The association between galectin-3 and clinical parameters in patients with first acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Background: Galectin-3, a biomarker associated with fibrosis and inflammation, has been implicated in development and progression of heart failure (HF) and predicts increased mortality and morbidity in this condition. HF frequently develops after myocardial infarction (MI), contributing to worse outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the association between galectin- 3 levels and various clinical parameters in acute phase of first MI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients without prior HF. Methods: We included 145 consecutive patients with first acute MI treated with pPCI with stent implantation. Exclusion criteria were: prior HF, severe valvular diseases, coexisting cancers, connective tissue diseases and cirrhosis. Serum galectin-3 concentration was measured within 3-5 days after onset of acute MI. Results: Thirty-six patients with the highest galectin-3 levels (4th quartile, > 16 ng/mL) were compared to 109 subjects with a biomarker concentration <= 16 ng/mL. Elevated galectin-3 levels were more often observed in females, the elderly, subjects with coexisting diabetes, renal dysfunction and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Galectin-3 correlated with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new-onset AF and diuretics treat-ment during hospitalization were independently associated with galectin-3 levels > 16 ng/mL. Conclusions: Elevated galectin-3 levels were associated with a higher rate of new-onset AF and diuretics treatment during hospitalization in patients with first MI treated with pPCI without prior HF.