Galectin-3 and Its Role in Human Health

This book delves into the multifaceted roles of Galectin-3 in various physiological and pathological conditions impacting human health. Galectin-3 has a unique structure and plays multifunctional roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell proliferation, adhesion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammation and immune mechanisms. Galectin-3 also impacts several conditions related to obesity, metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular and reproductive health, embryo implantation, pregnancy, preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, carcinogenesis (including gynecological cancers and breast cancer) neurodegenerative diseases and benign vascular tumors of the skin. This book presents a comprehensive overview of Galectin-3 as a biomarker, linking molecular pathways to clinical conditions. It synthesizes emerging evidence and future perspectives on Galectin-3 and highlights its importance as a promising biomarker from diagnosis to personalized, targeted treatment strategies. This book also provides valuable insights and special perspectives on womens health across the lifespan from reproductive years to the postmenopausal period. The editors believe this book will serve a wide range of readers, including researchers, clinicians and students, as a critical resource for advancing human health and medicine.