Galectin-3 and the Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Canrenone in Mild Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is involved in collagen deposition and inflammation and is a prognostic biomarker in heart failure (HF).

Methods and results: Gal-3 and other markers of fibrosis or cardiac stress were measured serially in 413 patients with mild HF randomized to the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist canrenone or placebo to evaluate treatment effect and association with clinical outcome. Gal-3 increased slightly over 6 months in both arms of the study and was associated with clinical endpoints.

Conclusions: Although Gal-3 showed prognostic value, the effect of canrenone on clinical outcomes was unaffected by baseline concentrations of biomarkers of fibrosis or cardiac stress.

Keywords: B-type natriuretic peptide; Clinical trials; Galectin-3; Heart failure; Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist.