Antlers Are Shaped as Elements of Concave Surfaces that Reflect and Concentrate Incoming Sounds

In 1917 D’Arcy Thompson observed that the pair of antlers of a red deer, a sambur or a wapiti Make up between them a single surface that is more or less spherical or occasionally an ellipsoidal surface. The palmated antlers of the moose are explored to provide an exam-ple of how antlers can be instrumental in lowering the threshold sensitivity of hearing.

High quality repair of osteochondral defects in rats using the extracellular matrix of antler stem cells

BACKGROUND Cartilage defects are some of the most common causes of arthritis.Cartilage lesions caused by inflammation,trauma or degenerative disease normally result in osteochondral defects.Previous studies have shown that decellularized extracellular matrix(ECM)derived from autologous,allogenic,or xenogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)can effectively restore osteochondral integrity.AIM To determine whether the decellularized ECM of antler reserve mesenchymal cells(RMCs),a xenogeneic material from antler stem cells,is superior to the currently available treatments for osteochondral defects.METHODS We isolated the RMCs from a 60-d-old sika deer antler and cultured them in vitro to 70%confluence;50 mg/mL L-ascorbic acid was then added to the medium to stimulate ECM deposition.Decellularized sheets of adipocyte-derived MSCs(aMSCs)and antlerogenic periosteal cells(another type of antler stem cells)were used as the controls.Three weeks after ascorbic acid stimulation,the ECM sheets were harvested and applied to the osteochondral defects in rat knee joints.RESULTS The defects were successfully repaired by applying the ECM-sheets.The highest quality of repair was achieved in the RMC-ECM group both in vitro(including cell attachment and proliferation),and in vivo(including the simultaneous regeneration of well-vascularized subchondral bone and avascular articular hyaline cartilage integrated with surrounding native tissues).Notably,the antler-stem-cell-derived ECM(xenogeneic)performed better than the aMSC-ECM(allogenic),while the ECM of the active antler stem cells was superior to that of the quiescent antler stem cells.CONCLUSION Decellularized xenogeneic ECM derived from the antler stem cell,particularly the active form(RMC-ECM),can achieve high quality repair/reconstruction of osteochondral defects,suggesting that selection of decellularized ECM for such repair should be focused more on bioactivity rather than kinship.

Deer antler stem cell niche: An interesting perspective

In recent years,there has been considerable exploration into methods aimed at enhancing the regenerative capacity of transplanted and/or tissue-resident cells.Biomaterials,in particular,have garnered significant interest for their potential to serve as natural scaffolds for cells.In this editorial,we provide commentary on the study by Wang et al,in a recently published issue of World J Stem Cells,which investigates the use of a decellularized xenogeneic extracellular matrix(ECM)derived from antler stem cells for repairing osteochondral defects in rat knee joints.Our focus lies specifically on the crucial role of biological scaffolds as a strategy for augmenting stem cell potential and regenerative capabilities,thanks to the establishment of a favorable microenvironment(niche).Stem cell differen-tiation heavily depends on exposure to intrinsic properties of the ECM,including its chemical and protein composition,as well as the mechanical forces it can generate.Collectively,these physicochemical cues contribute to a bio-instructive signaling environment that offers tissue-specific guidance for achieving effective repair and regeneration.The interest in mechanobiology,often conceptualized as a form of“structural memory”,is steadily gaining more validation and momen-tum,especially in light of findings such as these.

Comparison of Structure and Biological Activity of Natural Polypeptide from Velvet Antlers of Cervus elaphus with Those of Synthesized Polypeptide

Biochemical techniques including ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography and re- versed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography（RP-HPLC） were used to isolate and purify the natural poly- peptide from velvet antler（nVAP） of Cervus elaphus（C, elaphus）, which has a molecular weight of 3215.8 and the primary structure of VLSAADKSNVKAAWGKVGGNAPAFGAEALLRM. The homology of the protein sequence in nVAP with known protein sequence is less than 50%, suggesting that nVAP appears to be a new bioactive substance. At a level of 0.4--50 gg/mL, nVAP promotes mitosis in epidermal ceils, chondrocytes and NIH3T3 fibroblasts pri- marily cultured in a significant way. Given that a yield of high-purity nVAP isolated from C. elaphus is 0.001%, nVAP is artificially synthesized to prepare synthetic velvet antler polypeptide（sVAP） according to its primary struc- ture. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis（SDS-PAGE） of sVAP shows a single band, and its HPLC spectrum displays a single peak. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectro- metry（MALDI-TOF-MS） was used to identify sVAP to be of a molecular weight of 3200 and the consistency between primary structures of sVAP and nVAE Bioactivity test shows that at a dose of 5--40 μg/mL, sVAP promotes the pro- liferation of primarily cultured epidermal cells and NIH3T3 cell line. From the traditional Chinese medicine theory, velvet antler from Cervus nippon（C, nippon） and velvet antler from C. elaphus are considered as the same medicine, but differences between biochemical base and pharmacological effect of these two velvet antlers have been observed. We compared the total polypeptide mapping of the two velvet antlers, discovering that nVAP is active polypeptide and only exists in the velvet antler of C. elaphus, sVAP is similar to nVAP in physicochemical property and biological activity. These studies extend the possible utility of sVAP to be the promising compound to prepare velvet antler polypeptide of C. elaphus.

Early life investment in antlers and body growth reflects adult performance in roe deer population under supplementary feeding conditions

Recent research has challenged the idea that cervid antlers are such costly traits,supporting the assertion early-life antler investment is an honest signal of adult phenotypic quality.However,inferences were made based on antler measurements while growing(velvet)and thus,studies on fully-formed clean antlers are needed to avoid possible bias caused by the inter-individual variation in antler growth phenology.We studied a semi-captive population of European roe deer inhabiting a sub-Mediterranean area(Valsemana research station)and living under optimal conditions(ad libitum food supply and veterinary care).Based on repeated measurements taken from 146 individuals,we assessed whether allocation to secondary sexual traits during early life affected body mass or antler development during adulthood.Furthermore,we evaluated which body measurements better predicted future male quality.Additionally,using 488 individuals,we described age-class-specific variation in male body measurements and assessed the decline in antler size between adult and senescent stages(i.e.magnitude of senescence).Results agree with the assertion that there is no negative effect of a high investment in antler during early life on adult antler size or body mass,but we suggest the use of clean antlers as a more robust and reliable measure.The variables that better predicted body mass during adulthood were yearling body mass and body size at 6 months.Antler score between 10 and 18 months resulted in the best indicator of adult antler size.Finally,we support the idea that the magnitude of senescence in antler size is smaller in environments with higher resource availability during winter.

Injectable hydrogel made from antler mesenchyme matrix for regenerative wound healing via creating a fetal-like niche

BACKGROUND Scar formation and loss of cutaneous appendages are the greatest challenges in cutaneous wound healing.Previous studies have indicated that antler reserve mesenchyme(RM)cells and their conditioned medium improved regenerative wound healing with partial recovery of cutaneous appendages.AIM To develop hydrogels from the antler RM matrix(HARM)and evaluate the effect on wound healing.METHODS We prepared the hydrogels from the HARM via enzymatic solubilization with pepsin.Then we investigated the therapeutic effects of HARM on a full-thickness cutaneous wound healing rat model using both local injections surrounding the wound and topical wound application.RESULTS The results showed that HARM accelerated wound healing rate and reduced scar formation.Also,HARM stimulated the regeneration of cutaneous appendages and blood vessels,and reduced collagen fiber aggregation.Further study showed that these functions might be achieved via creating a fetal-like niche at the wound site.The levels of fetal wound healing-related genes,including Collagen III and TGFβ3 treated with HARM were all increased,while the expression levels of Collagen I,TGFβ1,and Engrailed 1 were decreased in the healing.Moreover,the number of stem cells was increased in the fetal-like niche created by HARM,which may contribute to the regeneration of cutaneous appendages.CONCLUSION Overall,we successfully developed an injectable hydrogel made from antler RM matrix for the regenerative repair of full-thickness cutaneous wounds.We uncovered the molecular mechanism of the hydrogels in promoting regenerative wound healing,and thus pave the way for HARM to be developed for the clinic use.

Discussion on the Main Reasons for a Large Number of Père David s Deer ( Elaphurus davidianus ) with Abnormal Antler Shedding

[Objectives]This study was conducted to find out the causes of abnormal antler shedding in Père David s deer(Elaphurus davidianus).[Methods]Abnormally-shed antlers were compared with normally-shed antlers in terms of light condition,antler development and bone nutritional status during the abnormal shedding season in the growth area of Père David s deer.[Results]Abnormally-shed antlers had no significant differences in the development of shed antlers,or even in the overall composition of antlers,from those of normal Père David s deer.[Conclusions]Insufficient light was the main cause of abnormal antler shedding in Père David s deer.

鹿茸对大鼠酒糟性肝损害的拮抗作用

鹿茸对大鼠酒糟性肝损害的拮抗作用四川省卫生防疫站（成都６１００３１）余明泽，宋述辉，周毓鹿茸是梅花鹿（ＣｅｒｖｕｓｎｉｐｐｏｎＴｅｍｍｉｎｋ）或马鹿（Ｃ．ｅｌｌａｐｈｕｓｌｌ）的未骨化密生茸毛的幼角．根据中医的临床实践经验，它具有壮元阳、益精髓、补气...

A Novel Polypeptide from Cervus elaphus Linnaeus

A novel polypeptide having stimulant effect on some cell proliferation was isolated from the velvet antler (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus). The velvet antler polypeptide consists of a single chain of 32 amino acid residues. Amino acid sequence of the polypeptide was identified as: VLSAADKSNVKAAWGKVGGNAPAFGAEALLRM.

Antler stem cells and their potential in wound healing and bone regeneration

Compared to other vertebrates,the regenerative capacity of appendages in mammals is very limited.Deer antlers are an exception and can fully regenerate annually in postnatal mammals.This process is initiated by the antler stem cells(AnSCs).AnSCs can be divided into three types:(1)Antlerogenic periosteum cells(for initial pedicle and first antler formation);(2)Pedicle periosteum cells(for annual antler regeneration);and(3)Reserve mesenchyme cells(RMCs)(for rapid antler growth).Previous studies have demonstrated that AnSCs express both classic mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and embryonic stem cells(ESCs),and are able to differentiate into multiple cell types in vitro.Thus,AnSCs were defined as MSCs,but with partial ESC attributes.Near-perfect generative wound healing can naturally occur in deer,and wound healing can be achieved by the direct injection of AnSCs or topical application of conditioned medium of AnSCs in rats.In addition,in rabbits,the use of both implants with AnSCs and cell-free preparations derived from AnSCs can stimulate osteogenesis and repair defects of bone.A more comprehensive understanding of AnSCs will lay the foundation for developing an effective clinical therapy for wound healing and bone repair.

Combination of Supercritical Fluid Extraction with Ultrasonic Extraction for Obtaining Sex Hormones and IGF-1 from Antler Velvet

Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction technology and ultrasonic technology were used to extract two active sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from antler velvet. The effects of SC-CO2 extraction condition on the extraction yield and content of sex hormones, the ultrasonic extrac-tion condition on the content of IGF-1 and the SC-CO2 extraction condition on the activity remaining of IGF-1 were studied. The optimal conditions were obtained. The experimental results showed that, in presence of 75% ethanol as the co-solvent, the mean yield and content of estradiol and progesterone were 87.67 pg·g-1 and 1224.10 pg·g-1, 12.38 ng·g-1 and 354.06 ng·g-1, respectively, with extraction pressure of 30 MPa, temperature of 35°C, extraction time of 30 min and CO2 consumption of 15 L·g-1 at the flow rate of 2.0 L·min-1. The highest content of IGF-1 was 7425.75 ng·g-1 antler velvet residue, when the pH10 ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer solution was used as the solvent, the ratio of solvent to sample was 20/1 (volume/mass), the extraction temperature was 0-35°C, and the ex-traction time was 4×15 min. Under these conditions, 93.68% activity remaining of IGF-1 in the residue was ob-tained, while little IGF-1 activity exists in traditional residue. The experimental results indicate that the technology of SC-CO2 with co-solvent is of advantage for getting high content sexual hormones and keeping high activity of IGF-1 in the residue, which can not be achieved by traditional extraction methods.

Determination of Sex Hormones in Antler Velvet by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Eighteen sex hormones in antler velvet were determined by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The solid phase extraction was applied to eliminating the matrix effect.The experimental conditions were examined and optimized.Under the optimal conditions,the proposed method provides the good linearities and determination limits（0.2―1.0 μg/kg） of the analytes investigated.The recoveries ranging from 72.3% to 149.5% were obtained for the target analytes at two concentration levels.This method was applied to the determination of eighteen sex hormones in different kinds of antler velvet samples and the obtained results are satisfactory.The results indicate that the proposed method is suitable for the determination of sex hormones in antler velvet samples.

Therapeutic effects of velvet antler polypeptides on hepatic fibrosis in rats

OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of velvet antler polypeptides(VVAPs)in CCl4-induced experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats.METHODS Anti-hepatic fibrosis properties of VAPs were tested by Subcutaneous injection(SC)into male Wistar rats of CCl4- induced experimental hepatic fibrosis.After SC injections for 45 consecutive days at doses of 5mg·kg-1(low dose,VAPsL),10mg·kg-1(mid-dose,VAPsM)and 20mg·kg-1(high-dose,VAPsH),the rats were sacrificed and the various indicators were evaluated and tested.Observed hepatic cells degeneration and necrosis,inflammatory infiltration and levels of serum enzymes to assess treatment of VAPs;The expression levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),MDA,and hydroxyproline(HYP)in liver tissue were analyzed;RT-PCR analysis was carried out to detect the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases2(MMP-2)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1(TIMP-1)in liver tissue.RESULTS VAPs has obvious anti-hepatic fibrosis effects.Hepatocyte swelling,fatty degeneration was significantly reduced,reducing infiltration of inflammatory cells.Release of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)decreased significantly,reduction of hyaluronic acid(HA)and laminin(LN)obviously,at the same time,the content of total protein and albumin increased significantly in serum.Activity of SOD and GSH-Px was significantly raised and the content of MDA and HYP was reduced significantly in liver tissue.Expression levels of MMP-2and TIMP-1 mRNA in liver were decreased significantly.These improvements were more significant in high-dos and mid-dose groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01 vs model group).CONCLUSION These findings suggest VAPs can significant treat the hepatic fibrosis,which may be due to protect liver cells and improve liver functions by hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and great effect of antioxidation,and decrease the gene expression of MMP-2,improving exist-environment of liver cells and decreasing the gene expression of TIMP-1,prompting degradation of extracellular matrix.

Effect of natural extract eye drops in dry eye disease rats

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effect of natural extract eye drops containing bee venom,musk,and deer antlers in dry eye disease(DED)animal models.METHODS:Scopolamine-injected DED rats and lacrimal gland-excised rats were allocated into control,saline,and natural extract groups respectively and a normal group(lacrimal gland excision was not performed)in lacrimal gland-excised rats.After eye drop instillation 4 times a day for 5 d,corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)scores,tear MUC5AC levels,and tear lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)levels were measured.RESULTS:In scopolamine-injected rats,the natural extract-treated group had significantly lower CFS scores(1.7±0.5,4.7±1.4,3.8±1.9,P=0.006)and tear LDH levels(0.10±0.01,0.19±0.01,0.16±0.08 OD,P=0.014)but higher tear MUC5AC levels(12.9±3.7,7.9±2.0,9.7±3.6 ng/m L,P=0.041)compared with the control and saline-treated groups.There were no significant differences between the control and saline-treated groups.In lacrimal gland-excised rats,the natural extract-treated group also had lower CFS scores(4.3±1.2,11.5±2.3,9.0±1.9,P<0.001,P=0.001)and tear LDH levels(0.30±0.08,0.48±0.12,0.39±0.05 OD,P<0.05)but higher tear volume(4.3±0.9,1.9±0.7,2.8±1.1 mm,P=0.005,P=0.124)and tear MUC5 AC levels(8.2±2.0,2.9±1.2,5.4±2.2 ng/m L,P<0.001,P=0.047)compared with the control and saline-treated groups.There were no significant differences in the CFS scores,tear MUC5AC level,and tear LDH level between the normal and natural extracttreated groups.CONCLUSION:The natural extract consisting of bee venom,musk,and deer antlers may have effectiveness in DED treatment by restoring the damaged ocular surface,increasing tear volume,and recovering the tear mucin layer in DED rats.

Full length cDNA cloning and expression analysis of annexinA2 gene from deer antler tissue

ANXA2（AnnexinA2）, a calcium-dependent phospholipid bind- ing protein, is involved in various Ca2＋-related biological activities. In the present study, full-length cDNA of ANXA2 was isolated from the velvet antler tip tissue of sika deer （Cervus nippon hortulomm）; the amino acid sequence and gene expression was analyzed by using bioinformatics and real-time reverse transcdptase polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） techniques. Nucleotide sequence analysis reveals that the full-length cDNA of the ANXA2 gene was 1372 bp, of which 1020 bp was in the opan-reading frame （OR.F） encoding 339 amino acids; its relative mo- lecular weight was 38.3 kDa; and isoelectrie point was 6.72. Sequence analysis indicates that the protein includes four conserved tan- dem-duplication ANX domains. The gene-aceession nucleotide sequence number in GenBank is JX315571. Expression analysis by RT-PCR re- veals that ANXA2 gene expression has a significant positive correlation with the antler-tissue mineralization process, indicating that this gene may play an important role in the regulation of antler-tissue mineraliza- tion.

Regulations of Antler Generation and Regeneration by Nutritional Factors

Antler, one of the secondary sex characteristics of male deer, is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicine. The generation and regeneration of deer antler is regulated not only by hormones, but also by nutritional factors. Nutritional factors have great influences on pedicle generation, first antler generation and antler development. Therefore, this paper summarizes recent advances in the study of the influences of nutritional factors on antler generation and regeneration, analyzes the pathways regulating antler generation and regeneration by nutritional factors, and proposes thai nutritional factors regulale antler regeneralion by direct pathway and indirect pathway.

TLC Identification of Schisandra Chinensis Liquid Extract and Antler Essence in Qianglinaoqingsu Tablets

[Objectives]To study the quality standard of Chinese drug in compound Qianglinaogingsu Tablets(Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis and Coru Cervi Pantotrichum).[Methods]The thin layer chromatography(TLC)differentiation method was established for Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis and Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum.[Results]TLC spots developed were fairly clear,and the blank test showed no interference.[Conclusions]The method is fast,simple and can be used for quality control of Qianglinaoqingsu Tablets.

Kanglu Brand Pilose Antler Nourishing Cream

Kanglu Brand Pilose Antler Nourishing Cream, developed by the Navy Anti-aging Research Institute and the Hainan Fengmu Deer Breeding Farm, is a kind of high-tech nourishing cream. The cream is produced from the fresh pilose antler of younger deer, and contains the quintessence of pilose antlers——the total fat and SOD. The SOD is regarded as the best anti-aging agent

Deer antler renewal gives insights into mammalian epimorphic regeneration

Deer antlers are the only known mammalian organ that,once lost,can fully grow back naturally.Hence,the antler offers a unique opportunity to learn how nature has solved the problem of mammalian epimorphic regeneration(EpR).Comprehensive comparisons amongst different types of EpR reveal that antler renewal is fundamentally different from that in lower vertebrates such as regeneration of the newt limb.Surprisingly,antler renewal is comparable to wound healing over a stump of regeneration-incompetent digit/limb,bone fracture repair,and to a lesser extent to digit tip regeneration in mammals.Common to all these mammalian cases of reaction to the amputation/mechanical trauma is the response of the periosteal cells at the distal end/injury site with formation of a circumferential cartilaginous callus(CCC).Interestingly,whether the CCC can proceed to the next stage to transform to a blastema fully depends on the presence of an interactive partner.The actual form of the partner can vary in different cases with the nail organ in digit tip EpR,the opposing callus in bone fracture repair,and the closely associated enveloping skin in antler regeneration.Due to absence of such an interactive partner,the CCC of a mouse/rat digit/limb stump becomes involuted gradually.Based on these discoveries,we created an interactive partner for the rat digit/limb stump through surgically removal of the interposing layers of loose connective tissue and muscle between the resultant CCC and the enveloping skin after amputation and by forcefully bonding two tissue types tightly together.In so doing partial regeneration of the limb stump occurred.In summary,if EpR in humans is to be realized,then I envisage that it would be more likely in a manner akin to antler regeneration rather to that of lower vertebrates such as newt limbs.

Haplotype-resolved Genome of Sika Deer Reveals Allele-specific Gene Expression and Chromosome Evolution

Despite the scientific and medicinal importance of diploid sika deer(Cervus nippon),its genome resources are limited and haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale assembly is urgently needed.To explore mechanisms underlying the expression patterns of the allele-specific genes in antlers and the chromosome evolution in Cervidae,we report,for the first time,a high-quality haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genome of sika deer by integrating multiple sequencing strategies,which was anchored to 32 homologous groups with a pair of sex chromosomes(XY).Several expanded genes(RET,PPP2R1A,PPP2R1B,YWHAB,YWHAZ,and RPS6)and positively selected genes(eIF4E,Wnt8A,Wnt9B,BMP4,and TP53)were identified,which could contribute to rapid antler growth without carcinogenesis.A comprehensive and systematic genome-wide analysis of allele expression patterns revealed that most alleles were functionally equivalent in regulating rapid antler growth and inhibiting oncogenesis.Comparative genomic analysis revealed that chromosome fission might occur during the divergence of sika deer and red deer(Cervus elaphus),and the olfactory sensation of sika deer might be more powerful than that of red deer.Obvious inversion regions containing olfactory receptor genes were also identified,which arose since the divergence.In conclusion,the high-quality allele-aware reference genome provides valuable resources for further illustration of the unique biological characteristics of antler,chromosome evolution,and multi-omics research of cervid animals.