However, the percentages of IL-6-positive NP and AF cells in the gel group were significantly lower than those in the punch group at each time point (punch vs. gel, NP cells; P < 0.01 on day 1, 7, 28, P = 0.046 on day 4, AF cells; P < 0.01 on day 1, 4, 28, P = 0.01 on day 7, Fig. 3c,d). This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and atrial fibrillation.