Galectin-3-positive cell infiltration in human diabetic nephropathy

Background. Galectin-3 has several functions, such as cell proliferation, regulation of apoptosis and interaction of cell adhesion, and has a high binding affinity for advanced glycation end products. In animal models with diabetic nephropathy (DMN) or acute renal failure, galectin-3 is known to be upregulated. However, galectin-3 expression has not been investigated in human kidney diseases.