The Expression Characteristics and Interrelationships of FNDC5 and Pyroptosis-Associated Molecules in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression characteristics and interrelationships of FNDC5 and pyroptosis-associated molecules in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods: Patients were divided into stable angina (SA), unstable angina (UA), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) groups based on different clinical symptoms. According to the Gensini score, they were then divided into mild, moderate, and severe lesion groups. The control (NC) group was also set. ELISA assay was employed to detect the levels of Irisin, IL-1β, and IL-18, and the levels of pyroptosis-associated molecules, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, and FNDC5 were detected and compared by qRT-PCR and Western blot (WB). Logistic regression and Spearman's partial correlation analysis were used to analyze the pathogenic factors of CHD and explore the interrelationships between FNDC5 and the molecules.

Results: IL-1β and IL-18 of CHD patients were increased, while the Irisin was decreased. With the aggravation of symptoms and severity of coronary artery stenosis, the former increased, and the Irisin gradually decreased (P<0.05). About qRT-PCR and WB: With the aggravation of symptoms, the levels of pyroptosis-associated molecules and other indicators were increased, and FNDC5 was decreased (P<0.05). NLRP3, Caspase-1, and NF-κB p50 protein were positively correlated with the incidence of CHD, and FNDC5 was also negatively correlated with that of CHD. Spearman's Partial Correlation Analysis: Even when common risk factors for CHD were taken into account, FNDC5 and NLRP3 were still found to be negatively connected.

Conclusion: The decreased expression level of FNDC5 and the increased level of pyroptosis-associated molecules may be related to CHD.