Development and analysis of a comprehensive diagnostic model for aortic valve calcification using machine learning methods and artificial neural networks

BACKGROUND: Although advanced surgical and interventional treatments are available for advanced aortic valve calcification (AVC) with severe clinical symptoms, early diagnosis, and intervention is critical in order to reduce calcification progression and improve patient prognosis. The aim of this study was to develop therapeutic targets for improving outcomes for patients with AVC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the public expression profiles of individuals with AVC (GSE12644 and GSE51472) to identify potential diagnostic markers. First, the R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and perform functional enrichment analysis. Next, we combined bioinformatics techniques with machine learning methodologies such as random forest algorithms and support vector machines to screen for and identify diagnostic markers of AVC. Subsequently, artificial neural networks were employed to filter and model the diagnostic characteristics for AVC incidence. The diagnostic values were determined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Furthermore, CIBERSORT immune infiltration analysis was used to determine the expression of different immune cells in the AVC. Finally, the CMap database was used to predict candidate small compounds as prospective AVC therapeutics. RESULTS: A total of 78 strong DEGs were identified. The leukocyte migration and pid integrin 1 pathways were highly enriched for AVC-specific DEGs. CXCL16, GPM6A, BEX2, S100A9, and SCARA5 genes were all regarded diagnostic markers for AVC. The model was effectively constructed using a molecular diagnostic score system with significant diagnostic value (AUC = 0.987) and verified using the independent dataset GSE83453 (AUC = 0.986). Immune cell infiltration research revealed that B cell naive, B cell memory, plasma cells, NK cell activated, monocytes, and macrophage M0 may be involved in the development of AVC. Additionally, all diagnostic characteristics may have varying degrees of correlation with immune cells. The most promising small molecule medicines for reversing AVC gene expression are Doxazosin and Terfenadine. CONCLUSION: It was identified that CXCL16, GPM6A, BEX2, S100A9, and SCARA5 are potentially beneficial for diagnosing and treating AVC. A diagnostic model was constructed based on a molecular prognostic score system using machine learning. The aforementioned immune cell infiltration may have a significant influence on the development and incidence of AVC.