4D.08: INDEPENDENT ASSOCIATIONS OF GALECTIN-3 CONCENTRATIONS WITH AORTIC PULSE WAVE VELOCITY AND WAVE REFLECTION IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woodiwiss, A.; Libhaber, E.; Raymond, A.; Gomes, M.; Maseko, M.; Sareli, P.; Norton, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 33(2015)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000467512.21263.b3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Although the pro-fibrotic inflammatory substance galectin-3 predicts outcomes in the general population, the mechanisms responsible for this effect are uncertain. As galectin-3 expression contributes to aortic stiffness in preclinical studies, we aimed to determine whether circulating galectin-3 concentrations are associated with carotid femoral (aortic) pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic reflective wave index (RI) in a community sample. Design and method: Aortic PWV and RI were determined using applanation tonometry and SphygmoCor software in 966 randomly selected participants older than 16 years of age from a community sample of the South West Township (SOWETO) of Johannesburg. 661 participants had 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring that met with pre-specified quality control criteria. Results: Galectin-3 concentrations were not independently associated with office or 24-hour systolic (SBP) (p = 0.88–0.92), or diastolic (p = 0.65–0.94) BP. In contrast, with adjustments for age, sex, office or 24-hour mean arterial pressure (or SBP and pulse pressure), pulse rate, body mass index, regular smoking, regular alcohol intake, total cholesterol concentrations, diabetes mellitus or an HbA1c > 6.1%, treatment for hypertension and estimated glomerular filtration rate, galectin-3 was independently associated with aortic PWV (partial r = 0.15, p < 0.0001) and RI (partial r = 0.10, p < 0.005). In 745 participants that had never received antihypertensive therapy, galectin-3 concentrations were similarly independently associated with PWV (partial = 0.16, p < 0.0001), and RI (partial r = 0.11, p < 0.005). With adjustments for all confounders, markedly higher PWV and RI values were noted in the highest 3–4 octiles as compared to the lowest 3 octiles of galectin-3 concentrations. The BP-independent relations between galectin-3 concentrations and aortic haemodynamics persisted with further adjustments for C-reactive protein concentrations (PWV: partial r = 0.14, p < 0.0001, RI: partial r = 0.10, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Despite a lack of independent association with brachial BP, the pro-fibrotic inflammatory substance galectin-3 may contribute toward adverse outcomes through an impact on aortic stiffness and the magnitude of aortic reflected waves, effects that cannot be attributed to general inflammatory changes.