Elevated serum galectin-1 concentrations are associated with increased risks of mortality and acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

Ruey Hsing Chou, Chuan Tsai Tsai, Ya Wen Lu, Jiun Yu Guo, Chi Ting Lu, Yi Lin Tsai, Cheng Hsueh Wu, Shing Jong Lin, Ru Yu Lien, Shu Fen Lu, Shang Feng Yang*, Po Hsun Huang*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the β-galactoside binding protein family, is associated with inflammation and chronic kidney disease. However, the effect of Gal-1 on mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically-ill patients remain unclear. Methods From May 2018 to March 2020, 350 patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a tertiary medical center, were enrolled in this study. Forty-one patients receiving long-term renal replacement therapy were excluded. Serum Gal-1 levels were determined within 24 h of ICU admission. The patients were divided into tertiles according to their serum Gal-1 levels (low, serum Gal-1 < 39 ng/ml; median, 39-70 ng/ml; high, ≥71 ng/ml). All patients were followed for 90 days or until death. Results Mortality in the ICU and at 90 days was greater among patients with elevated serum Gal-1 levels. In analyses adjusted for the body mass index, malignancy, sepsis, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and serum lactate level, the serum Gal-1 level remained an independent predictor of 90-day mortality [median vs. low: Adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-3.60, p = 0.006; high vs. low: AHR 3.21, 95% CI 1.90-5.42, p < 0.001]. Higher serum Gal-1 levels were also associated with a higher incidence of AKI within 48 h after ICU admission, independent of the SOFA score and renal function (median vs. low: AHR 2.77, 95% CI 1.21-6.34, p = 0.016; high vs. low: AHR 2.88, 95% CI 1.20-6.88, p = 0.017). The results were consistent among different subgroups with high and low Gal-1 levels. Conclusion Serum Gal-1 elevation at the time of ICU admission were associated with an increased risk of mortality at 90 days, and an increased incidence of AKI within 48 h after ICU admission.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0257558
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume16
Issue number9 September
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

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