Revista de hipertensión: acceso abierto

Galectins in Cardiovascular Health and Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Lizunnik Stolley*

Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding proteins involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. In recent years, emerging evidence has implicated galectins in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases, including cirrhotic cardiomyopathy-a condition characterized by cardiac dysfunction in patients with liver cirrhosis. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted roles of galectins in cardiovascular health and the specific mechanisms underlying their involvement in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. We discuss current understanding of galectin biology, their impact on cardiac structure and function and their potential as therapeutic targets in managing cardiovascular complications associated with liver disease.