Serum galectin-3 and galectin-3 binding protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION: The roles of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and galectin-3 binding protein (G3BP) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are of ongoing interest, but the data are insufficient due to highly limited available studies. There are no data on cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). AIM: To assess serum Gal-3 and G3BP concentrations in SLE patients with and without LE-specific skin lesions, CLE patients and to correlate levels of proteins with clinical and laboratory parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 71 SLE patients with and without LE-specific skin lesions, 23 CLE patients and 40 controls. Gal-3 and G3BP were measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). RESULTS: = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that serum G3BP and Gal-3 are elevated in CLE. Additionally, G3BP might be associated with the extent of skin lesions. There are no differences between G3BP and Gal-3 concentrations in SLE with and without LE-specific skin lesions.