Screening of Important Factors in the Early Sepsis Stage Based on the Evaluation of ssGSEA Algorithm and ceRNA Regulatory Network

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to pathogens. Delay in sepsis diagnosis has become a primary cause of patient death. This study determines some factors to prevent septic shock in its early stage, contributing to the early treatment of sepsis. Methods: The sequencing data (RNA- and miRNA-sequencing) of patients with septic shock were obtained from the NCBI GEO database. After re-annotation, we obtained lncRNAs, miRNA, and mRNA information. Then, we evaluated the immune characteristics of the sample based on the ssGSEA algorithm. We used the WGCNA algorithm to obtain genes significantly related to immunity and screen for important related factors by constructing a ceRNA regulatory network. Result: After re-annotation, we obtained 1708 lncRNAs, 129 miRNAs, and 17 326 mRNAs. Also, through the ssGSEA algorithm, we obtained 5 important immune cells. Finally, we constructed a ceRNA regulation network associated with SS pathways. Conclusion: We identified 5 immune cells with significant changes in the early stage of septic shock. We also constructed a ceRNA network, which will help us explore the pathogenesis of septic shock.