SQSTM1 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: We found increased mitochondrial fragmentation and autophagosomes, impaired mitochondrial function, increased SASP mediators mRNA expression, along with abnormal expression of mitochondria-related proteins (increased levels of DRP1, DRP1 phosphorylation, MFF, PARK2, SQSTM1/p62 and LC3b II /LC3b I, and decreased levels of MFN2, OPA1 and PINK1), elevated senescence-related proteins (P16 and H2A.X) and reduced anti-aging protein (Klotho) in lung tissues of COPD patients.