Serum Galectin-9 Levels Are Associated with Coronary Artery Disease in Chinese Individuals

Abstract EN

Background.

Recently, several studies suggest that galectin-9 (Gal-9) might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

However, the exact role of Gal-9 in atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated.

Methods.

Serum Gal-9, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interferon- (IFN-) γ, interleukin- (IL-) 4, IL-17, and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1 were measured.

The effect of Gal-9 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated in patients with normal coronary artery (NCA).

Results.

The lowest level of Gal-9 was found in the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) group, followed by the non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS), the NCA, and the stable angina pectoris (SAP) groups, respectively.

Additionally, Gal-9 was found to be independently associated with hs-CRP, lipoprotein(a), and creatinine.

Notably, Gal-9 was also noted to be an independent predictor of the Gensini score.

Moreover, Gal-9 suppressed T-helper 17 (Th17) and expanded regulatory T cells (Tregs), resulting in decreased IL-17 production and increased secretion of TGF-β1.

Conclusions.

Serum Gal-9 is associated with not only coronary artery disease (CAD), but also the severity of coronary arteries stenosis.

Gal-9 can expand Tregs and suppress Th17 development in activated PBMC, implying that Gal-9 has the potential to dampen the development of atherosclerosis and may be a new therapy for CAD.