title: Galectin-3 Serum Levels Are Independently Associated With Microalbuminuria in Chronic Heart Failure Outpatients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a novel biomarker reflecting inflammation status and fibrosis involving worsening of both cardiac and renal functions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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).
  
  
  RESULTS
  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).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic, Cardiology Unit, Policlinic University Hospital, Bari, Italy.
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Iacoviello
authors: DEA Department, Cardiology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors: Nadia
authors: N
authors: Aspromonte
authors: Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Leone
authors: Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Valeria
authors: V
authors: Paradies
authors: Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Valeria
authors: V
authors: Antoncecchi
authors: Cardiology Unit, Hospital Department, Chioggia ULSS 14, Chioggia, Italy.
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Valle
authors: Cardiology Unit, Cardiology Department, San Paolo Hospital, Bari, Italy.
authors: Pasquale
authors: P
authors: Caldarola
authors: Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Cardiology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Marco Matteo
authors: MM
authors: Ciccone
authors: Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Bioimages and Public Health, Policlinic University Hospital, Bari, Italy.
authors: Loreto
authors: L
authors: Gesualdo
authors: Clinical Pathology Unit, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
authors: Francesca Di
authors: FD
authors: Serio
keywords: Diabetic Nephropathies; Galectin 3; Heart Failure; Renal Insufficiency