Galectin-3 binding protein plasma levels are associated with long-term mortality in coronary artery disease independent of plaque morphology. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gleissner, Christian A.; Erbel, Christian; Linden, Fabian; Domschke, Gabriele; Akhavanpoor, Mohammadreza; Doesch, Andreas O.; Buss, Sebastian J.; Giannitsis, Evangelos; Katus, Hugo A.; Korosoglou, Grigorios
• Is Part Of: Atherosclerosis. Volume 251(2016)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 100
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Coronary artery disease -- CCTA -- Plaque morphology -- Outcome -- Biomarker -- Galectin-3 binding protein; Arteriosclerosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.136
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9150

Abstract

Abstract: Background and aims: Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) is a secreted protein associated with inflammation and carotid atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that high Gal-3BP levels may indicate unfavorable plaque morphology and outcome in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Gal-3BP plasma levels were measured by ELISA in 233 patients (63 ± 10 years, 50.2% male) undergoing computed coronary angiography tomography (CCTA). Results: In 149 patients, CCTA confirmed CAD (stenosis grade >20%). Mean Gal-3BP plasma levels were 5.9 ± 2.7 μg/mL and did not differ between patients with or without CAD. Over a follow-up time of up to 4.4 years (median 2.5 years), there were 17 cases of revascularization, five cases of myocardial infarction, and five deaths (four non-cardiac, one fatal myocardial infarction). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that high Gal-3BP levels were significantly associated with long-term mortality ( p < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that this association was independent of cardiovascular risk factors (HR 1.238, 95%-CI 1.012–1.514, p = 0.038). After adjustment for troponin T and C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, significance was lost ( p = 0.123). Further analysis revealed that Gal-3BP levels were significantly related to body mass index and hs-CRP levels indicating an association with metabolic and inflammatory distress. There was no correlation between Gal-3BP and calcium score, plaque volume, or vascular remodeling. Conclusions: While high Gal-3BP plasma levels are associated with long-term mortality, we could not confirm it as a marker of cardiac mortality or unstable plaque morphology. Highlights: Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) has been associated with carotid atherosclerosis. In 233 patients, Gal-3BP plasma levels were not increased in patients with CAD. Gal-3BP levels were independently associated with long-term mortality.