Research Advances In The Role Of Galectin-3 In Cardiovascular Disease

Galectin is an important member of the lectin family, it has multiple biological functions. Galectin-3 attracts more attention because it covers medical and pharmaceutical fields. In the previous studies, galectin-3 is confirmed to be involved in the process of cell apoptosis、 proliferation and regeneration as an inflammatory factor. Recent studies have found that galectin-3 involves in physiological and pathological progress of myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling, and it has significant value in identification,risk stratification and prediction of heart failure. Therefore, galectin-3 is regarded as a clinical biomarker of heart failure. Further more, some studies have found that galectin-3 can promote cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Galectin-3 inhibition can prevent myocardial fibrosis, reverse cardiac remodeling and improve the prognosis of patients. Here is to make a review of research advances about galectin-3 in cardiovascular disease.