The Glycoprotein Galectin-3 and COVID-19

Larry A. Law

Have you ever heard of galectin-3? It is a glycoprotein that binds to the sugar galactose on a myriad of cell receptors. The picture at the right lists some of the organs and areas of the body on which this molecule is prevalent, as well as some of the biological functions affected. Below I'll shed a little light on this one molecule (without getting too technical) and explain how it interacts with several biological processes. It represents just one shining, unsung example in the science of glycobiology. ​

A New Study 

One scientific study that focused on the glycoprotein galectin-3 was titled, Galectin-3: One molecule for an Alphabet of Diseases, from A to Z. Just the title implies a very powerful glycoprotein involved in a plethora of disease states. Another study is titled, Galectin-3-binding protein: A multitask glycoprotein with innate immunity functions in viral and bacterial infections. "Multitask glycoprotein" with functions in the world of innate immunity, viral infections, and bacterial infections also portends a powerful molecule with multiple, vital roles in human health. The two studies referenced were published in 2018 before the COVID-19 pandemic. A more recent study published in 2023 now suggests that inhibiting galectin-3 may help against COVID-19. With so many previously investigated functions, how does it help specifically with COVID-19?

Background

Galectin-3 was first discovered in 1971. It is a protein that seemed to regulate inflammation and it was able to bind to pathogens. Scientists didn't know it was a glycoprotein with sugars because the science of glycobiology was not known and the technology to study sugars had yet to be developed. So, all the studies (even today) talk about it being a protein and do not give credit to the binding power of the sugars on this protein. 

But they did learn that the molecule helped the immune system respond to threats. As they studied diseases (especially cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders), they saw that galectin-3 seemed to be instrumental in causing excessive inflammation. Chronic inflammation was present in all these diseases and plenty of galectin-3 was being generated. Scientists thought that if they could control the production of this molecule, they could then keep the immune system from overreacting and causing chronic inflammation. Researchers still don't fully understand why galectin-3 spikes when the body is under attack. But they saw its overabundance as an immune dysfunction marker that prolongs illness.

The body uses inflammation to signal an attack is present and rally the immune system cells to fight. But chronic inflammation means that for some reason, the immune system is not returning to a normal state. Galectin-3 helps the body ramp up for normal inflammation, but when the body doesn't stop producing it, it keeps the immune system in a fight mode. That becomes a bad thing associated with chronic inflammation. In this state, a good molecule can be used in a bad way as it drives relentless inflammation through its many binding partners. Like a gun, the molecule is neither good nor bad by itself. But depending upon the intent of the person using it, it can be employed for good or bad. 

COVID-19

The 2023 publication explored the rise and fall of galectin-3 levels in COVID-19 patients. They found that galectin-3 inhibitors reduced the level of galectin-3 in COVID-19 patients, decreasing inflammation, coagulation (clotting), and fibrosis (thickening or scarring of tissue). Galectin-3 inhibitors enabled rapid clearance of the COVID-19 virus and prevented the virus from entering the cell to replicate. They concluded that galectin-3 inhibitors could represent a very effective treatment towards prevention of COVID-19—after all, inhibitor efficacy and tolerability were excellent.

Speaking of COVID-19, here is a short presentation that just came out showing how the COVID shots hurt children.

Also, Dr. Peter McCullough reported that a new study anlyzing data from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that mass COVID-19 vaccination not only failed, but made things worse—with the highest death surges being in the most heavily vaccinated populations. Loading the body with spike protein from vaccination made illness become more severe and deadly. Cardiac complications and blood clots were caused by vaccination—those risks remained elevated for years. Death from all causes increased because of the Spike protein.

Here is an excellent discussion on vaccinations by the author of the book, Dissolving Illusions, as Dr. Suzanne Humphries shares on a podcast with Joe Rogan recently—outstanding! You can also see my WSG webinar where I reviewed her book. 

Ways to Reduce Galectin-3 Levels Naturally

While galectin-3 is a necessary molecule for human health, those suffering from chronic inflammation can find ways to reduce the levels of this glycoprotein. Meditation and music, eating modified citrus pectin (a natural dietary fiber), eliminating highly-processed foods, and reducing stress are all proven ways to lower levels of this molecule. Ensuring you get plant-based vitamins and minerals and sugar nutrients is essential. 

The overall message is clear. Wellness consists of physical, emotional, social, mental, and spiritual components. Addressing each element in whole, real ways leads to health and vitality. 

My book, There's An Elephant in the Room—Exposing Hidden Truths in the Science of Health is no longer available on Amazon, but you can still get it on our website.