Deer Antler Research Articles

Antler-derived microRNA PC-5p-1090 inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9.

The capability of microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate gene expression across species has opened new avenues for miRNA-based therapeutics. Here, we investigated the potential of PC-5p-1090 (miR-PC-1090), a miRNA found in deer antlers, to control the malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Using Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays, we found that heterologous expression of miR-PC-1090 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that predicted miR-PC-1090 targets, including MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9, were significantly elevated in HCC tissues, and their high expressions were associated with poor overall survival of HCC patients. Moreover, mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-PC-1090 promoted the degradation of MARCKS and SMARCAD1 mRNAs and hindered the translation of SOX9 mRNA by recognizing their 3' untranslated regions. Subsequent loss-of-function and rescue experiments confirmed the involvement of MARCKS, SMARCAD1, and SOX9 in miR-PC-1090-suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Notably, MARCKS knockdown induced the downregulation of phosphorylated MARCKS and a corresponding upregulation of phosphorylated AKT in HCC. Conversely, miR-PC-1090 repressed MARCKS phosphorylation and effectively circumvented the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, miR-PC-1090 regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through SMARCAD1- and SOX9-mediated reduction of β-catenin expression. Overall, our results illustrate the tumor-suppressive activity and molecular mechanism of antler-derived miR-PC-1090 in HCC cells, indicating its potential as a multiple-target agent for HCC treatment.

Maral farming in Altai krai. Status assessment and targets

The article offers a detailed analysis of the maral and deer farming in 2016-2020 by comparing the number of maral and sika deer livestock, their productivity, as well as the industry productivity. The objective of the study is to examine the current maral breeding situation in Altai Krai, and to analyse the main problems and prospects of its development. According to the production analysis of the given region’s enterprises, the shares of the maral and deer farming gross product are due to different economic and production opportunities, as well as natural, climatic, landscape and other factors. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the development of velvet antler deer farming at the foothills of Altai Krai. The study showed that maral and deer farming is not developing uniformly in Altai Krai. By 2020, the number of enterprises engaged in maral breeding has decreased from 27 to 24. The number of marals, however, increased just slightly – by 750 heads. Sika deer are still bred at 10 enterprises, but the number of livestock has decreased by 120 heads. The number of velvet antler deer in the region has increased by 2.5% over the analysed period. In 2020, the quantity of produced velvet antlers has increased that indicator in 2016 by 3,172.5 kg (8.7%), despite a decrease in the number of enterprises. The low demand for the sika deer antlers leads to the extermination of this species and smaller velvet antler yields. In 2020, 743 sika deer velvet antlers were produced, which is 340 kg fewer compared to 2016.

New find of a Mesolithic antler axe from western Poland

In 2017, a man fishing in the Oder River accidentally discovered an antler-base axe in the village of Domaszków, Lower Silesian Voivodeship. In-depth study of the axe included analysis of the traces on its surface, radiocarbon dating and paleogenetic analysis, and concluded with the tool’s conservation. Most of the traces casting light on the techniques used in its crafting had been eroded by intensive water action. The axe was made from the unshed red deer antler. Among the preserved marks we note pointed depressions made during the separation of the antler beam, traces where the brow and bay tines were cut off, and concentric rings from the drilling of the perforation. A small scar on the axe’s blade was identified as resulting from the tool’s use. Radiocarbon dating placed the origins of the axe in Boreal period. Such tools are known from western Poland and the north-western European Mesolithic as well as from the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age.

The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-Iβ alteration by deer (Rusa unicolor) antler extract on osteoarthritis rat model

Osteoarthritis is a disease associated with articular cartilage degradation, intra-articular area inflammation, and subchondral bone replacement. Cytokine IL-1β has a prominent function in the inflammations process that passes in the joints. The 70% ethanol extracts of deer antler (250 and 500 mg/kg BW) and glucosamine sulfate (250 kg/BW) were evaluated for four weeks in reducing cytokine IL-1β to rat model OA-induced Monosodium iodoacetate. Measurements of joint diameter in rat’s knee and hyperalgesia were performed on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The presence of a significant difference in the stimulation thermal latency (p = 0.00) and the resulting increase in swelling of joint diameter (p = 0.00) are evidence that MIA has successfully induced the rat modeling of OA. A significant decrease in cytokine IL-Iβ levels was shown on week 3 after MIA injection (p = 0.00). Both concentrations of deer extracts significantly reduced knee joint diameter (p = 0.00), latency thermal stimulation (p = 0.00), and cytokine IL-1β levels (p = 0.00). Based on the results, it can be concluded that the 70% ethanol extract of deer antler is a potential medicine for OA therapy.

Antlers far and wide: Biomolecular identification of Scandinavian hair combs from Ribe, Denmark, 720–900 CE

We used biomolecular methods to identify the faunal species present in hair combs and associated workshop debris discovered at the site Posthustorvet in the trading town of Ribe, Denmark, in contexts dated 720–900 CE. The finds included four unusual combs that have an uncommon but geographically characteristic ‘Scandinavian-type’ style, crafted from deer antler, and found in contexts 720–740 CE. They were identified as moose (Alces alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) using a combination of peptide mass fingerprinting (ZooMS) and ancient DNA analysis. Our study provides the first confirmed use of moose antler combs in Denmark in the Late Iron Age/Viking Age. Neither moose or reindeer occurred naturally at that time in Denmark, and their closest habitats in the eighth century were on the Scandinavian Peninsula. Based on mitochondrial DNA, the comb identified as moose belonged to the western European mitogenome group, which has been identified in contemporary samples from Scandinavia and Poland, and in one early Holocene sample from Germany. Comparison with other comb finds and extensive workshop debris from the Posthustorvet site reflect a range of different comb-types and raw materials. Our ZooMS and DNA findings, in the context of the absence of associated workshop debris of moose or reindeer during the early phases of the site, support that the four early ‘Scandinavian-type’ combs were brought to the site as finished items by travellers. Our results confirm that visitors from the Scandinavian Peninsula were present in Ribe, a place of trade at the southern edge of the North Sea, in the early eighth century, half a century before the maritime expansion of the Viking Age.

Fluctuating Asymmetry of Fallow Deer Antlers Is Associated with Weapon Damage but Not Tactical Behaviour during Fights

The horns and antlers borne by the males of many species of ungulate are considered to be both badges of quality, and armaments for use during intraspecific combat. Underpinning arguments concerning their dual utility is the idea that these structures should be costly to produce in order that the signal value of the structure is maintained. In agreement with such theorising is the belief that fluctuating asymmetry (FA), small deviations from symmetry around a mean of zero, measures individual quality as it represents the ability of the individual to withstand stress. We investigated whether the antlers of fallow deer indicated something of the quality of the bearer by assessing whether the degree of antler FA was associated with breakage (i.e., badge of quality) or with tactical investment in fighting (i.e., armament). We show the anticipated relationship between FA and antler damage, however, there was no relationship between FA and contest tactics. The present study, therefore, shows partial support for the idea that the magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry expressed by weaponry is related to individual quality.

Barrow of the Early Saka Time Ulkensor

In 2020 on the shore of Lake Ulkensor (in the Burabay district of the Akmola region) a single barrow was discovered and then studied, there was a burial of the early Saka time. This paper presents an analysis of the results of a practical study of the obtained materials and their interpretation. The burial was performed in undercut, at the bottom there was a full skeleton of a man in an extended position, on his back, with his head oriented to the west with a deflection to the south. Accompanying goods are represented by a composite belt, a bronze dagger in a case with a chape, a grindstone, a quiver with bronze arrowheads, a whip, a antler clasp and an iron knife. The burial rite and set of items allow the authors to attribute the site to the Ulubai-Tasmola archaeological culture of Northern Kazakhstan and date it to the 7th–6th centuries BC. The most important archaeological find for the region is a composite belt, its details are made of antler (presumably, of deer antler). The shape and type of individual elements of this specific decoration, its decor and design features reflected the position of the owner on the social ladder and also find analogies in the Tasmola culture of Central Kazakhstan and in the circle of early Saka sites from the Urals to the Altai-Sayan.

DNA methylation pattern and mRNA expression of OPN promoter in sika deer antler tip tissues

In order to explore the biological role of OPN gene during the growth of sika deer antler, the dermis, mesenchyme, precartilage and cartilage tissues of sika deer antler tip at the early period of the antler with a saddle-like appearance (30 days), the rapid growth period of the antler with two branches (60 days), and the final period of the antler with three branches (90 days) were analyzed. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to explore the DNA promoter methylation and mRNA expression of OPN in sika deer antler from the perspective of space and time. The test results showed that: 1) The methylation rates of OPN promoter at the early, middle and late periods of dermis tissue were (40.48 ± 0.82)%, (40.00 ± 1.43)%, and (39.05 ± 0.82)%; The methylation rates in mesenchyme tissue were (37.62 ± 0.82)%, (34.76 ± 2.18)%, and (38.57 ± 1.43)%; The methylation rates in precartilage tissue were (36.67 ± 0.28)%, (29.52 ± 1.65)%, (28.10 ± 2.18)%; The methylation rates in cartilage tissue were (31.90 ± 1.65)%, (26.67 ± 1.65)%, (24.29 ± 1.43)%. 2) There are 7 CpG sites in the OPN promoter region, and the 3 CpG sites of −367 bp, −245 bp and −31 bp are all methylated to different level. 3) The methylation level of OPN in the dermis, mesenchyme, precartilage and cartilage tissues decreased in sequence at the same growth period. At the middle and late periods, the methylation level of the promoter region of the precartilage tissue was significantly different from that of the dermis and mesenchyme tissues (P < 0.05); At different growth periods, the methylation level of the promoter region of cartilage tissue was extremely significantly different from that of dermis and mesenchyme tissues (P < 0.01); In the same tissue, the methylation level of the promoter region at the middle period was down-regulated compared with the early period, and the methylation level of the promoter region at the early period and the middle period was extremely significantly different in the precartilage and cartilage (P < 0.01). 4) OPN mRNA is highly expressed in precartilage and cartilage tissues. 5) The methylation level of OPN promoter was negatively correlated with mRNA expression level. In summary, it is speculated that the OPN gene, which may be regulated by the DNA methylation level of the promoter, promotes the growth and development of deer antler mainly by regulating the growth of precartilage and cartilage tissues.

Conditioned media of deer antler stem cells accelerate regeneration of alveolar bone defects in rats

The destruction of periodontal alveolar bone (AB) caused by periodontitis is regarded as one of the major reasons for tooth loss. The inhibition of bone resorption and regeneration of lost AB are the desirable outcomes in clinical practice but remain in challenge. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is one current approach for achieving true restoration of AB defects (ABD). Antler stem cells (AnSC) are capable of renewing a huge mammalian bony appendage, the deer antler, suggesting an unparalleled potential for bone regeneration. Herein, we investigated the effectiveness of deer AnSCs conditioned medium (CM, AnSC-CM) for repair of surgically-created ABD using a rat model and sought to define the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that AnSC-CM effectively induced regeneration of AB tissue; the outcome was significantly better than human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (hBMSC-CM). AnSC-CM treatment upregulated osteogenic factors and downregulated osteoclastic differentiation factors; stimulated proliferation, migration and differentiation of resident MSCs toward osteogenic lineage cells; modulated macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and suppressed osteoclastogenesis. That AnSC-CM resulted in better outcomes than hBMSC-CM in treating ABD was attributed to the cell compatibility as both AnSCs and AB tissue are neural crest-derived. In conclusion, the effects of AnSC-CM on AB tissue regeneration were achieved through both promotion of osteogenesis and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. We believe that AnSC-CM is a candidate for effective treatment of ABD in dental clinical practice but will require investment in further development.

A population of stem cells with strong regenerative potential discovered in deer antlers.

The annual regrowth of deer antlers provides a valuable model for studying organ regeneration in mammals. We describe a single-cell atlas of antler regrowth. The earliest-stage antler initiators were mesenchymal cells that express the paired related homeobox 1 gene (PRRX1+ mesenchymal cells). We also identified a population of "antler blastema progenitor cells" (ABPCs) that developed from the PRRX1+ mesenchymal cells and directed the antler regeneration process. Cross-species comparisons identified ABPCs in several mammalian blastema. In vivo and in vitro ABPCs displayed strong self-renewal ability and could generate osteochondral lineage cells. Last, we observed a spatially well-structured pattern of cellular and gene expression in antler growth center during the peak growth stage, revealing the cellular mechanisms involved in rapid antler elongation.

Stem cells drive antler regeneration.

Understanding the rapid growth of deer antlers could have applications in medicine.

MiRNA Profiling and Its Potential Roles in Rapid Growth of Velvet Antler in Gansu Red Deer (Cervus elaphus kansuensis)

A significant variety of cell growth factors are involved in the regulation of antler growth, and the fast proliferation and differentiation of various tissue cells occur during the yearly regeneration of deer antlers. The unique development process of velvet antlers has potential application value in many fields of biomedical research. Among them, the nature of cartilage tissue and the rapid growth and development process make deer antler a model for studying cartilage tissue development or rapid repair of damage. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid growth of antlers are still not well studied. MicroRNAs are ubiquitous in animals and have a wide range of biological functions. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the miRNA expression patterns of antler growth centers at three distinct growth phases, 30, 60, and 90 days following the abscission of the antler base, in order to determine the regulatory function of miRNA on the rapid growth of antlers. Then, we identified the miRNAs that were differentially expressed at various growth stages and annotated the functions of their target genes. The results showed that 4319, 4640, and 4520 miRNAs were found in antler growth centers during the three growth periods. To further identify the essential miRNAs that could regulate fast antler development, five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened, and the functions of their target genes were annotated. The results of KEGG pathway annotation revealed that the target genes of the five DEMs were significantly annotated to the "Wnt signaling pathway", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", "MAPK signaling pathway", and "TGF-β signaling pathway", which were associated with the rapid growth of velvet antlers. Therefore, the five chosen miRNAs, particularly ppy-miR-1, mmu-miR-200b-3p, and novel miR-94, may play crucial roles in rapid antler growth in summer.

In search of a musical past: evidence for early chordophones from Vietnam

ABSTRACTMusic likely played an important role within prehistoric societies but can be challenging to study in the absence of evidence for musical instruments. Here, the authors present two deer antlers recovered from the early Metal Age site of Go O Chua in southern Vietnam. A detailed examination of the artefacts, including evidence for use-wear, combined with insights from ethnographic analogies, leads the authors to conclude that the artefacts were single-stringed musical instruments. At least 2000 years old, the Go O Chua artefacts would be the earliest-known examples of chordophones from the region and indicate a long musical tradition. Their identification gives impetus to archaeo-musicological research in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insight into the molecular targets and signaling pathways of deer TGF-1 regulating chondrocytes proliferation and differentiation.

Chondrocytes are the only cell components in the cartilage, which has the poor regeneration ability. Thus, repairing damaged cartilage remains a huge challenge. Sika deer antlers are mainly composed of cartilaginous tissues that have an astonishing capacity for repair and renewal. Our previous study has demonstrated the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) is considered to be a key molecule involved in rapid growth, with the strongest expression in the cartilage layer. However, it remains to be clarified whether deer TGF-β1 has significantly different function from other species such as mouse, and what is the molecular mechanism of regulating cartilage growth. Primary chondrocytes was collected from new born mouse rib cartilage. The effect of TGF-β1 on primary chondrocytes viability was elucidated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology combined with validation methods such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Differential expression genes were identified using the DEGseq package. Our results demonstrated that the overexpression of deer TGF-β1 possibly promoted chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, while simultaneously suppressing chondrocyte differentiation through regulating transcription factors, growth factors, ECM related genes, proliferation and differentiation marker genes, such as Comp, Fgfr3, Atf4, Stat1 etc., and signaling pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels etc. In addition, by comparing the amino acid sequence and structures between the deer TGF-β1 and mouse TGF-β1, we found that deer TGF-β1 and mouse TGF-β1 proteins are mainly structurally different in arm domains, which is the main functional domain. Phenotypic identification results showed that deer TGF-β1 may has stronger function than mouse TGF-β1. ​These results suggested that deer TGF-β1 has the ability to promote chondrogenesis by regulating chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation and ECM synthesis. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of deer TGF-β1 on chondrocyte viability.

Pierced antlers in the Southern Cone: Late Holocene hunter-gatherer groups of the low Paraná wetland

Pierced antlers, traditionally known as bâtons de commandement, are commonly found in many Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites in Europe. Despite their original association to symbolic uses, their function is in constant debate, having as many hypotheses as contexts of finding. Predominance of symbolic use was replaced by the emphasis of antler mechanical properties chosen to perform this type of artefact. In America, pierced antlers are practically absent, however, a large number of antlers with short branches and a central perforation were found in the Low Paraná wetland. They were recovered from hunter-gatherer sites dated in the Late Holocene. In this paper, we analyse their chronological and spatial distribution, the material association and the morphometrical and physical properties of the assemblages to discuss the functional significance of these items in the local contexts. Antlers with and without perforation are considered. As a result, we note that the assemblage under analysis is morphologically different from the European's ones with symmetrical branches, despite the same material properties being maintained in the selection of deer antler as raw material. In our case, antlers without perforation are interpreted as discarded from the manufacturing processes that involve other types of tools besides there is a different proposal for a near area as the República Oriental del Uruguay. Pierced antlers show fractures and use-wear patterns like those described in the international literature. Even if no functional identification can be confirmed, high stress and domestic activity can be proposed.

Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Bioactive Peptides in Human Bone Cells from Tortoiseshell and Deer Antler Gelatin.

Tortoiseshell and deer antler gelatin has been used to treat bone diseases in Chinese society. A pepsin-digested gelatin peptide with osteoblast-proliferation-stimulating properties was identified via LC-MS/MS. The resulting pentapeptide, TSKYR, was presumably subjected to further degradation into TSKY, TSK, and YR fragments in the small intestine. The above four peptides were chemically synthesized. Treatment of tripeptide TSK can lead to a significant 30- and 50-fold increase in the mineralized nodule area and density in osteoblast cells and a 47.5% increase in the number of chondrocyte cells. The calcium content in tortoiseshell was relatively higher than in human soft tissue. The synergistic effects of calcium ions and the peptides were observed for changes in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, these peptides can enhance the expression of RUNX2, OCN, FGFR2, and FRFR3 genes in osteoblasts, and aggrecan and collagen type II in chondrocyte (patent pending).

Quasi-static and dynamic Brazilian testing and failure analysis of a deer antler in the transverse to the osteon growth direction

The transverse tensile strength of a naturally fallen red deer antler (Cervus Elaphus) was determined through indirect Brazilian tests using dry disc-shape specimens at quasi-static and high strain rates. Dynamic Brazilian tests were performed in a compression Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Quasi-static tensile and indirect Brazilian tests were also performed along the osteon growth direction for comparison. The quasi-static transverse tensile strength ranged 31.5–44.5 MPa. The strength increased to 83 MPa on the average in the dynamic Brazilian tests, proving a rate sensitive transverse strength. The quasi-static tensile strength in the osteon growth direction was however found comparably higher, 192 MPa. A Weibull analysis indicated a higher tensile ductility in the osteon growth direction than in the transverse to the osteon growth direction. The microscopic analysis of the quasi-static Brazilian test specimens (tensile strain along the osteon growth direction) revealed a micro-cracking mechanism operating by the crack deflection/twisting at the lacunae in the concentric lamellae region and at the interface between concentric lamellae and interstitial lamellae. On the other side, the specimens in the transverse direction fractured in a more brittle manner by the separation/delamination of the concentric lamellae and pulling of the interstitial lamellae. The detected increase in the transverse strength in the high strain rate tests was further ascribed to the pull and fracture of the visco-plastic collagen fibers in the interstitial lamellae. This was also confirmed microscopically; the dynamically tested specimens exhibited flatter fracture surfaces.

Metabolomics analysis shows the differences in metabolites in deer antler bases of red deer and sika deer

Context Deer antler base is a part of deer antler and a traditional Chinese medicine, which is effective in treating mammary gland hyperplasia and other diseases. However, deer antler base is very hard and not easy to crush, resulting in its under-utilisation and a waste of resources. At present, the potential mechanism of deer antler base in the treatment of diseases is still unclear. Aim To encourage its utilisation and research, it is crucial to comprehend its composition and identify the key effective components. Methods To explore the differences in metabolites between antler bases of different deer species, red and sika deer antler bases were used as samples, and metabolites from both deer antler base samples were screened and identified by Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Key results In all, 151 metabolites were identified in both red deer and sika deer antler bases. Metabolite types did not differ between the antler bases of red and sika deer, while there was some difference in metabolite abundance. After principal-component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA); a total of 43 metabolites with significant differences were identified. KEGG annotation showed that pathways with the most metabolites enrichment were mainly related to lipid and amino acid metabolism. The pathways significantly annotated with differential metabolites were mainly related to amino acid metabolism. Conclusions On the basis of untargeted metabolomics analysis, this study systematically showed the differences in metabolites composition and abundance in antler bases between two deer species from a metabolomics perspective. The composition and abundance of metabolites in red deer antler base were similar to those in sika deer antler base, but the endogenous metabolites in different deer antler bases had some differences. Implications The present study found that there was no significant difference in endogenous metabolites in antler bases between red deer and sika deer, which indicates that deer antler bases of different deer species may have similar medicinal value. It will provide some theoretical basis for research, development, and utilisation of antler bases.

An Improved Res2Net-Based Model for Classifying the Appearance of Deer Antler Slices

An Improved Res2Net-Based Model for Classifying the Appearance of Deer Antler Slices

Plant Oil-Based Dietary Supplement with Deer Antler Extract for Panic Attacks: A Clinical Study

Plant Oil-Based Dietary Supplement with Deer Antler Extract for Panic Attacks: A Clinical Study