摘要OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential molecular mechanism of Qigu capsule(芪骨胶囊,QGC)improve the functional performance of skeletal muscle.METHODS:The primary components of QGC were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Muscle dysfunction was established in male C57BL/6 mice treated with dexamethasone(1 mg/kg body weight,i.p.,six weeks).Rotarod test,mitochondrial ultrastructure,respiratory chain complex V activity,succinate dehydrogenase(SDH)activity,adenosine triphosphate(ATP)content,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were assessed.The mitochondrial biogenesis-related protein expressions were analyzed using Western blot or polymerase chain reaction(PCR).RESULTS:QGC treatment enhanced Rotarod test performance.Additionally,QGC significantly alleviated dexamethasone-induced mitochondrial damage,reduced mitochondrial swelling,increased respiratory chain complex enzyme activity,SDH activity,ATP content,and decreased ROS levels.PCR and western blot results revealed that QGC enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis via adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α)signaling pathway.CONCLUSIONS:QGC ameliorates dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction by activating AMPK/PGC-1α,which might be developed as a therapeutic agent for treating age-related muscle weakness.