Association between Galectin-13 Expression and Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yi, Lingling; Feng, Yuchen; Chen, Dian; Jin, Yanling; Zhang, Shuchen
• Is Part Of: COPD. Volume 20:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -- galectin-13 -- eosinophilic inflammation -- CRP; Lungs -- Diseases, Obstructive -- Periodicals; 616.24
• DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2022.2162377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-2555

Abstract

Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are chronic inflammatory diseases of the airways. Galectin-13 has recently been forwarded as a biomarker for airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. However, the association between galectin-13 and COPD remains unknown. To examine the changes in galectin-13 expression in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) and the stable phase of COPD and unveil the association between galectin-13 expression and eosinophilic inflammation in COPD, we measured plasma galectin-13 expression in different phases of COPD patients ( n = 60, 44 AECOPD patients, and 16 stable COPD patients) and healthy controls ( n = 15). Plasma levels of galectin-13 in 60 COPD patients were further analyzed and compared to systemic inflammation, airway eosinophilic inflammation, and lung function. The plasma galectin-13 level was markedly increased in subjects with AECOPD compared to stable COPD patients and healthy controls. Plasma galectin-13 levels in COPD subjects were positively correlated with serum CRP ( rs = 0.46, p = 0.0003), peripheral blood eosinophilia count ( rs = 0.57, p <0.0001), and FeNO ( rs = 0.46, p = 0.0002). In addition, the level of galectin-13 was negatively correlated with FEV1 ( rs = −0.43, p = 0.0001), FEV1 pred (%) ( rs = −0.544, p <0.0001), as well as FEV1 /FVC ( rs = −0.46, p <0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis suggested that plasma galectin-13 levels were affected by FEV1 pred (%), peripheral blood eosinophilia count, and FeNO. We concluded that galectin-13 levels were increased in COPD patients, and elevated galectin-13 expressions related to airway eosinophilic inflammation. Galectin-13 may facilitate the identification of COPD endotypes and may become a potential therapeutic target.