Eliminating Senescent Cells Might Worsen Pulmonary Hypertension
The 6th International Leh Symposium
Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive lung disease characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries leading to the lungs, often leading to right heart failure and poor prognosis. The accumulation of senescent cells (often termed "zombie cells" due to their resistance to apoptosis and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors) is widely recognized as a driver of aging and various chronic diseases, making their targeted elimination (senolysis) a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the precise and context-dependent role of senescent cells in the complex pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, and whether their elimination is universally beneficial, remains an important knowledge gap.
Study Design
Population
Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Intervention
Elimination of senescent cells (senolysis).
Outcome
The precise and context-dependent role of senescent cells in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, and whether their elimination is universally beneficial.