Galectin-3 and risk of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Galectin-3 is an inflammatory marker that is raised in myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. Recent studies have explored its role in predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between serum concentration of galectin-3 and AF. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database were searched. A total of 280 studies were identified, of which 28 studies involving 10 830 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Results: Galectin-3 is present at higher concentrations in patients with AF than those in sinus rhythm (mean difference [MD] = −0.68 ng/mL, 95% CI: −0.92, −0.44, Z = 5.61, P