Genetic determinants of circulating galectin-3 levels in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Galectin-3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of inflammation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association betweenLGALS3genotypes, galectin-3 levels, and inflammatory marker levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Results A total of 474 patients with CAD were enrolled. Significant correlations were discerned between galectin-3 levels and leukocyte counts, C-reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 levels (allp < .05). TheLGALS3rs2274273, rs4644, rs4652 genotypes, and haplotypes CAC, CCC, and ACT exhibited a significant association with galectin-3 levels (for genotypes,p = 1.05 x 10(-25), 3.54 x 10(-25), and 2.74 x 10(-7), respectively). Multivariate analysis showedLGALS3rs2274273 and rs4644 genotypes contributing to 20.8% variation of galectin-3 levels. However, there was no association betweenLGALS3genotypes and other inflammatory marker levels. Conclusions Our data showed strong genetic determinants of galectin-3 levels in patients with CAD. The galectin-3 levels, but notLGALS3genotypes, were associated with multiple inflammatory marker levels. Further study may be necessary to elucidate the molecular mechanism of galectin-3 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory disorders.