The association among biomarkers of renal and heart function in patients with heart failure: the role of NGAL

Abstract

Aim: The NGAL is a biomarker of renal injury associated with the progression of heart failure (HF). We examine the association of NGAL with galectin-3 in patients with chronic HF.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled 115 subjects with stable ischemic HF of reduced ejection fraction. Serum levels of galectin-3, b-type natriuretic peptide and NGAL were measured.

Results: NGAL levels were positively correlated with galectin-3 (rho = 0.26; p = 0.04) and b-type natriuretic peptide levels (rho = 0.30; p = 0.005) and inversely correlated with ejection fraction (rho = -0.31; p = 0.02) and creatinine clearance levels. The NGAL was independently associated with galectin-3 levels.

Conclusion: A positive correlation between NGAL and galectin-3 in HF patients was found, revealing a potential association between renal injury and myocardial fibrosis and remodeling in HF.

Keywords: fibrosis; galectin-3; neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; renal function.