Eun Ji

Effective kidney-targeted therapeutics require careful consideration of both the cargo and carrier. In the past year, considerable progress has been made in the development of viral and non-viral delivery vehicles, by leveraging endogenous biological mechanisms, screening across multiple species and administration routes, and artificial intelligence to drive kidney selectivity.

Sarcopenia, an age-related muscle atrophy disease, is a major health concern in aging societies and is closely associated with severe chronic diseases. Its primary pathogenesis involves oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in muscle cells and an imbalance in protein metabolism. This study evaluated the potential of Rhododendron mucronulatum branch extract (RMB) and its major flavonoids, taxifolin-3-O-arabinopyranoside (Tax-G) and taxifolin (Tax-A), as natural therapeutic agents for sarcopenia. Phytochemical analyses were performed using TLC, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and NMR, and Tax-G and Tax-A were isolated from RMB. In vitro models of apoptosis and muscle atrophy were established in C2C12 cells using H2O2 and dexamethasone (DEX), respectively. Cell viability, myotube diameter, and protein expression related to apoptosis and muscle differentiation were assessed. All three substances reduced H2O2-induced apoptosis by increasing Bcl-2 and inhibiting cleaved caspase-3 and PARP. They also attenuated DEX-induced muscle atrophy by suppressing Atrogin-1, MuRF1, and FoxO3α while promoting MyoD, Myogenin, Akt, and mTOR. Although Tax-A showed the highest activity, Tax-G exhibited comparable effects with lower cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that RMB and its active compounds protect muscle cells by regulating apoptosis and muscle metabolism, suggesting their potential as safe and functional natural materials for the prevention of sarcopenia.

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by Ji Eun Song Eun Ji Lee and Tae-Woo Kim Department of Ophthalmology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24289, Republic of Korea

by Kyoung Ou Ryu Eun Ji Shin and Department of Environmental Horticulture, Graduate School, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea

Strawberry cultivation generates substantial amounts of agricultural by-products, including spent substrates and plant residues, particularly in hydroponic production systems. However, information on the occurrence and management of these by-products remains limited. This study investigated the generation, disposal practices, and chemical characteristics of by-products from hydroponic strawberry cultivation in two major strawberry-producing regions of Republic of Korea, Nonsan and Jinju. Based on national statistics and field surveys, annual by-product generation was estimated at 605,400 m3 of spent substrates and approximately 25,729 t fresh weight and 6003 t dry weight of plant residues. Disposal practices varied regionally: in Jinju, over 80% of by-products were recycled as compost or feed, whereas in Nonsan, recycling rates were lower and a considerable portion remained untreated or were improperly disposed of. Analyses of 463 pesticides and seven heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) confirmed concentrations below the permissible limits, supporting their chemical suitability for potential recycling use. Inorganic analyses revealed high levels of N, Ca, P, and K, suggesting their potential as alternative nutrient sources and as raw materials for recycled fertilizer or soil amendment. Because strawberry by-products are generated continuously throughout the cultivation cycle, their management requires decentralized and long-term strategies. These results provide the first comprehensive assessment of the generation scale, disposal practices, and chemical characteristics of strawberry by-products in Republic of Korea, suggesting their potential as alternative nutrient resources or raw materials for recycled fertilizer or soil amendment under appropriate pretreatment and management.

Background: Centella asiatica has been widely recognized for its dermatological benefits; however, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of oral supplementation for improving skin aging parameters remains limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of oral Centella asiatica extract on skin wrinkles and related skin parameters in middle-aged women. Methods: A total of 112 participants were randomized to receive either Centella asiatica extract (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin wrinkle parameters were quantitatively assessed using a three-dimensional skin imaging system (PRIMOS®). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and skin color (brightness and redness) were additionally measured using validated non-invasive instruments. Efficacy analyses were performed in the per-protocol population. Results: After 12 weeks of supplementation, the Centella asiatica extract group demonstrated significant improvements in multiple wrinkle parameters compared with the baseline. Average wrinkle depth decreased by 11.1%, and the mean depth of the largest wrinkle decreased by 14.4%. Maximum wrinkle depth and total wrinkle volume were reduced by 13.3% and 13.7%, respectively, while surface roughness (Ra) decreased by 10.4%. In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal or inconsistent changes. Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased, while transepidermal water loss decreased, indicating improved skin barrier function. However, the magnitude of changes in epidermal hydration (2.7%), skin elasticity (R2; 0.7%), and skin brightness (L*; 0.7%) were relatively small. Skin elasticity and skin brightness showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements. No serious adverse events were reported, and all hematological and biochemical safety markers remained within normal reference ranges during the 12-week intervention period. Conclusions: Oral supplementation with Centella asiatica extract for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in wrinkle-related parameters and TEWL, while changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness were modest and of limited magnitude. These findings suggest a potential role for short-term supplementation; however, further studies are required to confirm long-term efficacy and broader applicability.

by Young Mok Park Myeong Hun Oh Unji Kim and Department of Surgery, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea

by Ri Ra Hong Eun Ji Lee Ji Hee Kwon Eunhye Yoo and Eutilex Co., Ltd., Gasan Digital 1-Ro 58, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08591, Republic of Korea

Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea