Abstract 18948: Galectin-3 as a Novel Biomarker of Unstable Coronary Plaque

Introduction: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a pleiotropic lectin that is upregulated when monocytes differentiate into macrophages. It plays an important role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. We aimed to determine the utility of Gal-3 as a marker of coronary plaque rupture and unstable plaque. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with chest pain to the emergency department and subsequently referred for coronary angiography were enrolled between January- December 2015. Patients were divided into non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS-unstable angina, NSTEMI and STEMI) based on clinical presentation, chest pain scoring tools (HEART, TIMI and GRACE score), electrocardiogram changes, troponin measurements and angiographic data. GENSINI and Syntax scores were used as measures of total plaque burden. Serum concentration of Gal-3 was performed by ELISA (R and D Systems Inc). Results: In total, 144 patients, 96 with NCCP and 48 with ACS were enrolled. The mean age was 61 ± 12...