Identification of differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes in abdominal aortic aneurysm: Bioinformatics analysis.

Purpose: Ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes associated with ferroptosis in AAA through bioinformatics analysis combined with experimental validation. Materials and methods: Firstly, the mRNA expression profile datasets GSE57691 and GSE47472 from Gene Expression Omnibus database were screened, and principal component analysis was carried out. Next, the R software (version 4.0.0) was used to analyze potentially differentially expressed genes associated with AAA and ferroptosis. Subsequently, protein-protein interaction analysis, gene ontology enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the selected candidate genes. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of the first five selected abnormal ferroptosis-related genes in clinical samples obtained from patients with AAA and healthy controls. Results: Based on the information contained in the two datasets, a total of 20 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (three upregulated genes and 17 downregulated genes) were selected. Protein-protein interaction analysis demonstrated interaction between these genes, while gene ontology enrichment analysis of ferroptosis genes with differential expression indicated that some enrichment items were associated with oxidative stress. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) were consistent with the bioinformatics prediction results obtained from the mRNA chip. Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis identified 20 potential ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes in AAA. Further verification by qRT-PCR showed that IL-6, PRXD1, and SCD might affect the process of AAA by regulating ferroptosis. Our results might assist in further understanding the pathogenesis of AAA and guiding treatment.

The Chinese burden of atrial fibrillation review of atrial fibrillation studies in China.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rate disorders, but most relevant studies are mainly focused on Europe and The United States, while information about AF in the Chinese population is scarce. The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the literature on atrial fibrillation in China. METHODS: A literature search (Medline 2001-2021) identified studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of AF, risk factors for AF, comorbidities of AF, and use of antithrombotic therapy in China. This report focuses on descriptive analytical data. RESULTS: Studies reported a wide variation in the prevalence of AF, with a range of community-based and hospital-based AF rates (from 0.49% to 8.8% and 4.4% to 35.7%). Aspirin and warfarin use was found to be particularly low in community-based studies in China, and warfarin and amiodarone use was higher in hospital-based studies than in other countries. Stroke is the most common complication of atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: More high-quality studies are needed to improve our understanding of the burden of atrial fibrillation in China. Efforts should be made to improve community delivery and monitoring of antithrombotic therapy after AF. Due to China's large population, the number of patients with untreated AF and the risk of accompanying complications can be high, so the impact on healthcare resources can be significant.

Analysis of risk factors for perioperative death in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement using biological valves.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve disease has become one of the important factors affecting human health. Aortic valve disease is a progressive disease, if not actively treated, the prognosis is poor. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery is an important treatment for aortic valve disease. At present, the AVR surgery using biological valve accounts for about 40% of the total number of AVR surgery. There are still more perioperative deaths in China due to the large number of AVR patients using biological valves. The objective of this study is to explore measures to reduce perioperative mortality of patients after AVR surgery with biological valves. METHODS: The clinical data of patients undergoing AVR surgery with biological valves in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from November 15, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were reviewed and analyzed. Patients were divided into death group and survival group according to their perioperative survival. Risk factors that may influence perioperative mortality were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. DISCUSSION: This study was a retrospective analysis of risk factors that may influence perioperative mortality in patients undergoing AVR surgery using biological valves. The conclusions of this study can be used to guide clinical decisions-making and relevant guidelines-developing for perioperative treatment of patients undergoing AVR surgery using biological valves.