Galectin-3 Level in Carotid Artery Stenosis

Objective: Carotid atherosclerosis is an important cause of cerebral ischaemic events and asymptomatic diagnosis of patients with advanced carotid artery stenosis is important in preventing stroke-related mortality and morbidity. Galectin-3 is known to increase inflammation by inducing the expression of a number of proinflammatory molecules in plaque pathophysiology. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utility of serum galectin-3 level as a potential assessment tool for the severity of carotid artery disease. Material and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 06.12.2024 and 26.12.2024 in the stroke outpatient clinic of the department of neurology, Health Sciences University Adana City Training and Research Hospital. A total of 109 patients were included in the study, including 69 consecutive patients admitted with advanced (70-99% stenosis) carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and 40 patients without CAS in carotid imaging were included in the control group. An interventional neurologist and an additional neurologist determined the degree of CAS by examining carotid computed tomography angiography or carotid magnetic resonance angiography. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, high molecular weight lipoprotein, low molecular weight lipoprotein, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B), CRP and albumin levels were recorded. Galectin-3 levels were analysed in serum centrifuged blood. Results: Age, hypertension incidence rate, triglycerides and Gal-3 values were found to be statistically significantly higher in the advanced CAS group compared to controls. For advanced CAS in ROC analysis; Gal-3 value was found to have a moderate discrimination ability (70-80%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that Gal-3 levels may be used as a potential marker for the severity of carotid artery disease in CAS patients. Since advanced CAS patients are associated with a high stroke risk in follow-up, it is important that this condition is diagnosed early and treatment is directed.