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The aim of this study was to determine if galectin-3 levels were different between participants with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and controls, and to describe its relationship with markers of early atherosclerosis. Sixty participants were recruited into two groups: a PAD group (n=31), ankle–brachial index (ABI) ⩽0.90 and a normal ABI group (n=29), ABI 1.0–1.4. PAD participants were older (68.6 vs 61.8 years, p=0.037), more commonly men (68% vs 38%, p=0.02), and with more cardiovascular risk factors (p<0.001). Galectin-3 was 22% higher in PAD participants (mean±SD: 17.6±4.7 vs 14.4±4.1 ng/mL, p<0.01). The odds ratio for galectin-3 in PAD to be 1 ng/mL higher than the participants with normal ABI was 1.19, after adjusting by age and gender (p=0.014). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) were positively associated with galectin-3 in the age- and gender-adjusted model, while arterial elasticity and microalbuminuria were not. In conclusion, galectin-3 levels were higher in participants with PAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional performance influences quality of life in individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is also a powerful prognostic marker in these patients. The pathophysiology of impaired functional performance in patients with PAD is incompletely understood. The severity of atherosclerotic burden, non-invasively assessed by the ankle—brachial index (ABI), does not reliably predict the degree of functional impairment observed in PAD patients. We review associations of measures of arterial function (arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction) with functional performance in PAD patients, and also review potential therapies for arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction that could improve functional performance in PAD. Recent studies suggest that measures of arterial function, such as arterial stiffness and endothelial function, are associated with exercise performance in the setting of PAD. These studies have provided new insights into (1) the pathophysiology of functional impairment in PAD, (2) mechanisms of strategies known to be effective such as walking programs, and (3) potential new therapeutic interventions for improving functional performance. Thus, therapies aimed at arterial ‘de-stiffening’ and improving endothelial function (such as aerobic exercise, statins and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) may improve functional performance in patients with PAD; however, further investigations are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]