A bioinformatics approach to the identification of hub genes of Huo Xin Pill (HXP) for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Purpose: To apply bioinformatics for the identification of potential genes associated with Huo Xin Pill (HXP), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction AMI).Methods: Mouse AMI expression profile dataset GSE153485 and HXP-treated mouse AMI expression profile dataset GSE147365 were downloaded from GEO database. Then, R software was used to screen differentially-expressed genes in AMI and differentially-expressed genes in HXP-treated AMI. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, Venn diagrams, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were carried out on the hub genes linked to the effect of HXP on AMI.Results: Six hub genes were identified. Based on the differential analysis of the sham and AMI groups, GSE153485 and GSE147365 had 840 and 2116 differentially-expressed genes, respectively (p < 0.05). The GO and KEGG analyses revealed enrichments in actin filament organization, membrane repolarization, and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Differential analysis of the use of HXP on AMI showed that GSE147365 had 380 differentially-expressed genes, comprising 96 up-regulated genes and 284 down-regulated genes (p < 0.05). Thirteen potential acting target genes were obtained using a enn diagram, while 6 key acting genes were obtained via final screening.Conclusion: Six (6) hub genes linked to HXP and AMI have been identified using bioinformatics: Egr2, Tubb2a, Col4a2, Cnn2, Lmna, and Col4a1. This study provides a partial experimental basis for the use of HXP in the treatment of AMI. In addition, it provides new potential targets for the treatment of AMI.