The role of galectin-3 in heart failure and cardiovascular disease.

Galectin-3, a β-galactoside-binding lectin, is a new important player in the progression of heart failure (HF) and is also linked to poor outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of galectin-3 slows down the progression of myocardial inflammation, reduces collagen production, attenuates cardiac remodelling, and ameliorates cardiac function. In this review, we summarize recent progress in research on galectin-3 as a regulatory molecule involved in cardiovascular fibrosis in HF and its potential role in the diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.