Abstract
PURPOSE: Galectin-3 is a key regulator of microglial proliferation and activation and may have dual and time-dependent effects on ischemic stroke. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the dynamic changes in Galectin-3 levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving endovascular therapy and its clinical significance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 105 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular therapy were prospectively enrolled. Plasma Galectin-3 was quantitatively detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before the operation and at 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after the operation. A linear mixed-effect model, Pearson correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to evaluate the dynamic changes in the plasma Galectin-3 concentration and its relationship with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Increases in plasma Galectin-3 levels at 1 day and 3 days after surgery were associated with early neurological deterioration and death (both P <0.05). Increased Galectin-3 levels before surgery and at 1 day and 3 days after surgery were associated with poor prognosis (P <0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that Galectin-3 levels before surgery (r =0.318, P =0.002), at 1 day (r =0.318, P =0.001), 3 days (r =0.429, P < 0.001) and 7 days after surgery (r =0.340, P =0.001) were positively correlated with NIHSS scores. The ROC curve results showed that Galectin-3 concentration had a certain predictive value for death at 1 day (AUC=0.707, P=0.013), 3 days (AUC=0.708, P=0.016) and 7 days after the operation (AUC=0.708, P=0.016), but this predictive value was lower than that of the NIHSS score. CONCLUSION: In acute ischemic stroke patients receiving endovascular therapy, an increase in the plasma Galectin-3 levels were associated with death, poor prognosis, and early neurological deterioration. Galectin-3 levels were significantly correlated with the NIHSS score and had a certain predictive value for death.