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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.10.709862

Synergistic Electroceutical-Glucocorticoid Intervention Mitigates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Aging Skeletal Muscle

Kim, M. Y.·Yang, S.·Kim, J.·Lee, Y.·Kim, M. S.
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Abstract

Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid widely prescribed for allergic and inflammatory diseases, is known to induce adverse effects, particularly skeletal muscle atrophy. DEX-induced atrophy exacerbates sarcopenia and has a more pronounced impact on aged skeletal muscle than on young skeletal muscle. To address this unmet clinical need, we introduce an electroceutical approach that counteracts DEX-induced muscle atrophy and enhances functional recovery in aging muscle. When applied to both young and aged human-derived skeletal muscle cells (skMCs) exhibiting DEX-induced atrophy, electroceutical treatment promoted recovery of myotube diameter and upregulated hypertrophy-related gene expression. Furthermore, in a preclinical study, young and aged mice treated with DEX to induce muscle atrophy exhibited significant muscle recovery following electroceutical treatment. This effect was evident from the restored cross-sectional area (CSA) of type IIA muscle fibers and the upregulation of hypertrophy-related genes. This study highlights electroceuticals as a pioneering non-pharmacological strategy complementary to glucocorticoid therapies, potentially transforming clinical outcomes and quality of life, particularly for older populations vulnerable to muscle wasting.

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Kim, M. Y., Yang, S., Kim, J., Lee, Y., Kim, M. S.. 2026-03-13. Synergistic Electroceutical-Glucocorticoid Intervention Mitigates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Aging Skeletal Muscle. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.10.709862

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