Galectin-3 as a predictor for thromboembolic risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation assessed by CHA2DS2-VASc scoring

Background: Circulating remodeling markers such as Galectin-3 (Gal-3) are significantly higher in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Nevertheless, there is still scarcity in the published literature regarding Gal-3 levels and risk of stroke in AF patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of Gal-3 blood levels with the predicted thromboembolic risk factors according to the current standard scoring system (CHA2DS2-VASc) as well as some other echocardiographic and laboratory parameters, among patients with paroxysmal or persistent non-valvular AF. Methods: Three groups were enrolled in this cross-sectional study: low (70 patients), moderate (50 patients) and high risk (40 patients) categorized according to CHA2DS2-VASc score. Serum concentrations of Gal-3 were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was estimated in all patients. Echocardiography was carried out to evaluate valvular functions and left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial volume index (LAVI). Results: Patients with high risk had significantly higher Gal-3 level, lower aPTT duration and higher LAVI values than moderate and low risk. There were statistically significant positive correlations between CHA2DS2-VASc score and serum Gal-3 level and LAVI. Similarly, there was statistically significant negative correlation between CHA2DS2-VASc score and aPTT. Female patients at all age groups had significantly higher Gal-3 levels than male patients. Conclusion: Serum Gal-3 level might be a predictor for thromboembolic complication in AF patients with potential clinical benefit.