Interactions between galectin-3 and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in remission: results of 3-year prospective study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose – to evaluate interactions between the value of circulating galectin-3 and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in remission. Materials and methods. One hundred fifty seven out subjects with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in full or partial remission were enrolled in the study. Observation period was up to 12 months. Blood samples for biomarkers measurements were collected at the visit of inclusion into the study. ELISA method for measurements of circulating level of galectin-3 was used. Cardiovascular events were evaluated for 3 year observation period. Results. Two hundred seventy cumulative clinical events occurred in 68 patients (43.3 %) within the follow-up, with their distribution being as follows: 12 deaths for cardiovascular reasons, 17 life-threatening arrhythmias, 36 cardiac ischemic events, 9 strokes, 38 decompensated chronic heart failures and 58 hospital admissions for cardiovascular reasons. Mean levels of galectin-3 in free-events subject cohort and subjects cohort with cardiovascular events were 5.22 ± 3.06 ng/ml and 12.64 ± 5.24 ng/ml (Р < 0.0001). In patients after antitumor treatment with anthracyclines mean levels of galectin-3 were higher in comparing with patients after antitumor treatment without anthracyclines (Р = 0.0014). There were no differences in the value of galectin-3 in depend on gender, age, cumulative dose of anthracyclines, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking. Conclusions. Among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in remission increased circulating galectin-3 associates with presence of anthracyclines in antitumor treatment and increased cumulative cardiovascular events within 3 year observation period.

Keywords

• galectin-3
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• cardiovascular events
• risk factors