H2AX and atrial fibrillation: The results unraveled that compared with the AF + si-NC group, the AF + si-SOX6 group exhibited reduced SOX6 levels in myocardial tissues (Figure 5a and b, p < 0.01); diminished p21, CDC25, and Cyclin B1 levels (Figure 5b, p < 0.01); decreased SA-β-gal and γ-H2AX levels (Figure 5c, p < 0.01); and lowered cell apoptosis (Figure 5d, p < 0.01).