GALECTIN-3 IN MODULATING INFLAMMATION IN ADIPOCYTES AND MACROPHAGES

Previous studies on endogenous galectin-3 proved its role in the pathogenesis of asthma, heart attack and obesity. Galectin-3 applied therapeutically as gene therapy suppresses the inflammatory response in a rat asthma model thus presenting novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of several diseases. Despite availability of enormous data concerning galectin-3 expression, the mechanisms of regulation of galectin-3 expression are relatively poorly defined. Galectins are either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory, such as galectin-1, may be employed as anti-inflammatory agents, while others, such as galectin-3, are evidently suitable targets for anti-inflammatory drugs. Investigating galectin-3 in the immune response has demonstrated that this protein displays pro- and anti-inflammatory roles depending on the target cell type, whether galectin-3 is acting exogenously or endogenously, its expression level and other inflammatory factors. It is therefore imperative that all these factors be taken into consideration should galectin-3 be used therapeutically.