Previous study has shown that propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) has a protective effect on aging skeletal muscle atrophy. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PEE on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced damage in mouse C2C12 cells. The results revealed that PEE increased the viability of senescent C2C12 cells, decreased the number of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal)-positive cells and promoted the differentiation of C2C12 cells. PEE resisted oxidative stress caused by D-gal by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and maintained the differentiation ability of C2C12 cells. PEE inhibited apoptosis by suppressing p38 phosphorylation and reducing p53 expression. In summary, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism by which PEE protects D-gal-induced C2C12 cells, providing a theoretical basis for the development of PEE for the alleviation of muscle atrophy.

Mulching is very important in the cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata and helps in the formation of edible mushroom substrates. The physicochemical properties of soil are crucial for the growth process of edible mushroom substrates. In this study, we evaluated the enzyme activities, physicochemical properties, nutrient indicators, and archaeal community characteristics of soil during five stages of cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata (casing, mycelial, primordial, growing, and harvesting). The results showed that sucrase activity decreased significantly and then increased with the increase of cultivation time, and urease activity fluctuated and then decreased significantly. Catalase activity peaked at stage A5. Polyphenol oxidase activity was significantly higher at stage A2 and lowest at stage A4. Soil pH reached its lowest (7.130) at stage A5 after fluctuation. Soil total organic matter content was highest at stage A5 and reached maximum at stage A5 (8.357 g/kg). Organic nitrogen content was for was significantly higher in A4 stage at 0.276 g/kg. Organic content was significantly higher in A1 and A4 stages (0.401, 0.397 g/kg). The number and diversity of archaea in the soil gradually increased, and a total of 10 genera of archaea from six phyla were identified. The present study provides data on soil characteristics and archaeal communities in the overburden of Stropharia rugosoannulata at different stages of cultivation, which can contribute to the sustainable cultivation of Stropharia rugosoannulata and the reduction of live pollutants.

Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a natural phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic agent against aging‐related diseases. This study investigated the protective effects of PCA on D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced renal aging in mice. PCA administration significantly improved renal function, alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and ameliorated histopathological abnormalities. Biochemical analyses revealed reductions in serum AGEs, β‐galactosidase, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, accompanied by restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling further demonstrated that PCA reversed D‐gal‐induced molecular alterations, with integrated multi‐omics analysis identifying taurine and hypotaurine metabolism as the key pathway mediating its renoprotective effects. Western blot validation confirmed that PCA regulates CSAD, an enzyme essential for taurine biosynthesis. Collectively, these findings provide novel mechanistic insights into renal aging and highlight PCA as a promising natural agent for delaying kidney senescence through modulation of taurine metabolism.

Introduction: Sarcopenia (Sar) is an age-related loss of muscle mass and function. Propolis, a natural product with anti-inflammatory properties, may help prevent Sar, but its active components and mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Network pharmacology identified intersecting targets of propolis ethanol extract (PEE) and Sar. PPI and CTP networks highlighted key compounds and targets, verified by molecular docking. In vitro, apigenin (Ap), the predicted main compound, was tested on D-galactoseinduced senescent C2C12 myoblasts via cell viability and Western blotting. Results: Twelve overlapping targets were identified between PEE and Sar, with TNFα and IL6 highlighted as hub targets. Network analysis determined Ap as the main active compound. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of Ap with TNFα and IL6. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Ap significantly enhanced the viability and differentiation of senescent C2C12 cells, downregulated TNFα and IL6 expression, and inhibited JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, indicating suppression of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Discussion: The findings suggest that PEE, primarily through Ap, alleviates Sar by targeting inflammatory pathways and suppressing JAK-STAT signaling, thereby promoting muscle regeneration. The integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro validation provides mechanistic insights supporting the therapeutic potential of PEE in Sar. Limitations include the absence of in vivo confirmation, which warrants further animal and clinical studies to validate these effects and explore translational applications. Conclusion: This study identifies Ap as the key active compound in PEE that alleviates Sar by downregulating TNFα and IL6 and inhibiting the JAK-STAT pathway. The results provide a molecular basis for the use of propolis as a natural intervention for Sar and support its development as a functional food or therapeutic agent targeting age-related muscle degeneration.