Alternations of galectin levels after renal transplantation

• Serum gals-1, 2, 3, 8, 9 were higher in RTx and HD groups than in normal subjects.
• Renal transplantation led to the reduction of serum gals-1, 2, and 3.
• Alternations in the serum gals might be associated with renal function.

ObjectivesGalectins (gals), a growing family of β-galactoside-binding animal lectins, have been implicated in a variety of biological processes including fibrosis, angiogenesis, and immune activation, all of which are involved in hemodialysis (HD) and renal transplantation (RTx). In this study, we aimed to investigate serum gal levels in HD and RTx recipients.Design and methods41 normal subjects, 41 RTx recipients and 32 HD patients were recruited for this study. RTx recipients were evaluated before transplantation as well as 3 months afterwards. Serum gals-1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 were measured both at baseline and 3 months later in each group.ResultsAt baseline, there were no differences in gals-1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9 between the RTx and HD groups. However, the levels of gals-1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 in the RTx and HD groups were higher than that of normal subjects. In paired analyses, gals-1, 2, and 3 were significantly decreased in RTx patients (P < 0.0001) at 3 months, while there was no change in the HD group. However, levels of gals-4, 8, and 9 did not significantly change in either the HD or RTx group.ConclusionGal-1, 2, and 3 levels were high in maintenance HD patients. Kidney transplantation improved gal-1, 2, and 3 levels.