Retrospective Clinical Observation of Correlation between Galectin-3 and Early Herpes Zoster Neuralgia and Post-herpetic Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Herpes Zoster Neuralgia (HZN) and Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) are neuropathic pain conditions following Varicella Zoster Virus infection. PHN primarily affects individuals aged 60 and above and the pervasive and severe neuropathic pain in PHN leads to significant emotional and psychological distress in approximately 80%-90% of patients, precipitating a decline in their overall quality of life and that of their families. Galectin-3, a pro-inflammatory factor, is implicated in inflammatory responses, potentially influencing neuronal damage and pain signal transmission.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical relevance of serum Galectin-3 in HZN and PHN patients, alongside other contributing factors.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data collected from 40 HZN patients, 40 non-HZN patients, and 20 healthy controls in our hospital between 2015 and 2017. Variables included demographic data, clinical characteristics, and inflammatory markers. Statistical analyses comprised t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate Galectin-3's predictive value for PHN.

RESULTS: PHN patients showed significantly higher ages, NRS scores, and prevalence of shingles in the head and neck region compared to Non-PHN and Non-HZN groups (P < .05). Elevated levels of IL-6 (66.33±8.93 pg/mL) and Galectin-3 (2.44±0.29 ng/mL) were observed in HZN patients. Galectin-3 emerged as a significant risk factor for PHN development (P < .05), while other factors such as age, shingles location, IL-6, and T lymphocyte subsets did not show a significant impact.

CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 may serve as a predictive biomarker for PHN development, offering insights into its pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets. Patients with elevated Galectin-3 levels might benefit from specific targeted therapies or interventions aimed at reducing Galectin-3 levels and mitigating its effects.