Abstract
Antrodia camphorata (Niu-chang-chih) is a local fungi specie found in Taiwan.It seems to only grow on elder Niu-chang-chih tree (Cinnamum Kanehirai Hay). Its fruit body has been used as Chinese herb in treatment of various diseases.and it has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and antiumor effects. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that function in the extracellular matrix to degrade connective tissues. MMP-2 (also known as gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (also known as gelatinase B) play an important role in skeletal muscle adaptation to changing contractile demands and to response to injury.Inthis study,we investigated whether Antrodia Camphorata owns anti-fatigue effects in the rats. Sixty Male mice (2 months old) were divided into six groups: sedentary control (C); sedentary control with low-dose Antrodia camphorata (ELA);exhaustive control with low-dose Antrodia camphorata(ELA); exhaustive control with hight-dose Antrodia camphorata(EHA).After 30d,the rats in the three C group were killed immediately without exercise,bot the rats in the three E groups were killed immediately after exhaustive exercising at 80% VO2max.The anti-fatigue function of the Antrodia camphorata was assessed by testing the fatigue indexes of creatine phosphate kinase (CPK), lactic acid,_lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),glucose,and uric acid level in plasma. The muscle protein level of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were assessed in quadriceps muscles by Western blotting. Results indicate that compared with EC group EC group the onset time of exhaustion and blood glucose were increased in EHA groups. But the blood lactate、CPK、LDH qnd uric acid leveks in plasma were decreased in EHA groups.Futher,our data revealed that EHA group decrease the expression of MMP-2 in the muscle. In contrast,hight-dose Antrodia Camphorata increased protein levels of MMP-2 in skeletal muscles after exhaustive exercising. These results support anti-fatigue effects of Antrodia Camphorata can decrease blood lactate and prolong the onset time of exhaustion is correction to increase the expression of MMP-2 in skeletal muscles.