Galectin-3 Promotes Graft Injury via NLRP3 Pyroptosis in Steatotic Liver Transplantation: A Therapeutic Target for Donor Optimization
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Aims: Steatotic donor livers are highly susceptible to post-transplant dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of galectin-3 (LGALS3)-mediated pyroptosis in steatotic liver graft injury and explore its therapeutic potential. Methods: , LGALS3 was modulated in steatotic hepatocytes under ischemia/reperfusion stress to assess its impact on the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis. The regulatory mechanism by which LGALS3 modulates NLRP3 ubiquitination was further examined. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of LGALS3 inhibition was evaluated in an orthotopic liver transplantation model. Results: , pharmacological inhibition of LGALS3 significantly improved graft function, reduced histological injury, suppressed pyroptosis, and prolonged recipient survival. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LGALS3 drives steatotic graft injury by promoting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis through the regulation of ubiquitination. These findings identify LGALS3 as a promising therapeutic target for improving the outcomes of liver transplantation using steatotic donor organs.
Authors: Xianwu Yang, Shirui Huang, Ruisi Ma, Zhihui Zhu, Yingquan Zhuo, Jiafei Yang, Jun Du, Huajian Gu
Institution: Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7140186626
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