The functional spectrum Of human galectins is Currently explored, with a wide range of activities being described. The role of galectin-3 as adhesin for bacteria is based on its strong binding to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), which brings the possibility of such a contamination in galectin preparations to awareness. This assumption was verified in three independent functional assay Systems using polymyxin B as inhibitor of LPS-dependent effects. Moreover, a commercial LPS quantification kit also revealed LPS in galectin preparations. Chromatography was effective in removing LPS, suggesting that Such a technique needs to be applied to prevent assigning Cellular responses to galectins rather than LPS (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.