Cellular senescence evaluated by P16INK4a immunohistochemistry is a prevalent phenomenon in advanced calcific aortic valve disease.

Background: Fibrosis, calcification, and ossification are histopathologic hallmarks of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the aging population. Cellular senescence contributes to a functional decay in chronic diseases by intensifying tissue remodeling and impairing tissue regeneration. We evaluated the expression of P16 and P53 as surrogate markers of senescence in CAVD.