Numbers studies have shown that various inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), hyperuricemia, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), homocysteine (Hcy), adiponectin (APN), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), circulating interleukins (IL) might be useful biomarkers for predicting AF-related IS. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is atrial fibrillation.