AIM: To investigate the effects of high-concentration glucose on the cell viability of retinal pigment epithelialcells(ARPE-19)/ human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)cells, as well as on the expression levels of sirtuin 6(SIRT6).

METHODS:ARPE-19 and HUVEC cells were cultured for 48 h in media containing various glucose concentrations(5.5, 25, 50, 75, 100 mmol/L)and cellular morphology was observed under an optical microscope.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate apoptosis levels, and Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression of Bcl-2 and SIRT6. ARPE-19/HUVEC cells were treated with 50 mmol/L glucose for 48 h, after which immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine the subcellular localization and expression level of SIRT6 protein. In parallel, cells receiving the same treatment were harvested at different time points(0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h), and the temporal changes in SIRT6 protein expression were assessed by Western blot analysis. SIRT6 overexpressing stable ARPE-19/HUVEC cell lines were constructed. Western blot was performed to detect the effects of SIRT6 overexpression on the expression levels of glucose transporters in ARPE-19/HUVEC cells treated with high glucose(50 mmol/L glucose).

RESULTS:Compared with the 5.5 mmol/L glucose group, cell number was decreased and cell viability was significantly reduced in ARPE19/HUVEC cells with increasing glucose concentrations(all P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein expression level of SIRT6 was markedly downregulated(P<0.05). Such inhibitory effects exhibited both concentration-and time-dependent patterns(all P<0.05). Furthermore, high glucose induced cell apoptosis and downregulated the protein expression of Bcl-2(P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that SIRT6 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus after 48 h of high-glucose treatment, accompanied by pyknosis and nuclear fragmentation. After incubation with highg-lucose medium(50 mmol/L glucose)for different durations, long-term high-glucose intervention was found to reduce SIRT6 protein expression in ARPE19/HUVEC cells. Successful construction of the SIRT6-overexpressing stable ARPE-19/HUVEC cell lines was confirmed via immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Western blot analysis revealed that, compared with the HG+LV-con group, the HG+LV-SIRT6 group exhibited no significant differences in GLUT1 or GLUT4 expression in ARPE-19 cells, whereas GLUT3 expression was elevated(P<0.05). Compared with the HG+LV-con group, the HG+LV-SIRT6 group showed no significant change in GLUT1 expression, while GLUT3 and GLUT4 levels were increased(both P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:High-concentration glucose-reduce the proliferative activity of ARPE-19/HUVEC cells, induce apoptosis, and downregulate SIRT6 expression. SIRT6 may alleviate high glucose-induced retinal cell damage by promoting the expression of glucose transporters.

Objective:To explore the risk assessment and intervention effect of WeChat platform-based health management in high-risk populations for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 480 individuals at high risk of CVD who underwent physical examinations at the Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital from February to April in 2023 were selected using a simple random sampling method. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group (240 cases each) using a random number table. The control group received routine follow-up and health assessments, while the intervention group received an additional 12-month WeChat-based health management intervention. During the study, 28 participants were lost to follow-up, resulting in 227 participants in the intervention group and 225 in the control group being included in the final analysis. The 10-year CVD risk was assessed using the prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in China (China-PAR) model, and psychological status was evaluated using the self-rating anxiety Scale (SAS) and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Changes in health behaviors, adherence, life style, blood pressure, metabolic indicators, psychological status, and CVD risk were compared before and after the intervention in both groups to evaluate the intervention′s effectiveness.Results:Among the 452 high-risk participants analyzed, the intervention group included 227 individuals [mean age: (53.16±10.81) years; 117 males and 110 females], and the control group included 225 individuals [mean age: (52.60±10.25) years; 118 males and 107 females]. There was no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). After 12 months of intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in medication adherence, intake of vegetables and fruits, exercise duration, sleep time, proportion of regular lifestyle, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, all of which were all higher than both the baseline values and those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conversely, the intervention group showed reductions in medical visit rate, smoking and drinking rates, high-salt diet, meat intake, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides, SAS and SDS scores when compared to the baseline values and those in the control group (all P<0.05). The proportions of participants with 10-year CVD risk levels of 10%-<20%, 20%-<30%, 30%-<40%, and ≥40% significantly decreased in the intervention group after intervention (18.94% vs 36.12%, 12.78% vs 26.43%, 7.93% vs 19.82%, 3.96% vs 17.63%), and were also significantly lower than those in the control group (18.94% vs 40.45%, 12.78% vs 30.67%, 7.93% vs 22.67%, 3.96% vs 16.89%) (all P<0.001). After 12 months, the intervention group showed significantly higher improvement rates in both medication adherence and non-medication-related compliance behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, meat and salt intake, fruit and vegetable intake, exercise duration, sleep duration, and lifestyle regularity, when compared to those in the control group (16.74% vs -3.11%, 14.54% vs -0.89%, 16.74% vs -0.44%, 57.71% vs 8.44%, 21.15% vs -0.44%, 56.83% vs -6.67%, 51.54% vs -3.56%, 60.79% vs -7.11%, 26.87% vs -13.78%, 22.91% vs -1.78%) (all P<0.001). Conclusion:The WeChat platform-based health management intervention can effectively improve the behavioral patterns, compliance, control of CVD risk factors and psychological status of high-risk populations for CVD, and help reduce their 10-year risk of CVD.

Rodent models play a crucial role in research on human periodontal diseases,providing key evidence for investigation into the pathological mechanisms of periodontal bone defects.Relevant research in the field involves gene expression,inflammatory regulation mechanisms,host-microbial interactions,as well as disease resolution and healing processes.Research methodology in the field falls under 2 categories-periodontal inflammation models and surgical defect models.The former simulates periodontal defects by inducing periodontal diseases,while the latter constructs clinically simulated periodontal defects through surgical removal of periodontal tissue.However,the currently available animal models of periodontitis face challenges in simultaneously capturing the disease complexity,tracking dynamic repair processes,and meeting translational needs.Herein,we reviewed and summarized the methods and characteristics of periodontal disease modeling in recent years.We proposed the establishment of a multimodal assessment framework integrating technologies such as spatial transcriptomics,single-cell sequencing,and in vivo fluorescence imaging,which may serve as a critical pathway for overcoming existing research challenges.

BACKGROUND:The proliferation and phenotypic maintenance of chondrocytes are limited under two-dimensional culture conditions.Porous microspheres serve as scaffolds,providing a three-dimensional culture environment that better mimics in vivo growth conditions.Stromal cell derived factor-1,a homeostatic cytokine with potent chemotactic effects,facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of stromal cell derived factor-1 grafted poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres on the biological characteristics of chondrocytes and the formation of cartilage tissue.METHODS:(1)The effects of different concentrations of stromal cell derived factor-1 on rabbit chondrocyte proliferation,migration,and phenotypic maintenance were investigated in an in vitro setting.(2)Poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres were prepared by double emulsion method.Stromal cell derived factor-1 was grafted onto poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres through carbodiimide reaction.The grafting was verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and incubation with stromal cell derived factor-1-specific fluorescent antibodies.(3)Rabbit chondrocytes were inoculated on poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres and grafted on stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres to detect cell proliferation and adhesion.(4)The methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(control group),poly-L-lactic acid porous microsphere-methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(porous microsphere group),and grafted stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microsphere-methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(porous microsphere modified group)were implanted under the skin of the back of nude mice,respectively.Samples were collected 8 weeks later and detected using histological staining and qRT-PCR for chondroblast related genes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with 0 and 1 000 ng/mL stromal cell derived factor-1,1 and 500 ng/mL stromal cell derived factor 1 could promote the proliferation and migration of chondrocytes,and enhance the mRNA expression levels of type Ⅱ collagen,elastin,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,and Bcl-2 in chondrocytes.(2)Stromal cell derived factor-1 was successfully grafted onto poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres with a grafting rate of 93.75%.(3)Compared with poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres,grafted stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres promoted the proliferation and adhesion of chondrocytes.(4)After 8 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in nude mice,compared with the control group and the porous microsphere group,the porous microsphere modified group had clearer cartilage lacunae structure,more chondro-specific matrix and type Ⅱ collagen deposition,and increased expression of elastin,type Ⅱ collagen,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,and Bcl-2 mRNA.These findings indicate that stromal cell derived factor-1 grafted poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres are beneficial to chondrocyte adhesion,proliferation,phenotypic maintenance,and the formation of cartilage tissue in vivo.

Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of Hongyu Decoction in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)based on serum amino acid metabolism.Methods A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into control group,model group,sulfasalazine(SASP)group and Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the control group,the rest groups were treated with 3%dextran sulfate sodium freely for seven consecutive days to establish the IBD model.The SASP group was given SASP solution at a dosage of 200 mg/kg by gavage,while the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups were given Hongyu Decoction freeze-dried powder solution at dosages of 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg respectively by gavage for 11 consecutive days.The general condition was monitored and DAI score were calculated.After the mice were sacrificed,the length of colons was measured,ELISA was used to detect serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-17 contents,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue,and Alizarin blue staining was used to evaluate the secretion of mucin levels by intestinal epithelial goblet cells,UPLC-MS and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the serum amino acid metabolism profiles of mice in the control group,model group and Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group,and differential amino acids were screened.Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on differential amino acids using MetaboAnalyst 5.0.Results Compared with the control group,the DAI score of the model group mice significantly increased(P<0.001),the colon length was significantly shortened(P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 significantly increased(P<0.001);with widespread ulceration of colon tissue,disappearance of mucosal epithelium and intestinal crypt structure,infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils,congestion and edema of intestinal mucosa,proliferation of submucosal connective tissue,reduced number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion.Compared with the model group,the Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group showed a significant decrease in DAI score(P<0.001),while the SASP group and the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups showed a significant increase in colon length(P<0.05,P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.001);the colonic villi were relatively intact,the glands were clear and arranged neatly,the branches of the intestinal crypts were obvious,no obvious edema was observed,and the number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion increased.Seven potential biomarkers for IBD in mice were identified through serum metabolomics screening,including tryptophan,serine,glutamate,valine,histidine,methionine and phenylalanine;two potential biomarkers for the treatment of IBD with Hongyu Decoction were identified,namely valine and tyrosine.The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential amino acids in the model group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,histidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,phenylalanine metabolism and arginine biosynthesis;the differential amino acids in Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,as well as the metabolism of alanine,aspartate and glutamate,and the biosynthesis of arginine.Conclusion Hongyu Decoction can improve intestinal epithelial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in IBD mice,protect the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier,and may be related to regulating amino acid metabolism in the body.

BACKGROUND:The proliferation and phenotypic maintenance of chondrocytes are limited under two-dimensional culture conditions.Porous microspheres serve as scaffolds,providing a three-dimensional culture environment that better mimics in vivo growth conditions.Stromal cell derived factor-1,a homeostatic cytokine with potent chemotactic effects,facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of stromal cell derived factor-1 grafted poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres on the biological characteristics of chondrocytes and the formation of cartilage tissue.METHODS:(1)The effects of different concentrations of stromal cell derived factor-1 on rabbit chondrocyte proliferation,migration,and phenotypic maintenance were investigated in an in vitro setting.(2)Poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres were prepared by double emulsion method.Stromal cell derived factor-1 was grafted onto poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres through carbodiimide reaction.The grafting was verified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and incubation with stromal cell derived factor-1-specific fluorescent antibodies.(3)Rabbit chondrocytes were inoculated on poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres and grafted on stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres to detect cell proliferation and adhesion.(4)The methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(control group),poly-L-lactic acid porous microsphere-methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(porous microsphere group),and grafted stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microsphere-methylacrylamide-gelatin-chondrocyte complex(porous microsphere modified group)were implanted under the skin of the back of nude mice,respectively.Samples were collected 8 weeks later and detected using histological staining and qRT-PCR for chondroblast related genes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with 0 and 1 000 ng/mL stromal cell derived factor-1,1 and 500 ng/mL stromal cell derived factor 1 could promote the proliferation and migration of chondrocytes,and enhance the mRNA expression levels of type Ⅱ collagen,elastin,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,and Bcl-2 in chondrocytes.(2)Stromal cell derived factor-1 was successfully grafted onto poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres with a grafting rate of 93.75%.(3)Compared with poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres,grafted stromal cell derived factor-1 poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres promoted the proliferation and adhesion of chondrocytes.(4)After 8 weeks of subcutaneous implantation in nude mice,compared with the control group and the porous microsphere group,the porous microsphere modified group had clearer cartilage lacunae structure,more chondro-specific matrix and type Ⅱ collagen deposition,and increased expression of elastin,type Ⅱ collagen,proliferating cell nuclear antigen,and Bcl-2 mRNA.These findings indicate that stromal cell derived factor-1 grafted poly-L-lactic acid porous microspheres are beneficial to chondrocyte adhesion,proliferation,phenotypic maintenance,and the formation of cartilage tissue in vivo.

Objective To investigate the underlying mechanism of Hongyu Decoction in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)based on serum amino acid metabolism.Methods A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were divided into control group,model group,sulfasalazine(SASP)group and Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups,with 10 mice in each group.Except for the control group,the rest groups were treated with 3%dextran sulfate sodium freely for seven consecutive days to establish the IBD model.The SASP group was given SASP solution at a dosage of 200 mg/kg by gavage,while the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups were given Hongyu Decoction freeze-dried powder solution at dosages of 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg respectively by gavage for 11 consecutive days.The general condition was monitored and DAI score were calculated.After the mice were sacrificed,the length of colons was measured,ELISA was used to detect serum TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-17 contents,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue,and Alizarin blue staining was used to evaluate the secretion of mucin levels by intestinal epithelial goblet cells,UPLC-MS and multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the serum amino acid metabolism profiles of mice in the control group,model group and Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group,and differential amino acids were screened.Pathway enrichment analysis was performed on differential amino acids using MetaboAnalyst 5.0.Results Compared with the control group,the DAI score of the model group mice significantly increased(P<0.001),the colon length was significantly shortened(P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 significantly increased(P<0.001);with widespread ulceration of colon tissue,disappearance of mucosal epithelium and intestinal crypt structure,infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils,congestion and edema of intestinal mucosa,proliferation of submucosal connective tissue,reduced number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion.Compared with the model group,the Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group showed a significant decrease in DAI score(P<0.001),while the SASP group and the Hongyu Decoction low-and high-dosage groups showed a significant increase in colon length(P<0.05,P<0.001),and the serum contents of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.001);the colonic villi were relatively intact,the glands were clear and arranged neatly,the branches of the intestinal crypts were obvious,no obvious edema was observed,and the number of colonic goblet cells and mucin secretion increased.Seven potential biomarkers for IBD in mice were identified through serum metabolomics screening,including tryptophan,serine,glutamate,valine,histidine,methionine and phenylalanine;two potential biomarkers for the treatment of IBD with Hongyu Decoction were identified,namely valine and tyrosine.The results of pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differential amino acids in the model group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,histidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,phenylalanine metabolism and arginine biosynthesis;the differential amino acids in Hongyu Decoction high-dosage group mainly involved the biosynthesis of phenylalanine,tyrosine and tryptophan,as well as the metabolism of alanine,aspartate and glutamate,and the biosynthesis of arginine.Conclusion Hongyu Decoction can improve intestinal epithelial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in IBD mice,protect the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier,and may be related to regulating amino acid metabolism in the body.

Objective:To explore the risk assessment and intervention effect of WeChat platform-based health management in high-risk populations for cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 480 individuals at high risk of CVD who underwent physical examinations at the Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital from February to April in 2023 were selected using a simple random sampling method. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group (240 cases each) using a random number table. The control group received routine follow-up and health assessments, while the intervention group received an additional 12-month WeChat-based health management intervention. During the study, 28 participants were lost to follow-up, resulting in 227 participants in the intervention group and 225 in the control group being included in the final analysis. The 10-year CVD risk was assessed using the prediction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in China (China-PAR) model, and psychological status was evaluated using the self-rating anxiety Scale (SAS) and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Changes in health behaviors, adherence, life style, blood pressure, metabolic indicators, psychological status, and CVD risk were compared before and after the intervention in both groups to evaluate the intervention′s effectiveness.Results:Among the 452 high-risk participants analyzed, the intervention group included 227 individuals [mean age: (53.16±10.81) years; 117 males and 110 females], and the control group included 225 individuals [mean age: (52.60±10.25) years; 118 males and 107 females]. There was no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). After 12 months of intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in medication adherence, intake of vegetables and fruits, exercise duration, sleep time, proportion of regular lifestyle, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, all of which were all higher than both the baseline values and those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conversely, the intervention group showed reductions in medical visit rate, smoking and drinking rates, high-salt diet, meat intake, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides, SAS and SDS scores when compared to the baseline values and those in the control group (all P<0.05). The proportions of participants with 10-year CVD risk levels of 10%-<20%, 20%-<30%, 30%-<40%, and ≥40% significantly decreased in the intervention group after intervention (18.94% vs 36.12%, 12.78% vs 26.43%, 7.93% vs 19.82%, 3.96% vs 17.63%), and were also significantly lower than those in the control group (18.94% vs 40.45%, 12.78% vs 30.67%, 7.93% vs 22.67%, 3.96% vs 16.89%) (all P<0.001). After 12 months, the intervention group showed significantly higher improvement rates in both medication adherence and non-medication-related compliance behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, meat and salt intake, fruit and vegetable intake, exercise duration, sleep duration, and lifestyle regularity, when compared to those in the control group (16.74% vs -3.11%, 14.54% vs -0.89%, 16.74% vs -0.44%, 57.71% vs 8.44%, 21.15% vs -0.44%, 56.83% vs -6.67%, 51.54% vs -3.56%, 60.79% vs -7.11%, 26.87% vs -13.78%, 22.91% vs -1.78%) (all P<0.001). Conclusion:The WeChat platform-based health management intervention can effectively improve the behavioral patterns, compliance, control of CVD risk factors and psychological status of high-risk populations for CVD, and help reduce their 10-year risk of CVD.

Objective To investigate whether activation of mitochondrial acetal dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2)alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into control,hypoxia,and hypoxia+Alda-1(an ALDH2 activator)group(n=10),and the mice in the latter two groups,along with 10 ALDH2 knockout(ALDH2-/-)mice,were exposed to hypoxia(10%O2,90%N2)with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of Alda-1 for 4 weeks.The changes in right ventricular function and pressure(RVSP)of the mice were evaluated by echocardiography and right ventricular catheter test,and pulmonary artery pressure was estimated based on RVSP.Pulmonary vascular remodeling,right ventricular injury,myocardial α-SMA expression,distal pulmonary arteriole muscle normalization,right ventricular cross-sectional area,myocardial cell hypertrophy,and right cardiac hypertrophy index were assessed with HE staining,immunofluorescence staining and WGA staining,and the expressions of ALDH2,SIRT1,PGC-1α,P16INK4A and P21CIP1 were detected.In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with hypoxic exposure,the effect of Alda-1 and EX527 on cell senescence and protein expressions was evaluated using β-galactose staining and Western blotting.Results The wild-type mice with hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVSP,right ventricular free wall thickness and myocardial expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were effectively lowered by treatment with Alda-1 but further increased in ALDH2-/-mice.In cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells,hypoxic exposure significantly increased senescent cell percentage and cellular expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were all lowered by treatment with Alda-1,but its effect was obviously attenuated by EX527 treatment.Conclusion ALDH2 alleviates hypoxia-induced senescence of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to alleviate pulmonary hypertension in mice.

Objective To investigate whether activation of mitochondrial acetal dehydrogenase 2(ALDH2)alleviates hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.Methods Thirty 8-week-old C57 BL/6 mice were randomized into control,hypoxia,and hypoxia+Alda-1(an ALDH2 activator)group(n=10),and the mice in the latter two groups,along with 10 ALDH2 knockout(ALDH2-/-)mice,were exposed to hypoxia(10%O2,90%N2)with or without daily intraperitoneal injection of Alda-1 for 4 weeks.The changes in right ventricular function and pressure(RVSP)of the mice were evaluated by echocardiography and right ventricular catheter test,and pulmonary artery pressure was estimated based on RVSP.Pulmonary vascular remodeling,right ventricular injury,myocardial α-SMA expression,distal pulmonary arteriole muscle normalization,right ventricular cross-sectional area,myocardial cell hypertrophy,and right cardiac hypertrophy index were assessed with HE staining,immunofluorescence staining and WGA staining,and the expressions of ALDH2,SIRT1,PGC-1α,P16INK4A and P21CIP1 were detected.In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with hypoxic exposure,the effect of Alda-1 and EX527 on cell senescence and protein expressions was evaluated using β-galactose staining and Western blotting.Results The wild-type mice with hypoxic exposure showed significantly increased RVSP,right ventricular free wall thickness and myocardial expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were effectively lowered by treatment with Alda-1 but further increased in ALDH2-/-mice.In cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells,hypoxic exposure significantly increased senescent cell percentage and cellular expressions of P16INK4A and P21CIP1,which were all lowered by treatment with Alda-1,but its effect was obviously attenuated by EX527 treatment.Conclusion ALDH2 alleviates hypoxia-induced senescence of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway to alleviate pulmonary hypertension in mice.