The Role of Galectin-3 in Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #inflammation
- #fibrosis
- #liver disease
- Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin encoded by LGALS3, playing a central role in liver disease and inflammation.
- It functions by cross-linking glycosylated molecules, influencing receptor clustering, downstream signaling, extracellular matrix stabilization, and cell adhesion.
- In the liver, galectin-3 regulates fibrogenesis through hepatic stellate cell activation, oxidative stress regulation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix deposition.
- Immunologically, it contributes to leukocyte infiltration, macrophage polarization, inflammasome activation, and T cell regulation.
- Elevated galectin-3 levels are found in various liver diseases, including MASLD (formerly NAFLD), MASH, and cirrhosis, correlating with disease progression and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.
- Galectin-3 is both a biomarker and a therapeutic target, with inhibitors like GB1211 and GR-MD-02 showing promise in reducing liver fibrosis and inflammation.
- Preclinical models support galectin-3's role in fibrogenic and inflammatory signaling, aiding drug development efforts.
- The review highlights galectin-3's mechanisms, biomarker potential, and ongoing clinical trials, positioning it as a key target for liver-directed therapies.