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. 2022 May;25(5):166.
doi: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12682. Epub 2022 Mar 16.

The role of galectins‑1, 3, 7, 8 and 9 as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers in ovarian cancer (Review)

Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz  1 , Zdzisława Kondera-Anasz  1 , Marta Smycz-Kubańska  1 , Aleksandra Englisz  1 , Aleksandra Janusz  1 , Patrycja Królewska-Daszczyńska  1 , Dominika Wendlocha  1
Affiliations

The role of galectins‑1, 3, 7, 8 and 9 as potential diagnostic and therapeutic markers in ovarian cancer (Review)

Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz et al. Mol Med Rep. 2022 May.

Abstract

The incidence of ovarian cancer is increasing, particularly throughout the highly developed countries, while this cancer type remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The currently poorly recognized lectins called galectins have various roles in interactions occurring in the tumor microenvironment. Galectins are involved in tumor‑associated processes, including the promotion of growth, adhesion, angiogenesis and survival of tumor cells. Results of research studies performed so far point to a complex role of galectins‑1, 3, ‑7, ‑8 and ‑9 in carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer and elucidation of the mechanisms may contribute to novel forms of therapies targeting the proteins. In particular, it appears important to recognize the reasons for changes in expression of galectins. Galectins also appear to be a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool to evaluate tumor progression or the efficacy of therapies in patients with ovarian cancer, which requires further study.

Keywords: galectins; ovarian cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Role of galectin-1 in the inflammatory response. Based on (20,26,36,37). GAL-1, galectin-1.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Role of galectin-3 in the inflammatory response. Based on (48,49,57,58). GAL-3, galectin-3.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Role of galectin-7 in the inflammatory response. Based on (78,79). GAL-7, galectin-7.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Role of galectin-8 in the inflammatory response. Based on (90). GAL-8, galectin-8.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Role of galectin-9 in the inflammatory response. Based on (94,95). GAL-9, galectin-9.
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