Galectin-3 and the Development of Heart Failure after Acute Coronary Syndrome: Pilot Experience from PROVE IT-TIMI 22

BACKGROUND Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside–binding lectin that has been implicated in cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, is increased in models of failure-prone hearts, and has prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). The relationship between galectin-3 and the development of HF after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown. METHODS In a nested case-control study among patients with ACS in PROVE IT-TIMI 22, we identified 100 cases with a hospitalization for new or worsening HF. Controls were matched (1:1) for age, sex, ACS type, and randomized treatment. Serum galectin-3 was measured at baseline (within 7 days post-ACS). RESULTS Patients who developed HF had higher baseline galectin-3 [median 16.7 μg/L (25th, 75th percentile 14.0, 20.6) vs 14.6 μg/L (12.0, 17.6), P = 0.004]. Patients with baseline galectin-3 above the median had an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 1.2–3.6) for developing HF, P = 0.010. Galectin-3 showed a graded relationship with risk of HF. Cases were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, prior MI, and prior HF; after adjustment for these factors, this graded relationship with galectin-3 quartile and HF remained significant [adjusted OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.9), P = 0.020]. When BNP was added to the model, the relationship between galectin-3 and HF was attenuated [adjusted OR 1.3 (95% CI: 0.96–1.9), P = 0.08]. CONCLUSIONS The finding that galectin-3 is associated with the risk of developing HF following ACS adds to emerging evidence supporting galectin-3 as a biomarker of adverse remodeling contributing to HF as well as a potential therapeutic target.