Evaluating the Role of Galectin-1, Adiponectin, Leptin, and Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio as Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally. Early identification of individuals at elevated risk is essential for improving preventive measures and patient outcomes. Biomarkers like Galectin-1, leptin, and adiponectin are known to play roles in metabolic processes, with a low adiponectin/leptin ratio indicating a heightened cardiometabolic risk. However, the association between Galectin-1, leptin, adiponectin, and the adiponectin/leptin ratio with cardiovascular disease risk scores is not well understood. This study aims to assess these markers' correlation with cardiovascular disease risk and their potential utility as predictors. This cross-sectional study assessed 135 healthy adults through questionnaires and blood pressure measurements. Each participant's cardiovascular (CV) risk was estimated, with serum Galectin-1, adiponectin, and leptin levels measured. Comparisons of adipokine levels between age groups were conducted. The associations between variables were assessed, and linear regression was applied with cardiovascular risk score as the outcome. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. After excluding fifteen individuals, 122 subjects (62 males, 60 females; mean age 43.8 yr) were included in the study. Leptin levels correlated positively with CV risk score and LDL levels in younger individuals, while the adiponectin/leptin ratio showed a negative correlation with low density lipoproetin (LDL) and CV risk scores across age groups. Smoking was a strong predictor of CV risk in younger participants, whereas diabetes, cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio, and leptin were significant predictors in the middle-aged group (p<0.05). Among measured adipokines, leptin is as a key predictor of cardiovascular risk, alongside established factors like smoking, diabetes, and cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio.

Keywords

galectin-1 - leptin - adiponectin/leptin ratio - biomarker - cardiovascular diseases - risk factors

Publication History

Received: 14 January 2025

Accepted after revision: 30 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
30 September 2025

Article published online:
12 November 2025

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