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Galectin-3: its role in asthma and potential as an anti-inflammatory target.
- Source :
-
Respiratory Research . Dec2013, Vol. 14 Issue 12, p1-9. 9p. 2 Diagrams, 1 Chart. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Galectins constitute an evolutionary conserved family that bind to β-galactosides. Increasing evidence shows that galectins are involved in many fundamental biological processes such as cellular communication, inflammation, differentiation and apoptosis. Changes in galectin-3 (Gal-3) expression are commonly seen in cancer and pre-cancerous conditions, and Gal-3 may be involved in the regulation of diverse cancer cell activities that contribute to tumourigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. In addition, Gal-3 is a pro-inflammatory regulator in rheumatoid arthritis. Gal-3 has been shown to be involved in many aspects in allergic inflammation, such as eosinophil recruitment, airway remodeling, development of a Th2 phenotype as well as increased expression of inflammatory mediators. In an in vivo model it was shown that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from ovalbumin-challenged mice contained significantly higher levels of Gal-3 compared to control mice. The molecular mechanisms of Gal-3 in human asthma have not been fully elucidated. This review will focus on what is known about the Gal-3 and its role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of asthma to evaluate the potential of Gal-3 as a biomarker and therapeutic target of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14659921
- Volume :
- 14
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Respiratory Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 93597721
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/1465-9921-14-136