CSE decreased the proliferation of mouse lung fibroblasts, which is essential for the maintenance of extracellular matrix.
CSE caused an abnormal inflammatory response and ROS/RNS-mediated stress by an imbalance in the cellular antioxidant defense system (GSH recycling and SOD activity), leading to the apoptosis of lung parenchymal fibroblasts.
The apoptosis of lung fibroblasts, through the phosphorylation of STAT1 at Tyr701/Ser727 and the up-regulation of the MAPK pathway by CSE, contributes to the pathogenesis of COPD.