Velvet Antler Research Articles

Velvet Antler Ameliorates Cardiac Function by Restoring Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase Activity in Rats With Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction.

Objective: Velvet antler (VA; cornu cervi pantotrichum), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of VA on heart failure (HF) caused by ischemia-reperfusion, and explore its possible mechanism from the regulation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2 alpha (SERCA2a). Methods: A rat model of HF was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 88). One week after surgery, VA (200, 400, or 800 mg/[kg day−1]) or enalapril (1 mg/[kg day−1]) was administered daily for the next 4 weeks. Heart function was detected by echocardiography and histopathological analysis. The serum BNP level was measured by ELISA, and the expression of SERCA2a, PLB, PLB-Ser16, and PKA was determined by western blotting. SERCA2a and PLB mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Compared with the sham group, cardiac function in the HF group, including the serum BNP level, heart mass index, myocardial collagen deposition, and left ventricular ejection fraction, was markedly reduced; however, these changes could be reversed by VA treatment. In addition, VA (200 mg/[kg·d−1]) inhibited the decrease of SERCA2a and PLB mRNA levels and SERCA2a, PLB, PLB-Ser16, and PKA protein expression and restored the activity of SERCA2a and PKA. Enalapril affected only PLB protein expression. Conclusion: VA can improve myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling in rats, thereby helping to restore cardiac function. The underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the expression and activation of PKA and PLB and the restoration of the expression and activity of SERCA2a.

Effects of heat treatment on structural and functional properties of velvet antler polypeptides

The purpose of the current study was to characterize the structural and functional properties of the hydrolysate of velvet antler (VA) heated at different temperatures (90, 100, 110, and 120°C) for 15 min. After heat treatment, the surface hydrophobicity of the VA hydrolysates increased from 663.12 to 839.63 (at 100°C), indicating the maximum unfolding of VA polypeptides (VAPs). Although heating decreased the solubility of VAPs, the foaming and emulsifying properties of the antler peptides increased from 63.1% and 22.21 m2/g (unheated) to 68.1% and 35.3 m2/g (heated at 120°C), respectively. Results showed that high-temperature (120°C) treatment can not only sterilize and prolong shelf life but also improve the foaming and emulsifying properties of the product, which is an effective processing technology to improve its functional properties. These findings provide a theoretical basis for selecting the correct sterilization temperature in food processing. Practical applications We systematically studied the physicochemical properties and functional properties of VAPs at different temperatures. The study has guiding significance for the sterilization temperature selection of antler products such as antler oral liquid. And new products can be developed according to the functional characteristics.

Geocultural image of Manchuria in the novel “The Root of Life” by Mikhail Prishvin

This article is dedicated to examination of geocultural space of Manchuria in the novel “The Root of Life” (Ginseng) by M. Prishvin. In the early 1930s, the writer participated in ethnographic expedition to the Far East. Being a professional ethnographer and a highly qualified agronomist, the artist meticulously explored the nature of Manchuria, interpreting it from the perspective of European (rationalistic) and Eastern (mythological) worldviews. The formed as a result of contact of the two diverse cultures “geocultural dualism”, expanded the boundaries of the novel, revealing a deep philosophical content: the problem of co-creation of nature and man. The article provides a list of geocultural markers of the eastern province of China, as well as gives a detailed interpretation of the artistic content of all the authentic attributes of ancient Chinese culture (among them: spotted deer, velvet antlers, ginseng, etc.). The article offers the interpretation of key philosophical concepts of the novel: “kindred attention” of the Chinese traditionalism, concept of co-creation of man and nature; special attention is given to the natural philosophical views of Mikhail Prishvin. The conclusions are based on the material of zoological, botanical, and seasonal-climatic descriptions of Manchuria. The novelty of this research consists in culturological and philosophical interpretation of the title symbol – the “root of life”. Ginseng assembles the entire semantic charge of the oeuvre, and draws together its geocultural plan. The collected geocultural inventory (naturalistic notes on the life of spotted deer, botanical and entomological observations of M. Prishvin, lifestyle of the ancient Chinese culture) is included into the dialectical structure of the central symbol, suggesting constructive interaction of the Eastern and Western types of worldview. The "root of life" as a demiurgical potential, revealed in the act of individual creativity, is the initial unity of a man (“gin”) and nature (“seng”) in the process of improving the universe. For proving this hypothesis, the author employs the method of culturological; analysis of the behavior of the protagonist, who is experiencing a moral breakthrough in communication with the carrier of Chinese mythological culture.

Characterizing Sections of Elk Velvet Antler by pH and Mineral, Fatty Acid, and Amino Acid Composition

This study was conducted to determine the composition change in different sections of elk velvet antler at 90 days. The following parameters were analyzed: moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, crude fiber, pH, minerals (Ca, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb), amino acids, and fatty acids. Dry matter, crude fiber, and crude ash contents were higher in the base of the antlers and lower in the tip. In contrast, crude protein and crude fat contents were highest in the tip. Moisture content was high in the upper and medium sections of the antlers, but the difference was not significant. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) contents were high in the base of the antlers, potassium (K) content was high in the tip of the antlers, and zinc (Zn) content showed no difference between antler sections. Saturated fatty acid content was highest in the base of the antlers, whereas unsaturated fatty acid content was highest in the tip. Among unsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acid content was high in the tip of the antler, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acid content was high in the upper section of the antler. Essential amino acid content was highest in the upper section of the antler, whereas non-essential amino acid content was lowest in the base. Crude protein, crude fat, K, and unsaturated fatty acid content tended to be high in the tip of the antler, and essential amino acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid contents tended to be high in the upper section of the antler. The tip of the antler had the highest nutrient content. In order to prevent cardiovascular disease, consumption of a certain amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids from the upper section of the antler could be beneficial in terms of pharmacological efficacy.

Analysis of Component Changes According to Early Cutting of Elk Velvet Antlers

Analysis of Component Changes According to Early Cutting of Elk Velvet Antlers

Effects of Arginine Supplementation on Serum Metabolites and the Rumen Bacterial Community of Sika Deer (Cervus nippon).

Velvet antler is a regeneration organ of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and an important Chinese medicine, and nutrient metabolism affects its growth. Here, we investigated the effects of arginine supplementation on antler growth, serum biochemical indices, and the rumen bacterial community of sika deer during the antler growth period. Fifteen male sika deer (6 years old) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups, which were supplemented with 0 (n = 5, CON), 2.5 (n = 5, LArg), or 5.0 g/d (n = 5, HArg) L-arginine. The IGF-1, ALT and AST concentrations in the serum of LArg sika deer were significantly higher than those in the serum of CON (P < 0.05) and HArg deer (P < 0.05). The phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were dominant in the rumen of sika deer among the three groups. Comparison of alpha diversities showed that the ACE and Chao1 indices significantly increased in the LArg and HArg groups compared with those in the CON group. PCoA and ANOSIM results showed that the bacterial community was significantly changed between the CON and LArg groups. Moreover, the relative abundances of Fibrobacter spp. and Prevotellaceae UCG-003 increased, but those of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Corynebacterium 1 decreased in the LArg and HArg groups compared with those in the CON group. Additionally, the relative abundances of 19 OTUs were significantly different between the LArg and HArg groups. These results revealed that arginine supplementation affected the sika deer rumen bacterial community and serum biochemical indices.

Hair growth promoting effect of bioactive extract from deer antler velvet-loaded niosomes and microspicules serum

Deer antler velvet (DAV) extract is important in stimulating the growth of skin and hair cells. The aim of this study was to develop DAV extract-loaded niosomes (NIs) and microspicules (MS) serum for effective hair growth. Bioactivities of DAV extract on human dermal papilla cells were studied. To develop protein delivery, NIs were prepared to entrap DAV extract and then loaded into MS serum (NI serum MS). Physicochemical properties and in vitro skin permeations were evaluated. The formulations were applied on human scalp and relative efficacies were evaluated. DAV extract at 2,000 µg/ml significantly enhanced cell proliferation and aggregation. DAV extract-loaded NI exhibited nanovesicle, narrow size distribution and negative surface charge. The vesicles were able to load into MS serum and showed significantly highest macromolecular protein permeation through the skin, with deposition into the deepest skin layer compared with other formulations. Applying the serum on human scalp for 14 and 30 days significantly enhanced hair elongation and melanin content, with increased skin hydration and decreased the erythema index, thereby promoting hair growth without skin irritation. NI serum MS containing DAV extract played an important role to deliver biomacromolecular protein through the skin and hair follicles, leading to effective hair growth.

Effects of rumen-protected arginine supplementation on the plasma amino acids and gut microbiota of sika deer (Cervus nippon)

In this study, we examined the effects of rumen-protected arginine on antler growth, plasma biochemical values and the gut microbiota of sika deer (Cervus nippon). Twenty-four male sika deer were randomly allocated to one of four experimental diets: a basal diet with no arginine (CON, 0 g/day) or arginine supplementation groups that received 1 (LArg), 2 (MArg), or 3 (HArg) g/day of rumen-protected arginine. After an 8-week feeding trial, plasma metabolite levels were measured, and the faecal bacterial community was examined based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The final weight (P = 0.04) and daily gain of velvet antler (P = 0.04) in the HArg group were higher than those in the CON group. The glucose (P = 0.01) and triglyceride concentrations (P < 0.01) in plasma increased linearly, whereas the ALT (P = 0.01) and AST (P < 0.01) concentrations decreased linearly with the increase of arginine supplementation. In addition, the phosphoserine (P = 0.01), citrulline (P = 0.02), cystathionine (P = 0.01), ammonia (P = 0.01), and arginine (P = 0.01) levels increased linearly with the increase of arginine supplementation. Prevotella spp. were the dominant bacteria in the faeces of sika deer among the four groups. Principal coordinates analysis results showed that the bacterial communities and predicted functions of the CON group were different from those of the LArg, MArg and HArg groups based on the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrix (P < 0.01), unweighted UniFrac distance (P < 0.01), and weighted UniFrac distance (P < 0.01). The Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratios were higher (P < 0.01) in the arginine supplementation groups than that in the CON group. The relative abundances of Bacteroides spp., Rikenellaceae RC9, Treponema 2, Turicibacter spp., Romboutsia spp., Alistipes spp., and Phascolarctobacterium spp. were increased with dietary arginine supplementation, whereas the abundance of Prevotella spp. was decreased. Comparison of potential functions also showed enrichment of the fructose and mannose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, propionate metabolism, and butyrate metabolism pathways. These results suggested that supplemental rumen-protected arginine affected sika deer metabolism and the gut microbiota.

Anti-tumour activity of deer growing antlers and its potential applications in the treatment of malignant gliomas

A recent study showed that antlers have evolved a high rate of growth due to the expression of proto-oncogenes and that they have also evolved to express several tumour suppressor genes to control the risk of cancer. This may explain why deer antler velvet (DAV) extract shows anti-tumour activity. The fast growth of antler innervation through the velvet in close association to blood vessels provides a unique environment to study the fast but non-cancerous proliferation of heterogeneous cell populations. We set out to study the anti-cancer effect of DAV in glioblastoma (GB) cell lines in comparison with temozolomide, a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat high-grade brain tumours. Here we report, for the first time, that DAV extract from the tip, but not from mid-parts of the antler, exhibits an anti-tumour effect in GB cell lines (T98G and A172) while being non-toxic in non-cancerous cell lines (HEK293 and HACAT). In T98G cells, DAV treatment showed reduced proliferation (37.5%) and colony-formation capacity (84%), inhibited migration (39%), induced changes in cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis. The anticancer activity of DAV extract as demonstrated by these results may provide a new therapeutic strategy for GB treatment.

КАЧЕСТВЕННЫЙ СОСТАВ МАРАЛОВ-РОГАЧЕЙ НОВОТАЛИЦКОЙ ЛИНИИ АЛТАЕ-САЯНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

The issues of increasing the volume of velvet antler production and obtaining highly productive young breeders are still relevant in the velvet antler deer farming. This study aims to assess the quality of the fawn and stag stock of the Novotalitskaya line of the Altai-Sayan breed. The work was carried out at three velvet antler farms of the Novotalitskoye Experiment Station of Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies (FASCA): Pokrovka, Sentelek and Aba farms. During the period of velvet antler cutting from May to July 2020, the authors assessed 1,661 animals (266 fawns having their first antlers and 1,395 maral stags). They assessed the quality of 834 maral stags (of which 96 fawns) at the Pokrovka farm; 574 maral stags (including 69 fawns) at the Sentelek farm, and 253 maral stags (including 101 fawns) at the Aba farm. At the Novotalitskoye Experiment Station, 48.5% of the stock is aged 2–5, 41.7% is aged 6–10, and 9.8% is aged 11 or older. For the Pokrovka farm these age categories were 42.5%, 42.5% and 15.0%, respectively; for the Sentelek farm had 45.1%, 50.0% and 49%; and the Aba farm had 75.9%, 20.1% and 4.0%. The average velvet antler productivity per one fawn of the Novotalitskaya line of the Alta-Sayan breed was 1.5 kg (minimal indicator: 0.2 kg, maximal indicator: 2.7 kg), whereas the same value per one maral stag was 5.2 kg (minimal indicator: 0.5 kg, maximal indicator: 13.1 kg). As for the quality classes, the 11–12-year-old group showed the maximal number of elite-class animals (10.3–12.8%); the 11–13-year-old group had the most first-class animals (29.7–36.0%); the 2–3-year-old-group had the most of second-class animals (62.0–65.4%), and the 4–5-year-old group had the most of third-class animals (29.2–32.8%). According to the international classification of velvet antlers, 60.0% of the raw velvet antlers belong to the Н – F3 group.

ОЦЕНКА ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННО-ПОЛЕЗНЫХ ПРИЗНАКОВ ПЕРВОРОЖЕК МАРАЛОВ НОВОТАЛИЦКОЙ ЛИНИИ АЛТАЕ-САЯНСКОЙ ПОРОДЫ

Increasing the profitability in the maral breeding industry primarily depends on the rational and focused rearing of young animals. The development of marals at an early age largely determines the additional economic value of these animals. The study’s objective is to assess the productive qualities of maral fawns of the Novotalitskaya line of the Altay-Sayan breed. The work was carried out at the maral farms (Pokrovka, Sentelek, and Aba) of the Experiment Station “Novotalitskoe” at “Federal Altai Scientific Center for Agrobiotechnologies during the period of velvet antler cutting in July 2020. The researchers assessed two hundred sixty-six fawns having their first antlers. They found that the average velvet antler productivity among the fawns of the Novotalitskaya line was 1.5±0.03 kg. The velvet antlers had the following parameters: trunk length – 35.8±0.41 cm, trunk girth – 12.4±0.08 cm, supraorbital process length – 16.1±0.30 cm, icy process length – 15.0±0.36 cm, middle process length – 11.1±0.32 cm, bifurcation depth – 1.9±0.07 cm. 84.7% of the fawns had round antlers, 9.0% had boot-shaped antlers, and 6.3% had fork-shaped antlers. Fawn quality classification is the following: first class – 9.4%, second class – 65.4%, third class – 25.2%.

Velvet Antler Methanol Extracts Ameliorate Parkinson's Disease by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation: From C. elegans to Mice.

Velvet antler is the traditional tonic food or medicine used in East Asia for treating aging-related diseases. Herein, we try to dissect the pharmacology of methanol extracts (MEs) of velvet antler on Parkinson's disease (PD). Caenorhabditis elegans studies showed that MEs decreased the aggregation of α-synuclein and protected oxidative stress-induced DAergic neuron degeneration. In vitro cellular data indicated that MEs suppressed the LPS-induced MAPKs and NF-κB activation, therefore inhibiting overproduction of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6; blocking microglia activation; and protecting DAergic neurons from the microglia-mediated neurotoxicity. In vivo MPTP-induced PD mouse investigations found that MEs prevented MPTP-induced neuron loss in the substantia nigra and improved the behavioral rotating rod performance in MPTP-treated mice by increasing the expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and downregulating α-synuclein protein expression. In all, these results demonstrate that MEs ameliorate PD by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

In vitro effects of velvet antler water extracts from Formosan Sambar deer and red deer on barrier integrity in Caco-2 cell.

Background: The mucus integrity and abnormal inflammatory response are the crucial biomarker of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Velvet antler (VA) has been used as traditional Chinese medicines for many years. Anti-inflammatory property was demonstrated via suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cytokines protein expression. And it has further proved to promote wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats model. The aforementioned functionalities of VA extracts may be associated with the treatment of IBD. Thus, the aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of velvet antler water extracts form Formosan Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor swinhoei, SVAE) and red deer (Cervus elaphus, RVAE) on the barrier function and to investigate the possible mechanism using in vitro model.Methods: Human colonic epithelial cell models (Caco-2) were co-cultured with various concentrations of both SVAE and RVAE (250-500 µg mL-1) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value and the macromolecule permeability of Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran were measured to evaluate the integrity of monolayer of Caco-2. Western blotting was performed for analysis of protein expressions of occludin, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1, claudin-2 and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The cytotoxicity was conducted by MTT assay.Results: Results indicated that both SVAE and RVAE could enhance integrity of monolayer in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colonic epithelial cell model (Caco-2) through reducing the decline of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and macromolecule permeability at the concentration of 250 μg mL-1. RVAE significantly increased the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and ZO-1) while SVAE significantly reduced the activity of MLCK (P < 0.05.). Elevated C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) production suggested that both SVAE and RVAE could enhance the repair of epithelial cell. Besides, MTT assay revealed that both extracts showed no cytotoxicity.Conclusion: Thus, SVAE and RVAE supplementation may attenuate barrier damage by enhancing the occludin and ZO-1 protein expression, decreasing MLCK expression, promoting the CCL20 production. In the future, animal study is needed for further confirmation.

МОРФОЛОГИЯ ЛЕГКИХ У ПЛОДОВ МАРАЛО

Maral breeding is a promising branch of animal hus-bandry in the Altai Region and the Republic of Altai. Being semi-wild animals, marals travel long distances, mainly in mountainous areas in larch and pine forests and on high-altitude plateaus of the Republic of Altai. The following deer species range in the Altai Region and the Republic of Altai: Siberian musk deer(Moschus moschiferus), elk(Alces alces), sika deer(Cervus nippon), reindeer(Rangifer tarandus), and maral (Cervus elaphus sibiricus, Severtzov 1872). According to V.G. Lunitsyn, the regions of the Re-public of Altai account for 98% of all velvet antler products produced in Russia which are exported to the countries of the Asian-Pacific Region. The specimens were taken from maral fetuses of the age from 1 to 3 months obtained at forced slaughter. The fetuses were weighed, the lungs were extracted and weighed, and the specimens were for-malin-fixed (10-12% solution), washed in tap water;and slices were prepared by a freezing microtome. The slices were hematoxylin-eosin stained according to Van Gieson. The tissue specimens show that all orders of bronchioles in the lungs of maral fetuses, especially in the caudal lobes, are clearly expressed. In the bronchi of the lungs of fetuses at the age of 3 months, the muscle layer of smooth muscle cells is expressed. At this age, the spaces similar to alveo-lar passages are visible.The diameter of the alveoli in the form of tubes at this age is about 2-5 μm. In the micro-slides under study, vessels in the lungs of fetuses at the age of 1-3 months are characterized by rapid growth. Con-nective tissue elements surrounding the bronchial tubes with capillaries are formed.

A Unique Presentation of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Patient Consuming Deer Antler Velvet

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare rapidly progressive neurodegenerative prion disorder that is usually sporadic but may also be acquired from exposure to infected sources, classically via infections of bovine or human etiology. Cervid transmission of CJD is of particular concern in North America given the rapid spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)- the Cervid version of CJD. We present a 61-year-old male patient admitted to our service with a one month history of progressive confusion and gait instability, which led to an initial suspicion of Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS) with unusually rapid progression. CJD was also suspected upon learning that the patient began taking deer antler velvet and bovine colostrum supplements roughly two months prior. The diagnosis of CJD was subsequently confirmed by MRI and RT-QuIC CSF assay. Providers should consider Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in the differential diagnosis of a patient with cervid exposure and/or in patients with a presentation resembling corticobasal degeneration, especially if symptom onset is rapid. Although it is unclear how this patient acquired CJD, the potential for prion transmission from cervids to humans should be further investigated by the academic community with considerable urgency.

Discrimination Method for Crude Drug Antler Velvet with Microscopic Examination and Fluorescence Analysis

Discrimination Method for Crude Drug Antler Velvet with Microscopic Examination and Fluorescence Analysis

Pressure Algometry Validation and Determination of Efficacy of Articaine Hydrochloride Ring Block in Antler Removal in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Simple SummaryRed deer (Cervus elaphus) are farmed in New Zealand for the production of velvet antler. Velvet is harvested as living antler tissue, and currently lignocaine is the only licensed local anaesthetic approved for deer antler removal in New Zealand. The use of lignocaine is not without consequences, including drug residues in harvested velvet antler tissue and its short acting analgesic effect. This study was designed to determine the effect of local anaesthetic, articaine hydrochloride as an alternative treatment and to establish the baseline measurements of mechanical nociceptive threshold in 40 male yearling red deer. Ten of the forty enrolled deer were selected for the articaine efficacy study. The mechanical nociceptive thresholds were measured using a handheld algometer applied at 4 points; the cranial, medial, caudal and lateral aspects of the base of each antler. The force applied, which resulted in a movement by the animal, was recorded in newtons (N). This study showed that nociceptive threshold response in deer could be reliably measured, and articaine proved to be a promising alternative for velveting the deer antlers.New Zealand deer farming centres on the production of meat and velvet antler. Velvet antler removal is a painful procedure and currently, New Zealand Animal Welfare regulations dictate surgical removal of velvet antlers under lignocaine anaesthesia. To improve our knowledge on the efficacy and duration of other local anaesthetics to mitigate pain after antler removal, it is important to accurately assess and quantify pain arising from antler removal. Therefore, the current study was designed to validate mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) testing using a Wagner hand-held algometer, and to apply this methodology to assess the efficacy and duration of action of articaine for antler removal in deer. Baseline force (N) required to elicit the nociceptive response was recorded in 40 yearling male red deer on three alternate days. Ten of the 40 animals were selected for antler removal after administration of 4% articaine hydrochloride as a ring block. The duration of analgesic efficacy of articaine was assessed by algometry across 5 time points. There was a significant difference in MNTs among the three days (day 3 versus day 1 (p < 0.0001), day 2 versus day 1 (p < 0.0001), and day 1 versus day 2 (p < 0.01)). Positive correlations were observed between weight, antler length and thresholds. The MNT values remained above 20N for 6 h after removal of velvet antlers under the articaine ring block. This study provides valuable information about the use of MNT in red deer. These findings lay a foundation for future studies in the topics of peri-operative and postoperative pain management in deer antler removal, and a possible alternative use for articaine.

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activities, and Element Concentrations of Rusa Deer Velvet Antler Extracts

The objective of this study was to analyze hexane extract (HE), 75% v / v ethanol extract (EE), and water extract (WE) of rusa deer velvet antlers, obtained through a three-solvent sequential extraction, for determining their chemical constituents, antioxidant activities, element concentrations, and microbial contamination. In TLC, FTIR, 1H NMR, and HPLC analysis, HE and EE showed the presence of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and testosterone. EE showed the highest concentration of testosterone and the strongest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. In addition, the concentration of testosterone in EE was higher than in sika deer and red deer velvet antler extracts found in other studies. All extracts were composed of essential elements and had levels of toxic elements and microbial contaminants lower than the acceptable criteria set by ASEAN guidelines. Thus, EE was considered to be a safe and useful source of antioxidants and testosterone.

국내산 녹용 열수추출물의 특성

Velvet antlers (VA) sourced from red (Cervus elaphus), sika (C. nippon), and elk (C. canadensis) deer have become increasingly popular in Chinese, Korean and Japanese traditional and oriental medicines as supplements for disease prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical components (proximate composition, amino, uronic, and sialic acids) and to characterize the bacterial profile of VA extract. The yield and contents of uronic and sialic acids extracted from VA at 98-100°C for 29-36 sec were determined to be 40.71%, 28.06 mg/g and 0.73 mg/g, respectively. Overall, proximate parameters were higher in extracts recovered at 100°C compared with 90°C, and these parameters were: moisture (4.66%), crude protein (86.63%), crude fat (3.23%), crude ash (4.1%), and carbohydrate content (5.43%). Alanine was the most abundant among the identified amino acids. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence identified 12 bacterial species, including seven gram-positive and five gram-negative bacteria. Among all bacteria, Chryseobacterium indologenes, Shigella flexneri ATCC 29903, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus succinus, and Vagococcus fluvialis had 100% identity in the VA extract. The morphology of C. indologene, S. flexneri ATCC 29903, and V. fluvialis was bacilli, whereas S. equorum, S. succinus, and S. xylosus were cocci.

S2475 The Buck Stops Here: A Case of Deer Antler Extract-Induced Liver Injury

INTRODUCTION: Liver injury secondary to prescription or over the counter drugs and supplements is an ongoing public health concern, especially with the growing marketplace of unregulated supplements. Drug induced liver injury (DILI) has been reported as the most common reason for regulatory actions instituted by the US FDA against medications and supplements. Deer antlers are the only mammalian organs that can entirely grow back once lost and their extract contains insulin-like growth factor. Many athletes admit using deer antler extract as a performance-enhancing supplement, but its safety is unknown. The following is the first reported case of a deer antler supplement induced liver injury. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 38 YO male presented with fatigue and elevated liver chemistry tests: AST 360, ALT 1297, ALP 78 (U/L) and bilirubin 2.9 mg/dL. He was not on any medications but did note recent use of a supplement called “Bucked Up” consisting of deer antler velvet extracts, ginseng, caffeine, taurine and Himalayan rock salt. He denied any concurrent supplement, herb, drug, or alcohol use, and noted improved symptoms following stopping using the supplement 5 days prior to presentation. The patient underwent a thorough work-up which ruled out infectious causes such as viral hepatitis, CMV, HSV, EBV, biliary obstruction, genetic diseases and autoimmune hepatitis. Liver biopsy showed moderate acute lobular cholestatic hepatitis. Patient was followed for total of 150 days after the liver injury. Figure 1 shows the peaks of Alk Phos, T bili, AST and ALT throughout the follow-up period. Alk Phos and T bili peaked around day 25 after the injury, while ALT and AST peaked at the first day and decreased to normal level at day 10. Another peak in AST and ALT was noted at around day 30. At day 50, all the labs started to return to the normal level. DILI resolved spontaneously without any treatment. DISCUSSION: The updated RUCAM Causality Assessment was used to evaluate the probability of DILI secondary to the deer antler velvet blend. The R ratio was consistent with hepatocellular type injury. It showed a probable correlation with a 7-point score, which along with the patient’s clinical course confirms the diagnosis of DILI secondary to the supplement. This report represents the first case of a deer antler-based supplement leading to hepatotoxicity, highlighting the need for public awareness regarding the hepatotoxicity of deer antler extract containing supplements.Figure 1.: Lab measurements from day 0 to day 150.Table 1.: The R ratio score