Galectin-3 expression in colorectal cancer: relation to invasion and metastasis.

Background: Galectin-3, a beta-galactoside-binding protein, has been associated with various biological processes, such as cell adhesion, recognition, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of galectin-3 expression to clinicopathological findings in patients with colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the correlation between the expression of galectin-3 and beta-catenin, and the Ki-67 labeling index were investigated.