Abstract

Background: Galectin-3 is a member of the galectins, the only chimeric galectin, characterized by a carbohydrate domain. Increased galectin-3 concentrations have been reported to be associated with intimal fibrosis. Elevated serum galectin-3 concentrations have also been associated with an increased risk of accelerated intimal dysfunction, new-onset renal disease, and progressive renal failure, as well as cardiovascular events, infections, and all-cause mortality in patients with impaired renal function.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted on 120 subjects including 60 patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis and 60 healthy people who came for health check-up at Hue Central Hospital from October 2024 to June 2025. Serum galectin-3 test was performed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay on Alitiny machine at the Department of Biochemistry - Hue Central Hospital.

Results: The concentration of serum galectin-3 in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis was 72.75 ± 24.86 ng/mL, compared with 16.12 ± 4.79 ng/mL in the control group. No significant associations were found between serum galectin-3 concentration and glomerular filtration rate as well as other cardiovascular risk factors in the study group.

Conclusion: In patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, serum galectin-3 concentrations were significantly increased compared with controls and the general population.