Abstract
AIM: In the our study, we examined the relationship between galectin-3 levels and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and aortic intima-media thickness (A-IMT) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We evaluated the potential of this molecule as a biomarker in the early stages of atherosclerosis and heart failure. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 80 participants, 40 newly diagnosed PCOS patients and 40 healthy controls, were included in the Health Sciences University Adana City Training and Research Hospital between 01.06.2021 and 31.03.2022. Galectin-3 level was measured by using Human galectin-3 kits and Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay method. A-IMT and GLS measurements were performed by using ultrasonography and echocardiography. RESULTS: When both study groups were evaluated, a statistically significant difference was found between the PCOS patient and the control groups in terms of blood glucose (93.6 ± 9.82 mg/dL to 87.7 ± 8.42 mg/dL; p = 0.006) HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) Index (2.55 ± 0.49 to 2.05 ± 0.61; p < 0.001), galectin-3 (13.7 ± 0.98 ng/mL to 12.2 ± 2.08 ng/mL; p < 0.001), A-IMT (1.41 ± 0.008 mm to 1.25 ± 0.16 mm; p < 0.001), and GLS (-16.7 ± 1.75% to -18.8 ± 1.37%; p < 0.001) values A correlation analysis was conducted, resulting in the identification of a robust association between galectin-3 levels and GLS (r = 0.747, p < 0.001). Additionally, weaker yet statistically significant correlations were observed between galectin-3 levels and A-IMT (r = 0.327, p = 0.006) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.446, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that GLS was the only independent predictor of galectin-3 levels (B = 0.395; p < 0.001). Conversely, A-IMT and HOMA-IR were not significant predictors (p = 0.340 and p = 0.887, respectively). CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 levels were significantly associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and early cardiac dysfunction in patients with PCOS. Galectin-3 demonstrated potential utility as a biomarker for the early identification of subclinical atherosclerosis and heart failure risk in this population. Notably, this study is the first to evaluate the association of galectin-3 with both A-IMT and GLS in patients with PCOS, providing novel insights into their cardiovascular risk profile.