Galectin-3 in patients with chronic heart failure: association with oxidative stress, inflammation, renal dysfunction and prognosis.

Galectin-3 is a recently developed biomarker of fibrosis, which may play a role in cardiac remodeling and associated with both the progression and severity of heart failure (HF).A prospective cohort study of 190 patients with documented prior myocardial infarction and chronic HF (NYHA class II-IV) was conducted. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their NYHA functional class. Levels of galectin-3, NT-proBNP, CRP, IL-6, oxidized-LDL, extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), 3-nitrotyrosine, SH-groups, cystatin-C were determined. Follow-up period was 26 months, and all-cause mortality was determined as the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis was performed and statistical significance was set at P 2800 pg/mL carry a worse prognosis. Galectin-3 level >21 ng/mL associated with increased mortality.