Exploring the role of galectin-3 and pentraxin-3 as biomarkers in chronic coronary syndrome with atrial fibrillation: insights from an 87-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 (Gal3) and pentraxin-3 (PTX3), as potential biomarkers in atherosclerosis, yet their specific interactions and implications in patients with CCS and AF remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of Gal3 and PTX3 in a cohort of patients with CCS and AF, assessing their association with disease severity and clinical outcomes. A total of 87 patients diagnosed with CCS and AF were enrolled. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of Gal3 and PTX3 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Clinical data, including demographic information, comorbidities, and medication use, were recorded. Patients were stratified based on coronary stenosis severity and arrhythmia burden. Statistical analyses included correlation coefficients and regression models to determine the relationships between biomarker levels and clinical parameters. The Gal3 value is more than double in patients with S-CCS (significant chronic coronary syndrome) compared to those with NS-CCS (nonsignificant chronic coronary syndrome), with a mean of 17.39 ng/mL versus 7.49 ng/mL which is an important and statistically significant difference. AF, however, is not associated with statistically significant variations in Gal3 values, neither overall nor separately in the group of S-CCS or NS-CCS. PTX3 values, are also higher in S-CCS compared to those with NS-CCS, with a mean of 2839.18 pg/mL versus 2564.07 pg/mL. These values are also lower in patients with sinus rhythm, with a mean of 2469.91 pg/mL and steadily increase in those with paroxysmal, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation, for whom they reach a mean of 3162.87 pg/mL; for PTX3 there are clear variations, but statistical significance is not reached. This study underscores the potential of Gal3 and PTX3 as biomarkers in patients with CCS and AF. Elevated levels of these biomarkers correlate with coronary stenosis severity and could serve as indicators for risk stratification and therapeutic targeting as their levels were also significantly associated with inflammatory markers, suggesting a potential link between inflammation, coronary atherosclerosis and atrial remodelling.