Galectin-3 and Pentraxin-3 as Potential Biomarkers in Chronic Coronary Syndrome and Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a 131-Patient Cohort

Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular conditions, between whom there is a dual relationship, with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of galectin-3 and pentraxin-3, as potential biomarkers in coronary atherosclerosis, yet their specific interactions and implications in patients with CCS and AF remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of galectin-3 and pentraxin-3 in a cohort of patients with CCS and AF. A total of 131 patients diagnosed with CCS or/and AF were stratified based on coronary stenosis severity (significant, S-CCS and non-significant, N-CCS coronary lesions) and arrhythmia burden. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of galectin-3 and pentraxin-3 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Clinical data, including demographic information, comorbidities, medication use and biological markers of systemic inflammation, were recorded. The galectin-3 value was more than double in patients with S-CCS compared to those with N-CCS (17.39 4.459 ng/mL versus 7.49 2.732 ng/mL, p<0.001). Atrial fibrillation was not associated with statistically significant variations in galectin-3 values, neither overall nor separately in the group of S-CCS or N-CCS. However, pentraxin-3 values, were similar in S-CCS compared to those with N-CCS (2839.18 1521.639 pg/mL versus 2564.07 1299.055 pg/mL, p=0.417). These values were lower in patients with sinus rhythm, with a mean of 2469.91 1253.782 pg/mL and steadily increase in those with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF, for whom they reach a mean of 3162.87 1893.068 pg/mL. This study underscores the potential of galectin-3 and pentraxin-3 as biomarkers in patients with CCS and AF. Elevated levels of galectin-3 correlate with coronary stenosis severity and could serve as indicator for risk stratification, patients’ selection for invasive coronarography or therapeutic targeting in CCS.