Galectin-3 and risk of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Galectin-3 is an inflammatory marker that is raised in myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. Recent studies have explored its role in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between serum concentration of galectin-3 and AF. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database were searched. A total of 280 studies were identified, of which 28 studies involving 10 830 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Results: Galectin-3 is present at higher concentrations in patients with AF than those in sinus rhythm (mean difference [MD] = −0.68 ng/mL, 95% CI: −0.92, −0.44, Z = 5.61, P <.00001). Galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in the persistent AF than in the paroxysmal AF group (MD = −0.94 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.85, −0.03, Z = 2.04, P =.04). Higher galectin-3 levels were associated with a 45% increase in the odds of developing AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.83, Z = 3.11, P =.002) and risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] =1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29, Z = 3.12, P =.002). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis found that galectin-3 is significantly higher in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF, and can predict both AF development and recurrence after treatment.