BIOMARKERS OF HEART FAILURE: GALECTIN-3 IS A NEW MODERN BIOMARKER OF MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS

The incidence of heart failure (HF) in the general population has reached the epidemic threshold, which is a very important problem for modern medicine. The prevalence of HF among the adult population of developed countries is 1-2%, and with age, it increases by more than 10%. Every sixth patient who visits medical institutions with complaints of exertional dyspnea has untimely diagnosed HF [1]. The aim of the study was to investigate biomarkers of heart failure to adequately assess the risk profile of a particular patient with different phenotypes of heart failure.Material and Methods. We analyzed the sources of literature, including international clinical guidelines, original studies and meta-analyses of existing sources, conducted their systematic analysis and generalization for the diagnosis of HF and risk stratification of patients with HF.Results. The literature review identified a number of important factors that indicate that galectin-3 plays a significant role in the development of HF, myocardial remodeling, and fibrosis [5]. Secretion of galectin-3 is regulated by the cell plasma membrane, and expression is possible in the lungs, spleen, stomach, intestines, adrenal glands, ovaries, uterus, heart, cerebellum, pancreas, and liver. Galectin-3 expression is associated with its proliferative effect on macrophages and fibroblasts. Fibrosis and scar formation are key processes of cardiac remodeling.Conclusions. Determination of heart failure biomarkers can be used not only to assess the prognosis but also to identify high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and more aggressive therapy. An in-depth understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of heart failure, combined with an improved ability to identify high-risk patients at an early stage, will enable the tailoring of therapy to the unique profile of each individual. This approach is likely to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and result in improved outcomes for patients with heart failure.