Assessment of Galectin-3 in kidney diseases

Abstract

Background:A lectin with a molecular weight of 30KDa, galectin-3 (Gal-3) is involved in various processes of pathophysiology, such as fibrosis and kidney injury. Gal-3 utilizes its carbohydrate-recognition domain to bind β-galactoside. Gal-3 is a multi-functional protein that may be found both within and outside of cells. It is involved in cell-to-cell adhesion, cell-to-extracellular matrix adhesion, and immunological chemoattractant protein, among other functions. Furthermore, clinical trials and experimental models have also connected Gal-3 to renal illness. The development of different pharmacological inhibitors of Gal-3 is justified because it appears to improve renal illness in several pathological circumstances. Gal-3 has several uses in renal pathophysiology, both as a biomarker and a possible therapeutic agent; this review will attempt to highlight the most recent research on this topic.