Significant differences were observed in the H-score of CCN2 (AF:123.7 ± 48.3; NC:64.6 ± 24.3; P < 0.001) and the H-score of TGF-β (AF:82.8 ± 19.3; NC:54.1 ± 14.1; P < 0.001) between both groups, demonstrating a higher expression of CCN2 and TGF-β in the AF group (Fig. 6a). The gene discussed is CCN2; the disease is atrial fibrillation.