Galectin-3 Levels Is not a Predictor of Increased Left Ventricular Mass in a Healthy Ageing Population

Background: Cardiac fibrosis is an important contributor of adverse cardiac remodelling that occurs with ageing. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been shown to be a marker of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation. Increased Gal-3 levels have been reported in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with heart failure, and cardiomyopathies; conditions with overt cardiac pathologies. To date, it remains completely unknown whether Gal-3 plays a role in ageing-associated LVH. In this study, in an ageing population free of established cardiovascular disease, we sought to evaluate the relationship between Gal-3 levels and left ventricular mass. Methods and Results: In 67 patients, age (68±6 yrs), without existing cardiovascular disease or previous antihypertensive therapy were studied. Left ventricular (LV) volumes and mass indexed to height (2.7) (LVMI) were calculated from transthoracic echocardiography. There was no relationship between LVMI and Gal-3 levels (R=-0.1, p=0.3). There were also no relationships between Gal-3 and ejection fraction (R=-0.05, p=0.5), E/A ratio (R=-0.2, p=0.1). There was a significant relationship between Gal-3 and creatinine clearance (R=-0.25, p=0.04). On multiple linear regression analysis indexed for age, BMI, creatinine clearance, CRP, systolic BP; high LVMI is associated with female gender, and increased BMI; Gal-3 was not a predictor of increased LVMI or any of the cardiac function parameters. Conclusions: In a healthy ageing population, with no overt cardiac pathologies or treatment, Gal-3 does not appear to be associated with increased left ventricular mass. Mechanism(s) that activate Gal-3 in pathophysiology of early cardiac hypertrophy require further studies.