Kongju National University

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9, are directly involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix preceding uncontrolled cancer growth and metastasis. For these reasons, MMPs are considered key therapeutic targets in the development of cancer treatments. Acknowledged for its prophylactic effects against various diseases including cancer, physical exercise has been reported to boost the immune system, enhance endogenous defence mechanisms, manage oxidative stress, and regulate MMP. Despite its benefits, patients with compromised capacity for physical activity due to injuries and frailty are often unable to take advantage of them. As a possible solution for this problem, the alternative therapeutic approach of exercise mimetics has been gaining traction through pharmacological interventions. Exercise mimetics are pharmacological agents that partially mimic the molecular and physiological benefits of physical exercise without requiring actual physical activity. Recent studies have indicated that the potential of these compounds may serve as candidates for further investigation in cancer treatment. In this study, the possible anti-cancer and anti-metastatic-related effects of six selected exercise mimetics (i.e., AICAR, Icariin, Berberine, Betaine, GW501516, and Metformin) were investigated by targeting activity and/or expression of MMP-2/9 in in vitro model. These compounds (i) inhibited MMP-2 activity by interacting with the active site and/or allosteric sites, (ii) downregulated MMP-2/9 expression by influencing STAT3 signalling pathways, and (iii) reduced lung cancer cells (A549) viability to varying degrees. Among the exercise mimetics, Icariin and Berberine have relatively stronger effects on both the activity of MMP-2 and the expression of MMP-2/9 in cancer cells. These findings highlight the novel potential of exercise mimetics as targeted cancer therapeutics through the regulation of MMP activity and expression in cancer progression and metastasis.

Benthic microalgal resuspension is driven by environmental factors such as wind, rainfall, and tidal currents, exerting substantial influence on coastal ecosystem dynamics. This study examined resuspension processes and microalgal fluxes on tidal flats along the west coast of Korea. Temporal variations in chlorophyll-a concentrations and turbidity were monitored at short intervals over two spring-neap tidal cycles. Tychopelagic diatoms were the dominant microalgal group resuspended into the water column. Strong winds (> 4 m s^-1) and heavy rainfall further enhanced resuspension, while site-specific sedimentary settings and diel cycles affected microalgal flux. The near-equilibrium between inflow and outflow over the tidal cycles highlights a dynamic balance of microalgal biomass exchange between tidal flats and nearshore waters. These findings highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping microalgal dynamics and their implications for coastal carbon cycling.

Mangrove ecosystems provide essential coastal ecosystem services, including shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation, but are increasingly affected by climate change, aquaculture expansion, and coastal development. These pressures have intensified marine pollution, which alters water chemistry, reduces oxygen levels, and disrupts root-sediment interactions that are crucial for mangrove survival and regeneration. This study examined spatiotemporal changes in mangrove vegetation in Cà Mau, Vietnam (2020-2024) using the Mangrove Vegetation Index (MVI) derived from Sentinel-2 imagery, combined with spatial autocorrelation metrics (Moran's I and LISA). The total mangrove area increased by 144.83 ha compared to the 2020 baseline (39,414 ha), showing distinct spatial heterogeneity. Expansion clusters (NE) of 217.3 ha were concentrated along the western and southwestern coasts (Moran's I = 0.674), driven by government-led restoration programs with sustained financial investment and strict policy enforcement, and effective institutional coordination of the successfully established coastal vegetation areas. Conversely, loss clusters (EN) of 240.6 ha were observed in the southeastern coastal areas (Moran's I = 0.655), caused by unregulated shrimp aquaculture expansion, insufficient institutional enforcement, and chronic erosion-related pollution that disrupted sediment stability and prevented natural regeneration. These contrasting patterns reflect how restoration efforts, governance gaps, and pollution-driven stress jointly influence mangrove dynamics. By integrating remote sensing and social-ecological analysis, this study identifies area-specific management strategies-policy-aligned restoration investment in the west and incentive-based monitoring systems in the southeast-are identified, providing a practical framework for sustainable coastal governance.