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

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 < .00001). Galectin‐3 levels were significantly higher in the persistent AF than in the paroxysmal AF group (MD = −0.94 ng/mL, 95% CI: −1.85, −0.03, Z = 2.04, P = .04). Higher galectin‐3 levels were associated with a 45% increase in the odds of developing AF (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.83, Z = 3.11, P = .002) and risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] =1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29, Z = 3.12, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta‐analysis found that galectin‐3 is significantly higher in patients with persistent AF than in those with paroxysmal AF, and can predict both AF development and recurrence after treatment.