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Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders
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06-07-2024 | Gestational Diabetes | Review article

A closer look at Galectin-3: its association with gestational diabetes mellitus revealed by systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Seyed Sobhan Bahreiny, Akram Ahangarpour, Mojtaba Aghaei, Reza Mohammadpour Fard, Mohammad Ali Jalali Far, Tannaz Sakhavarz

Published in: Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders | Issue 2/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant metabolic disorder that affects pregnant women worldwide and has negative consequences for both the mother and her offspring. This research aims to investigate the relation between circulating levels of Galectin-3 and the incidence of GDM, and to evaluate its potential as a biomarker for monitoring and early detection of the disease.

Methods

A thorough search of the literature has been performed using databases such as Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the effect size from individual records and pooled using the Random-effect model.

Results

Our meta-analysis synthesized data from 9 studies, encompassing 1,286 participants (533 GDM patients and 753 healthy pregnant controls). The findings demonstrated a considerable increase in Galectin-3 levels among individuals diagnosed with GDM as compared to the healthy control (SMD = 0.929; CI: 0.179–1.679; p = 0.015), with observed heterogeneity (I2 = 87%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed the influence of factors such as age, BMI, study design, and sample type on Galectin-3 levels. A meta-regression analysis further identified trends indicating that levels of Galectin-3 are linked to gestational age, specific geographical areas, and sample size.

Conclusion

Increased levels of Galectin-3 exhibit a significant association with GDM, indicating its prospective utility as a biomarker for early detection and risk assessment. Further research is warranted to elucidate its regulation and clinical implications in GDM management.

Graphical Abstract

Appendix
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Metadata
Title
A closer look at Galectin-3: its association with gestational diabetes mellitus revealed by systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
Seyed Sobhan Bahreiny
Akram Ahangarpour
Mojtaba Aghaei
Reza Mohammadpour Fard
Mohammad Ali Jalali Far
Tannaz Sakhavarz
Publication date
06-07-2024
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders / Issue 2/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2251-6581
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-024-01461-z

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