Galectin-3 and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio are indicative of heart remodelling and disease severity in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Abstract Background Galectin-3, considered as a new inflammatory marker; it is increased in cardiovascular disease. We investigated Galectin-3 in relation to heart damage in patients with OSA and its role in inflammation, based on the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR). Methods Sixty-three consecutive patients (45 males, 18 females, 58.60±12.28 years old) were studied. According to the Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) patients were divided into Group 1 – non-severe (AHI Results Galectin-3 was significantly increased in Group 2 (p=0.027) patients. Moreover, it was directly related to left ventricle (LV) mass, left ventricle hypertrophy and LV posterior wall diameter. Tissue Doppler septal velocity (e’), that measures wall motion, was inversely correlated to Galectin-3. Furthermore, a direct association to diastolic dysfunction, evaluated as E/e’ ratio, was observed. In line with these data, a direct correlation between Galectin-3 and left atrium volume was also found. Galectin-3 and percentage of total registration time with nocturnal oxygen saturation Conclusion Galectin-3 showed a direct association to nocturnal respiratory indices and to cardiac remodelling in patients with OSA. OSA-induced inflammation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of heart damage.