Galectin-3 levels relate in children to total body fat, abdominal fat, body fat distribution, and cardiac size

Conclusion: More body fat and abdominal fat, more abdominal body fat distribution, more left ventricular mass, and increased left atrial size were all associated with higher levels of galectin-3. Increase in total body fat over 2  years was also associated with higher levels of galectin-3.What is Known:•Galectin-3 has been linked to obesity and been proposed to be a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease in adults.•Information on this subject in children is very scarce.What is New:•The present study demonstrates a relationship between galectin-3 levels and total body fat, abdominal fat, body fat distribution, cardiac size and geometry, and increase in total body fat over 2  years in young children.

Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - February 17, 2018 Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research