Contrasting Roles of the Galectin-3 in the Schizophrenia Onset, Clinical Presentation, and Somatic Comorbidity

Abstract

The role of the Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has already been explored in various somatic diseases, considering its engagement in infection, acute and chronic inflammation, and autoimmunity. Additionally, it has been recognized that Gal-3 is included in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, so we presented the possibility for its involvement in neuroprogression in schizophrenia. Gal-3 possibly participates in the early life programming of schizophrenia, also in the specific response to viral infections as a “second hit” later in life, and as a part of a unique systemic somatic dysfunction leading to the specific mental changes. In this review, we would like to put all these previous observations of Gal-3 properties in the context of schizophrenia onset, clinical symptoms presentation, frequent somatic comorbid states, and future options for Gal-3 centered treatment in schizophrenia.