In contrast, patients with UC had higher galectin-3 concentrations in women and in patients with a CRI, ACI, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease, neoplasia, immunosuppressive treatment, or had received antibiotics; lower galectin-3 concentrations were found in smokers or people who usually drink alcohol (Figure 1). The gene discussed is LGALS3; the disease is metabolic syndrome.