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BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

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01-12-2021 | Valvular Heart Disease | Research article

Comprehensive analysis of autophagy-related genes and patterns of immune cell infiltration in valvular atrial fibrillation

Authors: Ao Liu, Kangni Jia, Huaibin Liang, Qi Jin

Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The development of atrial fibrillation (AF) following valvular heart disease (VHD) remains a common disease and is associated with substantial adverse complications. However, valid molecular diagnostic and therapeutic tools for post-VHD AF have not been fully established. This study was conducted to discover the molecular mechanisms and immune microenvironment underlying AF following VHD.

Methods

Gene expression profiles of the GSE41177 dataset were assessed to construct a protein–protein interaction network, and then, autophagy-related hub genes were identified. In addition, to determine the functions of immune cell infiltration in valvular AF, we used the CIBERSORT algorithm to estimate the composition of 22 immune cell types in valvular heart disease. Finally, correlation analysis was carried out to identify the relationship between differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) and significant immune cell subpopulations to reveal potential regulatory pathways.

Results

A total of 153 DEARGs were identified in AF-VHD patients compared with controlled donors. Moreover, we screened the top ten hub nodes with the highest degrees through a network analysis. The ten hub nodes were considered hub genes related to AF genesis and progression. Then, we revealed six significant immune cell subpopulations through the CIBERSORT algorithm. Finally, correlation analysis was performed, and six DEARGs (BECN1, GAPDH, ATG7, MAPK3, BCL2L1, and MYC) and three immune cell subpopulations (T cells CD4 memory resting, T cells follicular helper, and neutrophils) were identified as the most significant potential regulators.

Conclusion

The DEARGs and immune cells identified in our study may be critical in AF development following VHD and provide potential predictive markers and therapeutic targets for determining a treatment strategy for AF patients.

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Title: Comprehensive analysis of autophagy-related genes and patterns of immune cell infiltration in valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ao Liu
Kangni Jia
Huaibin Liang
Qi Jin
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Valvular Heart Disease
Atrial Fibrillation
Published in: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2261
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-021-01939-1

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Abstract

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Results

Conclusion

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