The STIM2-associated increase in the resting [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>cyt</sub> is also involved in upregulating Bcl-2 that makes PAH-PASMCs resistant to apoptosis, and thus plays an important role in sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and excessive pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with PAH.
In the PAH group, adipose-derived MSCs, compared to SAL, reduced mean RVSP (29 ± 1 vs 39 ± 2 mmHg, p < 0.001), lung tissue collagen fiber content, smooth muscle cell proliferation, CD68<sup>+</sup> macrophages, interleukin-6 expression, and the antiapoptotic mediators Bcl-2 and survivin.
Compared with normal, PAH PASMC had decreased Kv current and Kv1.5 expression and increased [Ca(2+)](i), [K(+)](i), mitochondrial potential (Delta Psi m), and bcl-2 levels.