RESUMO
Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins that have a high affinity to galactosides on cell surfaces and extra cellular glycoproteins.They are involved in a variety of biological functions,including modulation of cell apoptosis,cell activation and inflammation.Our laboratory has recently identified galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) as being up-regulated in a microparticle proteomics analysis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) patients compared to negative controls.P-selectin,another glycoprotein involved in thrombus propagation,has been proved as a promising target for DVT management and has been widely studied by our group.Galectins are involved in P-selectin expression and can potentially be implicated in the venous thrombogenesis process.Interleukin-6,as an important cytokine of body,which have been found in the study of inflammation for venous thromboembolism,may be an important factor for the frmation of VT.Research shows gal3bp:gal3 plays a critical role in VT,likely via IL-6 Promote thrombosis.The function of galectins,their role in inflammation and thrombosis as well as their potential implications as a new pharmacological target for DVT management are reviewed in this manuscript.