Correlation of serum galectin-3 level with renal volume and function in adult polycystic kidney disease

Purpose The decrease in kidney functions in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is strongly correlated with the severity and growth of kidney cysts. Total kidney volume (TKV) was shown to be an early marker of the severity of the disease and a predictor of reduction in kidney functions. New treatment approaches for ADPKD have led to a need for easily applicable strong biomarkers predicting progression of the disease. The profibrotic mediator of galectin-3 (Gal-3) is linked to development of renal fibrosis.