Author/Authors :
Iacoviello، Massimo نويسنده Department of Cardiothoracic, Cardiology Unit, Policlinic
University Hospital, Bari, Italy , , Aspromonte، Nadia نويسنده DEA Department, Cardiology Unit, San Filippo Neri
Hospital, Rome, Italy , , Leone، Marta نويسنده Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School
of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy , , Paradies، Valeria نويسنده Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School
of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy , , Antoncecchi، Valeria نويسنده Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School
of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy , , Valle، Roberto نويسنده Cardiology Unit, Hospital Department, Chioggia ULSS 14,
Chioggia, Italy , , Caldarola، Pasquale نويسنده Cardiology Unit, Cardiology Department, San Paolo
Hospital, Bari, Italy , , Ciccone، Marco Matteo نويسنده Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School
of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy , , Gesualdo، Loreto نويسنده Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Bioimages and Public
Health, Policlinic University Hospital, Bari, Italy , , Serio، Francesca Di نويسنده Clinical Pathology Unit, University of Bari, Bari,
Italy ,
Abstract :
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a novel biomarker reflecting inflammation status and fibrosis involving worsening of both cardiac and renal functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Gal-3 serum levels and microalbuminuria in a group of chronic heart failure (CHF) outpatients. We enrolled CHF outpatients having stable clinical conditions and receiving conventional therapy. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, routine chemistry analysis, echocardiography, and evaluation of the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). Among the patients enrolled, 61 had microalbuminuria (UACR, 30-299) and 133 normoalbuminuria (UACR, < 30). Patients with normoalbuminuria showed significantly higher levels of Gal-3 than those without (19.9 ± 8.8 vs. 14.6 ± 5.5 ng/mL). The stepwise regression analysis indicated that Gal-3 was the first determinant of microalbuminuria (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 - 1.14, P = 0.012), followed by diabetes (OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.00 - 4.57; P = 0.049) and high central venous pressure (OR 2.80; 95% CI: 1.04 - 7.58; P= 0.042). Our findings indicate an independent association between Gal-3 levels and microalbuminuria, an early marker of altered renal function. This suggests the possible role of Gal-3 in the progression of cardiorenal syndrome in CHF outpatients.
