc alterations of degeneration and/or bulges/herniations. Specifically, differences in CCL5 and MIF protein levels were significantly noted in MC patients compared to those without MC.

The effects of a galectin-3 inhibitor on bladder pain syndrome in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

AIMS

To explore the effect of blocking galectin-3 in the bladder pain syndrome associated with interstitial cystitis.

METHODS

A galectin-3 inhibitor was used to treat mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. The expression of galectin-3 in bladder tissues and urine was examined by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Suprapubic-pelvic pain, bladder voiding, bladder pain-like nociceptive behavior, and referred hyperalgesia were assessed. The weights of the bladders were also measured, and inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine levels were examined by histopathological evaluation. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β), nerve growth factor (NGF), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Increases in galectin-3 levels, inflammation, bladder weight, and bladder pain-related symptoms were observed in bladders with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Administration of the galectin-3 inhibitor significantly mitigated bladder pain-related symptoms and inflammatory response. In response to the 500 μM dose of the galectin-3 inhibitor, nociceptive behaviors, nociceptive score, and bladder-to-body weight ratios were reduced by 65.1%, 65.3%, and 40.3%, respectively, while 500 μM Gal-3 inhibitor increased pelvic pain threshold by 86.7%. Moreover, galectin-3 inhibitor treatment inhibited the inflammation. Compared to untreated CYP-induced mice, there were significant changes in the levels of IL-1β (41.72 ± 2.05 vs. 18.91 ± 2.26 pg/mg tissues), NGF (9.64 ± 0.38 vs. 1.88 ± 0.05 pg/mg tissues), IL-6 (42.67 + 1.51 vs. 21.26 + 2.78 pg/mg tissues, and TNF-α (22.02 ± 1.08 vs. 10.70 ± 0.80 pg/mg tissues) in response to the highest dose of the Gal-3 inhibitor subgroup (500 μM), and 500 μM Gal-3 inhibitor reduced mast cell infiltration ratios by 71.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The galectin-3 inhibitor relieved pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and bladder inflammation in mice with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Thus, galectin-3 inhibitors may be novel agents in interstitial cystitis treatment.

Galectin-3 predicts acute GvHD and overall mortality post reduced intensity allo-HCT: a BMT-CTN biorepository study

Identifying plasma biomarkers early after allo-HCT may become crucial to prevent and treat severe aGvHD. We utilized samples from 203 allo-HCT patients selected from the Blood & Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) to identify new biomarker models to predict aGvHD and overall mortality. Two new biomarkers (Gal-3 and LAG-3), and previously identified biomarkers (ST2/IL33R, IL6, Reg3A, PD-1, TIM-3, TNFR1) were screened. Increased Gal-3 levels measured at Day +7 post-transplant predicted the development of aGvHD (grade 2-4) in the total population [AUC: 0.602; P = 0.045] while higher Day +14 levels predicted overall mortality due to toxicity among patients receiving reduced intensity conditioning [P = 0.028] but not myeloablative conditioning. Elevated LAG-3 levels (Day +21) were associated with less severe aGvHD [159.1 ng/mL vs 222.0 ng/mL; P = 0.046]. We developed a model utilizing Gal-3, LAG-3, and PD-1 levels at Days +14 and +21 with an improved performance to predict aGvHD and overall non-relapse mortality. We confirmed four informative biomarkers (Reg3A, ST2, TIM-3, and TNFR1) predict severe aGvHD at day +14 and day +21 (grade 3-4). In conclusion, the combination of Gal-3 alone or in combination with LAG-3, and PD-1 is a new informative model to predict aGvHD development and overall non-relapse mortality after allo-HCT.

Novel Biomarkers in Early Detection of Heart Failure: A Narrative Review

Heart failure (HF) represents a significant global health challenge, characterized by a variety of symptoms resulting from cardiac dysfunction. This dysfunction often leads to systemic and pulmonary congestion. The pathophysiology of HF is complex, involving stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is insufficiently balanced by the release of natriuretic peptide. This imbalance leads to progressive hypertrophy and dilatation of the heart's chambers, impairing its pumping efficiency and increasing the risk of arrhythmias and conduction disorders. The prevalence of HF is exceptionally high in industrialized nations and is expected to increase owing to an aging population and advancements in diagnostic methods. This study emphasizes the critical role of early diagnosis in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with HF, focusing specifically on the evolving importance of biomarkers in managing this condition. Biomarkers have played a key role in transforming the diagnosis and treatment of HF. Traditional biomarkers such as b-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide have been widely adopted for their cost-effectiveness and ease of access. However, the rise of novel biomarkers such as growth differentiation factor 15 and adrenomedullin has shown promising results, offering superior sensitivity and specificity. These new biomarkers enhance diagnostic accuracy, risk stratification, and prognostic evaluation in HF patients. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, such as limited availability, high costs, and the need for further validation in diverse patient populations. Through a comprehensive literature review across databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, this study compiles and analyzes data from 18 relevant studies, offering a detailed understanding of the current state of HF biomarkers. The study examines both traditional and emerging biomarkers such as galectin-3 and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 in HF, exploring their clinical roles and impact on patient outcomes.

Circulating Galectin-3 levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A meta-analysis

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by multifactorial and intricate pathogenesis. The discovery of novel markers has been a significant step toward understanding the mechanisms of PCOS. Galectin-3 has emerged as a novel factor in metabolic disorders. This meta-analysis examines the association between circulating Galectin-3 and PCOS. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify relevant articles in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The search covered the period from January 2000 to March 2023 and followed a predefined search strategy. Eight articles were included in the analysis with a total of 594 participants (322 patients with PCOS and 272 controls). Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence interval [CI] were used to evaluate the association between Galectin-3 levels and PCOS. The results indicated a significant association between PCOS and galectin-3 levels (SMD = 0.58; 95 % CI: 0.15-1.01; p = 0.007). In addition, subgroup analysis showed a significant difference in serum Galectin-3 levels in women with PCOS and a higher homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance ratio (SMD = 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.45-1.33; p < 0.001). The researchers also performed meta-regression and subgroup analyses to specify sources of heterogeneity. The results of our meta-analysis suggest an association between increased levels of galectin-3 and PCOS. Galectin-3 plays a significant role in the progression of PCOS and could be used as a novel diagnostic biomarker. Nevertheless, it is essential to perform further studies to confirm and support our conclusions.

Galectin-3 and Severity of Liver Fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver and hepatic steatosis, which can progress to critical conditions, including Metabolic dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Galectin-3, a member of the galectin family of proteins, has been involved in cascades that are responsible for the pathogenesis and progression of liver fibrosis in MAFLD. This review summarizes the present understanding of the role of galectin-3 in the severity of MAFLD and its associated liver fibrosis. The article assesses the underlying role of galectin-3-mediated fibrogenesis, including the triggering of hepatic stellate cells, the regulation of extracellular degradation, and the modulation of immune reactions and responses. It also highlights the assessments of the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of galectin-3 in liver fibrosis during MAFLD. Overall, this review provides insights into the multifaceted interaction between galectin-3 and liver fibrosis in MAFLD, which could lead to the development of novel strategies for diagnosis and treatment of this prevalent liver disease.

Gene expression profiles of neuroinflammatory responses in broad brain regions in rats repeatedly administered with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea for 28 days

N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) exposure impairs hippocampal neurogenesis in rats. The present study investigated the gene expression profiles that were commonly up or downregulated across different brain substructures in response to repeated MNU administration in rats. Five-week-old rats were orally administered MNU at 0, 5, 15 mg/kg body weight/day for 28 days and subjected to gene expression microarray analysis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, corpus callosum, cerebral cortex and cerebellar vermis. MNU at 15 mg/kg revealed multiple functional clusters of upregulated genes related to immune and inflammatory responses in all brain regions, and also clusters of up or downregulated genes related to regulation of apoptotic process in several regions. Specifically, the upregulated genes commonly found in all four regions were enriched in clusters of "immune response" and/or "inflammatory response" (Cd74, Ccl3, Fcgr3a, Serping1, Lgals3, Fcgr2b, Hcst, Kcnn4, Tnf, Gpr18, Tyrobp and Cyba) and "metal-binding proteins" (Mt1, Mt2A and Apobec1). Meanwhile, downregulated genes common to all four regions (Bmp4, Vcan and Fhit) were included in clusters of "cell proliferation", "glial cell migration" and "nucleotide metabolism". Immunohistochemical analysis of representative gene products revealed that in all brain regions examined, MNU treatment increased metallothionein-I/II + cells and galectin-3+ cells co-expressing Iba1, and also increased Iba1+ and CD68+ cells. These results suggest that repeated MNU administration in rats causes neuroinflammation and oxidative stress accompanied by apoptosis of neural cell components in the brain, as well as concurrent anti-inflammatory responses for neuroprotection from MNU exposure, involving activation of microglia producing metallothionein-I/II and galectin-3 on these responses.

Galectins in Protozoan Parasitic Diseases: Potential Applications in Diagnostics and Therapeutics

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitute a group of diseases that generally develop in tropical or subtropical climatic conditions and are related to poverty. Within the spectrum of NTDs, diseases caused by protozoa such as malaria, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis exhibit elevated mortality rates, thereby constituting a substantial public health concern. Beyond their protozoan etiology, these NTDs share other similarities, such as the challenge of control and the lack of affordable, safe, and effective drugs. In view of the above, the need to explore novel diagnostic predictors and therapeutic targets for the treatment of these parasitic diseases is evident. In this context, galectins are attractive because they are a set of lectins bound to β-galactosides that play key roles in a variety of cellular processes, including host-parasite interaction such as adhesion and entry of parasites into the host cells, and participate in antiparasitic immunity in either a stimulatory or inhibitory manner, especially the galectins-1, -2, -3, and -9. These functions bestow upon galectins significant therapeutic prospects in the context of managing and diagnosing NTDs. Thus, the present review aims to elucidate the potential role of galectins in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease.

Chronic liver diseases: From development to novel pharmacological therapies: IUPHAR Review 37

Chronic liver diseases comprise a broad spectrum of burdensome diseases that still lack effective pharmacological therapies. Our research group focuses on fibrosis, which is a major precursor of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis consists in a progressive disturbance of liver sinusoidal architecture characterised by connective tissue deposition as a reparative response to tissue injury. Multifactorial events and several types of cells participate in fibrosis initiation and progression, and the process still needs to be completely understood. The development of experimental models of liver fibrosis alongside the identification of critical factors progressing fibrosis to cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for such condition. This review provides an overlook of the main process leading to hepatic fibrosis and therapeutic approaches that have emerged from a deep knowledge of the molecular regulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.

Galectin-3 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients with First Acute Myocardial Infarction without Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a biomarker involved in a wide range of diseases including cardiac remodeling following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Identification of prognostic markers in patients with AMI can guide strategies towards improved survival and quality of life.

METHODS

Our study included 59 patients with AMI and a preserved ejection fraction. We determined the Gal-3 plasma concentration within 24 h of chest pain onset from the aortic root, femoral/radial artery, coronary sinus and cubital vein. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were evaluated at six months follow-up.

RESULTS

MACE at six months post-AMI was recorded in 20 patients (34%). The Gal-3 plasma concentration from the aortic root and the femoral/radial artery were independent predictors of MACE at six months follow-up after the first AMI (OR 1.228; 95%CI: 1.011-1.491; p = 0.038; OR 3.438; 95%CI: 1.275-9.265; p = 0.015). ROC analysis identifies the Gal-3 plasma concentration from the aortic root as a better predictor of MACE or death (cut-off ≥ 10.86 ng/mL; AUC 0.858; 95%CI: 0.744-0.973; p < 0.001) than Gal-3 plasma concentration from the femoral/radial artery (cut-off ≥ 10.18 ng/mL; AUC 0.742; 95%CI: 0.596-0.888; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

the Gal-3 plasma concentration in patients with AMI determined during coronary angiography, especially from the aortic root, within 24 h after chest pain onset is a valuable biomarker of prognosis at six months follow-up.

Functional mutation, splice, distribution, and divergence analysis of impactful genes associated with heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is caused by a multitude of complex and largely heritable conditions. Identifying key genes and understanding their susceptibility to CVD in the human genome can assist in early diagnosis and personalized treatment of the relevant patients. Heart failure (HF) is among those CVD phenotypes that has a high rate of mortality. In this study, we investigated genes primarily associated with HF and other CVDs. Achieving the goals of this study, we built a cohort of thirty-five consented patients, and sequenced their serum-based samples. We have generated and processed whole genome sequence (WGS) data, and performed functional mutation, splice, variant distribution, and divergence analysis to understand the relationships between each mutation type and its impact. Our variant and prevalence analysis found FLNA, CST3, LGALS3, and HBA1 linked to many enrichment pathways. Functional mutation analysis uncovered ACE, MME, LGALS3, NR3C2, PIK3C2A, CALD1, TEK, and TRPV1 to be notable and potentially significant genes. We discovered intron, 5' Flank, 3' UTR, and 3' Flank mutations to be the most common among HF and other CVD genes. Missense mutations were less common among HF and other CVD genes but had more of a functional impact. We reported HBA1, FADD, NPPC, ADRB2, ADBR1, MYH6, and PLN to be consequential based on our divergence analysis.

Plasma galectin-3 is associated with decreased glomerular filtration rate in chronic HIV

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) have higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared with HIV-uninfected individuals. The pathogenesis of CKD in HIV remains poorly understood but is likely from a combination of various factors, such as traditional comorbidities, prolonged antiretroviral therapy, immune dysregulation, and direct HIV effect on the kidneys. We evaluated plasma galectin-3 (Gal-3), a circulating marker of fibrosis, and its association with renal function.

METHODS

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed by CKD-EPI. Plasma galectin-3 was obtained from banked specimens by ELISA. Factors associated with eGFR were analyzed using step-wise multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 45 PLWH and 58 HIV-uninfected participants were included with similar demographic parameters. Among PLWH, majority had undetectable plasma HIV RNA (82.2%). Gal-3 was significantly higher in PLWH than in HIV-uninfected participants (6.4 [IQR 4.0, 8.5] ng/mL and 4.5 [IQR 2.3, 6.5] ng/mL, respectively; p = 0.020) while a trend towards lower eGFR was found in PLWH compared to the HIV-uninfected cohort (86.8 [IQR 71.3, 91.8] and 89.0 [IQR 78.6, 97.4] mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively; p = 0.071). In univariable analysis, HIV status was marginally associated with decreased eGFR (β coefficient= -0.035, p = 0.051). In the final multivariable regression model adjusted for traditional risk factors of CKD, Gal-3 independently predicted a decrease in eGFR (unstandardized B= -0.008, p < 0.001) while HIV status did not demonstrate any significant association.

CONCLUSION

Gal-3 was higher in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected participants. In multivariable adjusted analyses, Gal-3, but not HIV status, was associated with decreased eGFR. The role of Gal-3 as a biomarker of kidney function needs to be further elucidated.

The role of salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in plaque-induced gingivitis and periodontitis

Background

This study aimed to compare the salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in periodontitis, gingivitis, and periodontally healthy patients.

Methods

This study included 75 non-smokers who were systemically healthy. The clinical periodontal parameters of each participant were recorded. Individuals with periodontal health, gingivitis, and Stage II or Stage III Grade B periodontitis were allocated to the corresponding study groups (n = 25 each). Saliva samples were obtained from all individuals after they abstained from drinking and eating 1 h before sample collection. The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels in the saliva were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One-way analysis of variance, student's t-test, Spearman correlation, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were significantly higher in the periodontitis and gingivitis groups than in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The highest galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were observed in the gingivitis group (p < 0.05). Overall, the galectin-3 levels were significantly higher than the galectin-9 levels in all the groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The salivary galectin-3 and galectin-9 levels were high in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis, suggesting that they could be potential biomarkers for periodontal diseases.

Serum galectin-3 levels predict poor prognosis in sepsis and septic shock patients

OBJECTIVE

Sepsis and septic shock are clinical conditions with high mortality and an ever-increasing prevalence, and early diagnosis is of great importance in treating these diseases. Increase in serum Galectin-3 protein in septic patients is associated with increased inflammation, which in turn is associated with mortality. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic importance of serum Galectin-3 levels and its relationship with in-hospital mortality in sepsis and septic shock patients.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 44 sepsis and 44 septic shock patients. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation 2 score were calculated. In addition, routine clinical and laboratory parameters along with serum Galectin-3 were evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the septic shock group [4.1 (0.1-10.2) vs. 6.0 (0.1-11.3) ng/mL, respectively; p=0.01]. Moreover, patients with a Galectin-3 level <6.94 ng/mL were associated with longer survival [31.4 vs. 23.1 days; hazards ratio, 1.85; 1.03-3.34, p=0.03]. More importantly, the need for mechanical ventilation, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and serum Galectin-3 levels were independent prognostic factors and predicted poor in-hospital survival in both sepsis and septic shock patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Galectin-3 levels are higher in septic shock patients and predict mortality. In addition, high serum Galectin-3 levels, together with mechanical ventilation requirement and mechanical ventilation duration, are closely associated with poor in-hospital survival. Therefore, Galectin-3 may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in these patients.

Targeting galectin-3 in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

Galectin (Gal)-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin emerging as a key player in cardiac, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation, respiratory infections caused by COVID-19, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Here, we review recent information highlighting Gal-3 as a relevant therapeutic target in these specific disease conditions. While a causal link was difficult to establish until now, we discuss how recent strategic breakthroughs allowed us to identify new-generation Gal-3 inhibitors with improved potency, selectivity, and bioavailability, and report their usefulness as valuable tools for proof-of-concept studies in various preclinical models of the aforementioned diseases, with emphasis on those actually in clinical stages. We also address critical views and suggestions intended to expand the therapeutic opportunities provided by this complex target.

Fibrotic Marker Galectin-3 Identifies Males at Risk of Developing Cancer and Heart Failure

Background

Cancer and heart failure (HF) are the leading causes of death in the Western world. Shared mechanisms such as fibrosis may underlie either disease entity, furthermore it is unknown whether this relationship is sex-specific.

Objectives

We sought to investigate how fibrosis-related biomarker galectin-3 (gal-3) aids in identifying individuals at risk for new-onset cancer and HF, and how this differs between sexes.

Methods

Gal-3 was measured at baseline and at 4-year follow-up in 5,786 patients of the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular Endstage Disease) study. The total follow-up period was 11.5 years. An increase of ≥50% in gal-3 levels between measurements was considered relevant. We performed sex-stratified log-rank tests and Cox regression analyses overall and by sex to evaluate the association of gal-3 over time with both new-onset cancer and new-onset HF.

Results

Of the 5,786 healthy participants (50% males), 399 (59% males) developed new-onset cancer, and 192 (65% males) developed new-onset HF. In males, an increase in gal-3 was significantly associated with new-onset cancer (both combined and certain cancer-specific subtypes), after adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, smoking status, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetes mellitus, triglycerides, coronary artery disease, and C-reactive protein (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.32-2.71; P < 0.001). Similar analyses demonstrated an association with new-onset HF in males (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.07-2.95; P = 0.028). In females, changes in gal-3 over time were neither associated with new-onset cancer nor new-onset HF.

Conclusions

Gal-3, a marker of fibrosis, is associated with new-onset cancer and new-onset HF in males, but not in females.

Cardiac Biomarkers and Their Role in Identifying Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19 Patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Both lifestyle and genetics influence the development of CVD. It is often diagnosed late, when the treatment options are limited. Early diagnosis of CVD with help of biomarkers is necessary to prevent adverse outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause cardiovascular complications even in patients with no prior history of CVD. This review highlights cardiovascular biomarkers, including novel ones, and their applications as diagnostic and prognostic markers of cardiovascular complications related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection were shown to have elevated levels of cardiac biomarkers, namely N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), and troponins, indicating acute myocardial damage. These biomarkers were also associated with higher mortality rates and therefore should be used throughout COVID-19 patient care to identify high-risk patients promptly to optimize their outcomes. Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) are also considered as potential biomarkers and predictors of cardiac and vascular damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identifying molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular manifestations in COVID-19 is essential for development of early biomarkers, identification of new therapeutic targets, and better prediction and management of cardiovascular outcomes.

Galectin-3: therapeutic targeting in liver disease

INTRODUCTION

The rising incidence of liver diseases is a worldwide healthcare concern. However, the therapeutic options to manage chronic inflammation and fibrosis, the processes at the basis of morbidity and mortality of liver diseases, are very limited. Galectin 3 (Gal-3) is a protein implicated in fibrosis in multiple organs. Several Gal-3 inhibitors are currently in clinical development.

AREAS COVERED

This review describes our current understanding of the role of Gal-3 in chronic liver diseases, with special emphasis on fibrosis. Also, we review therapeutic advances based on Gal-3 inhibition, describing drug properties and their current status in clinical research.

EXPERT OPINION

Currently, the known effects of Gal-3 point to a direct activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome leading to its activation in liver macrophages and activated macrophages play a key role in tissue fibrogenesis. However, more research is needed to elucidate the role of Gal-3 in the different activation pathways, dissecting the intracellular and extracellular mechanisms of Gal-3, and its role in pathogenesis. Gal-3 could be a target for early therapy of numerous hepatic diseases and, given the lack of therapeutic options for liver fibrosis, there is a strong pharmacologic potential for Gal-3-based therapies.

Inhibition of Galectins and the P2X7 Purinergic Receptor as a Therapeutic Approach in the Neurovascular Inflammation of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent microvascular retinal complication of diabetic patients, contributing to loss of vision. Recently, retinal neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration have emerged as key players in DR progression, and therefore, this review examines the neuroinflammatory molecular basis of DR. We focus on four important aspects of retinal neuroinflammation: (i) the exacerbation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress; (ii) the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome; (iii) the role of galectins; and (iv) the activation of purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R). Moreover, this review proposes the selective inhibition of galectins and the P2X7R as a potential pharmacological approach to prevent the progression of DR.

Alzheimer's disease and neuroinflammation: will new drugs in clinical trials pave the way to a multi-target therapy?

Despite extensive research, no disease-modifying therapeutic option, able to prevent, cure or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease [AD], is currently available. AD, a devastating neurodegenerative pathology leading to dementia and death, is characterized by two pathological hallmarks, the extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the intraneuronal deposits of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of altered hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both have been widely studied and pharmacologically targeted for many years, without significant therapeutic results. In 2022, positive data on two monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, donanemab and lecanemab, followed by the 2023 FDA accelerated approval of lecanemab and the publication of the final results of the phase III Clarity AD study, have strengthened the hypothesis of a causal role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the magnitude of the clinical effect elicited by the two drugs is limited, suggesting that additional pathological mechanisms may contribute to the disease. Cumulative studies have shown inflammation as one of the main contributors to the pathogenesis of AD, leading to the recognition of a specific role of neuroinflammation synergic with the Aβ and NFTs cascades. The present review provides an overview of the investigational drugs targeting neuroinflammation that are currently in clinical trials. Moreover, their mechanisms of action, their positioning in the pathological cascade of events that occur in the brain throughout AD disease and their potential benefit/limitation in the therapeutic strategy in AD are discussed and highlighted as well. In addition, the latest patent requests for inflammation-targeting therapeutics to be developed in AD will also be discussed.

A comprehensive review of acute cardio-renal syndrome: need for novel biomarkers

Cardiorenal syndrome represents a wide-spectrum disorder involving the heart and kidneys as the primary affected organs. India has an increasingly high burden of acute CRS, coinciding with the rise in global statistics. Up to 2022, approximately 46.1% of all cardiorenal patients have been diagnosed with acute CRS in India. Acute CRS involves a sudden deterioration of kidney functionalities, referred to as acute kidney injury (AKI) in acute heart failure patients. The pathophysiology of CRS involves hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) following acute myocardial stress. The pathological phenotype of acute CRS is associated with perturbed inflammatory, cellular, and neurohormonal markers in circulation. These complications increase the risk of mortality in clinically diagnosed acute CRS patients, making it a worldwide healthcare burden. Hence, effective diagnosis and early prevention are crucial to prevent the progression of CRS in AHF patients. Present biomarkers, such as serum creatinine (sCr), cystatin C (CysC), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum and/or urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and NT-proBNP, are clinically used to diagnose AKI stages in CRS patients but are limitedly sensitive to the early detection of the pathology. Therefore, the need for protein biomarkers is emerging for early intervention in CRS progression. Here, we summarized the cardio-renal nexus in acute CRS, with an emphasis on the present clinicopathological biomarkers and their limitations. The objective of this review is to highlight the need for novel proteomic biomarkers that will curb the burgeoning concern and direct future research trials.

Gingival crevicular fluid galectin-3 and interleukin-1 beta levels in stage 3 periodontitis with grade B and C

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate GCF Galectin-3 and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-β) levels in different grades (B and C) of stage 3 periodontitis, concurrently, and also to investigate their discriminative efficiencies in periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 80 systemically healthy and non-smoker individuals, 20 stage 3 grade C (S3GC) periodontitis 20 stage 3 grade B (S3GB) periodontitis, 20 gingivitis, and 20 periodontally healthy were enrolled. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded and GCF Galectin-3 and IL-1β total amounts were measured by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristics curve was used for estimating the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Galectin-3 and IL-1β were detected in all participants. Both periodontitis groups had significantly higher GCF Galectin-3 total amounts than periodontally healthy controls (p <0.05). S3GC periodontitis group had also significantly higher GCF Galectin-3 levels than gingivitis group (p <0.05). GCF IL-1β levels in periodontitis groups were higher than gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p <0.05). Galectin-3 exhibited an AUC value of 0.89 with 95% sensitivity to discriminate S3GC periodontitis from periodontal health, an AUC value of 0.87 with 80% sensitivity to discriminate S3GC periodontitis versus gingivitis, while an AUC value of 0.85 with 95% sensitivity to discriminate S3GB periodontitis from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

GCF Galectin-3 levels are involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Galectin-3 showed excellent diagnostic performances to discriminate S3GB and S3GC periodontitis from periodontal health and gingivitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present findings suggest that GCF Galectin-3 levels may be useful in the diagnosis of the periodontal diseases.

A Biomolecular Toolbox for Precision Nanomotors

The application of nanomotors for cancer diagnosis and therapy is a new and exciting area of research, which when combined with precision nanomedicine, promises to solve many of the issues encountered by previous development of passive nanoparticles. The goal of this article is to introduce nanomotor and nanomedicine researchers to the deep pool of knowledge available regarding cancer cell biology and biochemistry, as well as provide a greater appreciation of the complexity of cell membrane compositions, extracellular surfaces, and their functional consequences. A short description of the nanomotor state-of-art for cancer therapy and diagnosis is first provided, as well as recommendations for future directions of the field. Then, a biomolecular targeting toolbox has been collated for researchers looking to apply their nanomaterial of choice to a biological setting, as well as providing a glimpse into currently available clinical therapies and technologies. This toolbox contains an overview of different classes of targeting molecules available for high affinity and specific targeting and cell surface targets to aid researchers in the selection of a clinical disease model and targeting methodology. It is hoped that this review will provide biological context, inspiration, and direction to future nanomotor and nanomedicine research.

Gal-3 Protein Expression and Localization in Prostate Tumours

Gal-3 plays an important role in cell survival, mRNA splicing, and cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. Depending on its cellular localization and cancer type, Gal-3 may have tumour-suppressive or tumour-promoting activities. Given the promising diagnostic role of Gal-3 in the urine of PCa patients found in our previous study, its concordant gene and protein expression levels, and its involvement in PCa-related biological processes (e.g., morphogenesis of the prostate gland epithelium), we aimed to investigate this protein immunohistochemically in tumour and normal prostate tissues. Gal-3 protein expression was evaluated in 48 tumour prostate tissues, eight normal prostate tissues and 14 adjacent-normal prostate tissues. Decreased Gal-3 staining was detected in tumour tissues compared with normal tissues. Although Gal-3 staining was decreased in tumour tissues with GS 5-8 and pT2 and pT3 stages compared with normal prostate tissue, no correlation was found between Gal-3 expression and PCa progression. In the present study, the pattern of cellular localization differed between groups, as Gal-3 was predominantly excluded from the nucleus in tumour tissues. Furthermore, Gal-3 had no significant effect on survival and relapse in these PCa patients. This work confirms Gal-3 as a promising marker for PCa diagnosis.

Upregulation of galectin-3 in influenza A virus infection promotes viral RNA synthesis through its association with viral PA protein

BACKGROUND

Influenza is one of the most important viral infections globally. Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) consists of the PA, PB1, and PB2 subunits, and the amino acid residues of each subunit are highly conserved among influenza A virus (IAV) strains. Due to the high mutation rate and emergence of drug resistance, new antiviral strategies are needed. Host cell factors are involved in the transcription and replication of influenza virus. Here, we investigated the role of galectin-3, a member of the β-galactoside-binding animal lectin family, in the life cycle of IAV infection in vitro and in mice.

METHODS

We used galectin-3 knockout and wild-type mice and cells to study the intracellular role of galectin-3 in influenza pathogenesis. Body weight and survival time of IAV-infected mice were analyzed, and viral production in mouse macrophages and lung fibroblasts was examined. Overexpression and knockdown of galectin-3 in A549 human lung epithelial cells were exploited to assess viral entry, viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) import/export, transcription, replication, virion production, as well as interactions between galectin-3 and viral proteins by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, co-immunoprecipitation, RT-qPCR, minireplicon, and plaque assays. We also employed recombinant galectin-3 proteins to identify specific step(s) of the viral life cycle that was affected by exogenously added galectin-3 in A549 cells.

RESULTS

Galectin-3 levels were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of IAV-infected mice. There was a positive correlation between galectin-3 levels and viral loads. Notably, galectin-3 knockout mice were resistant to IAV infection. Knockdown of galectin-3 significantly reduced the production of viral proteins and virions in A549 cells. While intracellular galectin-3 did not affect viral entry, it increased vRNP nuclear import, RdRp activity, and viral transcription and replication, which were associated with the interaction of galectin-3 with viral PA subunit. Galectin-3 enhanced the interaction between viral PA and PB1 proteins. Moreover, exogenously added recombinant galectin-3 proteins also enhanced viral adsorption and promoted IAV infection in A549 cells.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that galectin-3 enhances viral infection through increases in vRNP nuclear import and RdRp activity, thereby facilitating viral transcription and replication. Our findings also identify galectin-3 as a potential therapeutic target for influenza.

Biomarkers, Socioeconomic Factors, and Right Ventricular Function After Surgical Repair for Tetralogy of Fallot

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction early after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) increases post-operative morbidity. We investigated associations of circulating biomarkers and socioeconomic factors with early post-operative RV systolic function. Single-center prospective cohort study of infants undergoing TOF repair. Six serologic biomarkers of myocardial fibrosis and wall stress collected at the time of surgery were measured with immunoassay. Geocoding was performed for socioeconomic factors. Multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) models identified factors associated with RV function parameters: fractional area change (FAC), global longitudinal strain and strain rate, and free wall strain and strain rate. Seventy-one patients aged 3.5 months (IQR 2.4, 5.2) were included. Galectin-3 was the highest ranked predictor for FAC, global longitudinal strain, and free wall strain, and procollagen type-I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) was the highest ranked predictor for global longitudinal strain rate and free wall strain rate. Several neighborhood characteristics were also highly ranked. Models adjusted R² ranged from 0.71 to 0.85 (FAC, global longitudinal strain/strain rate), and 0.55-0.57 (RV free wall strain/strain rate). A combination of serologic biomarkers, socioeconomic, and clinical variables explain a significant proportion of the variability in RV function after TOF repair. These factors may inform pre-operative risk-stratification for these patients.

Spontaneous Preterm Birth: Elevated Galectin-3 and Telomere Shortening May Reflect a Common Pathway of Enhanced Inflammation and Senescence

Preterm delivery complicates 5-12% of pregnancies and is the primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of preterm labor and parturition is not fully known, although it is probably related to inflammation and placental senescence. Telomere shortening is related to senescence and galectin-3 (Gal-3) protein is involved in cell growth, differentiation, inflammation, and fibrosis. This study examined changes in Gal-3 expression and telomere homeostasis (which represent inflammatory and stress markers) in maternal blood and placental tissue of spontaneous preterm births (SPTB) and uncomplicated, spontaneous term pregnancies (NTP) during labor. Participants included 19 women with NTP and 11 with SPTB who were enrolled during admission for delivery. Maternal blood samples were obtained along with placental tissue for Gal-3 analysis and telomere length evaluation. Gal-3 protein expression in placental tissue was increased in SPTB compared to NTP (fold change: 1.89 ± 0.36, P < 0.05). Gal-3 immunohistochemistry demonstrated strong staining in placental extravillous trophoblast tissue from SPTB. Maternal blood levels of Gal-3 protein were elevated in SPTB compared to NTP (19.3 ± 1.3 ng/ml vs. 13.6 ± 1.07 ng/ml, P = 0.001). Placental samples from SPTB had a higher percentage of trophoblasts with short telomeres (47.6%) compared to NTP (15.6%, P < 0.0001). Aggregate formation was enhanced in SPTB (7.8%) compared to NTP (1.98%, P < 0.0001). Maternal blood and placental samples from SPTB had shorter telomeres and increased Gal-3 expression compared to NTP. These findings suggest that increased senescence and inflammation might be factors in the abnormal physiology of spontaneous preterm labor.

Characterization of Galectin Fusion Proteins with Glycoprotein Affinity Columns and Binding Assays

Galectins are β-galactosyl-binding proteins that fulfill essential physiological functions. In the biotechnological field, galectins are versatile tools, such as in the development of biomaterial coatings or the early-stage diagnosis of cancer diseases. Recently, we introduced galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) as fusion proteins of a His₆-tag, a SNAP-tag, and a fluorescent protein. We characterized their binding in ELISA-type assays and their application in cell-surface binding. In the present study, we have constructed further fusion proteins of galectins with fluorescent protein color code. The fusion proteins of Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-8 were purified by affinity chromatography. For this, we have prepared glycoprotein affinity resins based on asialofetuin (ASF) and fetuin and combined this in a two-step purification with Immobilized Metal Affinity chromatography (IMAC) to get pure and active galectins. Purified galectin fractions were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography. The binding characteristics to ASF of solely His₆-tagged galectins and galectin fusion proteins were compared. As an example, we demonstrate a 1.6-3-fold increase in binding efficiency for HSYGal-3 (His₆-SNAP-yellow fluorescent protein-Gal-3) compared to the HGal-3 (His₆-Gal-3). Our results reveal an apparent higher binding efficiency for galectin SNAP-tag fusion proteins compared to His₆-tagged galectins, which are independent of the purification mode. This is also demonstrated by the binding of galectin fusion proteins to extracellular glycoconjugates laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV. Our results indicate the probable involvement of the SNAP-tag in apparently higher binding signals, which we discuss in this study.

Distinct cholangiocarcinoma cell migration in 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid culture based on galectin-3 expression and localization

Introduction

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is difficult to cure due to its ineffective treatment and advanced stage diagnosis. Thoroughly mechanistic understandings of CCA pathogenesis crucially help improving the treatment success rates. Using three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platform offers several advantages over a traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture as it resembles more closely to in vivo tumor.

Methods

Here, we aimed to establish the 3D CCA spheroids with lowly (KKU-100) and highly (KKU-213A) metastatic potentials to investigate the CCA migratory process and its EMT-associated galectin-3 in the 3D setting.

Results and discussion

Firstly, the growth of lowly metastatic KKU-100 cells was slower than highly metastatic KKU-213A cells in both 2D and 3D systems. Hollow formation was observed exclusively inside the KKU-213A spheroids, not in KKU-100. Additionally, the migration activity of KKU-213A cells was higher than that of KKU-100 cells in both 2D and 3D systems. Besides, altered expression of galectin-3 were observed across all CCA culture conditions with substantial relocalization from inside the 2D cells to the border of spheroids in the 3D system. Notably, the CCA migration was inversely proportional to the galectin-3 expression in the 3D culture, but not in the 2D setting. This suggests the contribution of culture platforms to the alternation of the CCA cell migration process.

Conclusions

Thus, our data revealed that 3D culture of CCA cells was phenotypically distinct from 2D culture and pointed to the superiority of using the 3D culture model for examining the CCA cellular mechanisms, providing knowledges that are better correlated with CCA phenotypes in vivo.

Cosolvent Dimethyl Sulfoxide Influences Protein-Ligand Binding Kinetics via Solvent Viscosity Effects: Revealing the Success Rate of Complex Formation Following Diffusive Protein-Ligand Encounter

Protein-ligand-exchange kinetics determines the duration of biochemical signals and consequently plays an important role in drug design. Binding studies commonly require solubilization of designed ligands in solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), resulting in residual amounts of DMSO following titration of solubilized ligands into aqueous protein samples. Therefore, it is critical to establish whether DMSO influences protein-ligand binding. Here, we address the general and indirect effect of DMSO on protein-ligand binding caused by solvent viscosity, which is strongly dependent on the relative concentrations of DMSO and water. As a model system, we studied the binding of a drug-like ligand to the carbohydrate recognition domain of galectin-3 in the presence of variable amounts of DMSO. We used isothermal titration calorimetry to characterize binding thermodynamics and ¹⁵N NMR relaxation to monitor kinetics. The binding enthalpy is not affected, but we observe a subtle trend of increasingly unfavorable entropy of binding, and consequently decreased affinity, with increasing DMSO concentration. The increasing concentration of DMSO results in a reduced association rate of binding, while the dissociation rate is less affected. The observed association rate is inversely proportional to the viscosity of the DMSO-water mixture, as expected from theory, but significantly reduced from the diffusion-controlled limit. By comparing the viscosity dependence of the observed association rate with that of the theoretical diffusion-controlled association rate, we estimate the success rate of productive complex formation following an initial encounter of proteins and ligands, showing that only one out of several hundred binding "attempts" are successful.

The potential roles of galectin-3 in AKI and CKD

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition with high morbidity and mortality, and is associated with the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The beta-galactoside binding protein galectin-3 (Gal3), with its proinflammatory and profibrotic properties, has been implicated in the development of both AKI and CKD. Serum Gal3 levels are elevated in patients with AKI and CKD, and elevated Gal3 is associated with progression of CKD. In addition, Gal3 is associated with the incidence of AKI among critically ill patients, and blocking Gal3 in murine models of sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion injury results in significantly lower AKI incidence and mortality. Here we review the role of Gal3 in the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting Gal3.

Implicative role of epidermal growth factor receptor and its associated signaling partners in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a pivotal role in early brain development, although its expression pattern declines in accordance with the maturation of the active nervous system. However, recurrence of EGFR expression in brain cells takes place during neural functioning decline and brain atrophy in order to maintain the homeostatic neuronal pool. As a consequence, neurotoxic lesions such as amyloid beta fragment (Aβ_1-42) formed during the alternative splicing of amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD) elevate the expression of EGFR. This inappropriate peptide deposition on EGFR results in the sustained phosphorylation of the downstream signaling axis, leading to extensive Aβ_1-42 production and tau phosphorylation as subsequent pathogenesis. Recent reports convey that the pathophysiology of AD is correlated with EGFR and its associated membrane receptor complex molecules. One such family of molecules is the annexin superfamily, which has synergistic relationships with EGFR and is known for membrane-bound signaling that contributes to a variety of inflammatory responses. Besides, Galectin-3, tissue-type activated plasminogen activator, and many more, which lineate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) result in severe neuronal loss. Altogether, we emphasized the perspectives of cellular senescence up-regulated by EGFR and its associated membrane receptor molecules in the pathogenesis of AD as a target for a therapeutical alternative to intervene in AD.

Exercise modulation in inflammation and metabolic hormonal disorders of COVID-19 to decrease risk factors in coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVES

Sedentary life style separated during COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are vulnerable with sedentary life style. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of combined and high intensity interval training (HIIT) on C Reactive protein, galectin-3, leptin, fibrinogen and insulin resistance index in coronary heart disease after COVID-19.

METHODS

Thirty-six cardiovascular patients (55.14 ± 1.4 years, 78.6 ± 5.1 kg) were divided into three groups of combined exercise (n=13), HIIT (n=12) and control group (n=11). Combined exercise consisted of aerobic (4 weeks) and aerobic + HIIT exercise (4 weeks), three sessions per weeks. The protocol of the HIIT group included performing high intensity interval training, three sessions per weeks for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken 24 h before the first training session and 48 h after the last training. C Reactive protein (CRP), galectin-3, leptin, fibrinogen measured with ELISA kit.

RESULTS

CRP, galectin-3 and fibrinogen decreased significantly after 8 weeks of combined training and HIIT (compare to pre-test). Also, insulin resistance index after 8 weeks of combined exercise showed a significant decrease compare to pre-test (p<0.05). After 8 weeks, CRP, galectin-3 and insulin resistance significantly decreased compare to control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the patient with CVD, combined exercise training may be more effective than HIIT in reducing metabolic and heart risk factors after an epidemic such as COVID-19. However, change of leptin need to more studies.

Galectin-2 in Health and Diseases

Galectin-2 is a prototype member of the galactoside-binding galectin family. It is predominately expressed in the gastrointestinal tract but is also detected in several other tissues such as the placenta and in the cardiovascular system. Galectin-2 expression and secretion by epithelial cells has been reported to contribute to the strength of the mucus layer, protect the integrity of epithelia. A number of studies have also suggested the involvement of galectin-2 in tissue inflammation, immune response and cell apoptosis. Alteration of galectin-2 expression occurs in inflammatory bowel disease, coronary artery diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and pregnancy disorders and has been shown to be involved in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses our current understanding of the role and actions of galectin-2 in regulation of these pathophysiological conditions.