Search Results (16)

Antlers are costly bone structures that grow every year. Thus, in addition to the genetic potential, its full potential size depends on the physiological state and food availability. Our aim was to examine antler characteristics related to genetic potential (burr perimeter) with final antler investment (antler weight) and how they relate with antler structural characteristics: beam length, circumference at mid and upper parts of the beam, and length of first (brow) and midbeam (third) tines. We measured 206 antlers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha experimental farm (UCLM) and from 203 top size antlers from Latvian International Antler Competition (LIAC). The results show that UCLM and LIAC had antlers of similar length (4.6% difference), but LIAC had 47% heavier antlers. The body growth explained that correlations of antler measurements with age were higher in males of 3 or more years, but much weaker in fully grown males (5 years or older). Weight reflected investment in antlers, as it showed the greatest correlation with all measurements, but length had weaker correlations. A large burr cross-section seems to reflect genetic potential, because it is necessary but not sufficient to grow large antlers. The results could be a useful tool for deer breeders. Full article

Antlers are genetically coded to have bilateral symmetry. However, environmental stressors cause asymmetries between antlers. Previous studies have investigated fluctuating asymmetries on harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, 1780). Cast antlers provide underutilized metrics that are not available prior to shedding. The objectives of this study were to quantify relative fluctuating asymmetry (RFA) between age groups and identify the best age-specific pre- and post-cast antler metrics to confirm an antler pair. We hypothesized lower RFA values for post-cast measurements than pre-cast measurements due to a lessened chance for damage when atop the head. Additionally, younger individuals were hypothesized to have higher RFA values due to greater susceptibility to environmental stressors. Cast antler pairs from 196 white-tailed deer were collected in Nebraska. We measured 14 available antler metrics per cast antler side classified by age group. The most symmetric measurements between antler sides included pedicle seal area, main beam length, and circumference. Antlers of older deer were consistently more symmetric than younger deer. When combining the top metrics and testing against random antler pairs, we found an 81.9–92.3% match rate for 1.5 and ≥2.5-year-olds, respectively. Our findings provided a quantifiable method to assign antler pair classifications more confidently while documenting decreased symmetry in younger individuals. Full article

In the field of biology, the ’biomarkers’ of the different animal species are of great relevance, as well as the relationships between them and the quality of the habitat. A study was proposed, analysing the antlers of the Iberian deer, to measure the bilateral asymmetry of its branches. The antlers are characterised in a 3D CAD model of their axial structure obtained via photogrammetric restitution from two photographs. This method quantifies the global and partial asymmetries of the antler’s structural features. The research evaluated 48 deer antlers from hunting days and taxidermy workshops. To quantify asymmetries, the measurements required are the same as those considered to assess the hunting quality of antlers. Bilateral deviations are estimated for each structural trait and the whole antler. Preliminary results showed a convergence between the values of global asymmetry and hunting quality. The methodology proved to be fast, inexpensive, and easy to implement, which facilitates its use in future asymmetry studies of other biological elements of animal or plant origin. It is only necessary that the starting data, which is the bilateral axial structure of the analysed element, is characterised in a 3D model. Full article

Besides the need for biomaterial surface modification to improve cellular attachment, laser-structuring is favorable for designing a new surface topography for external bone fixator pins or implants. The principle of this study was to observe how bioinspired (deer antler) laser-induced nano–microstructures influenced the adhesion and growth of skin cells. The goal was to create pins that allow the skin to attach to the biomaterial surface in a bacteria-proof manner. Therefore, typical fixator metals, steel, and titanium alloy were structured using ultrashort laser pulses, which resulted in periodical nano- and microstructures. Surface characteristics were investigated using a laser scanning microscope and static water contact angle measurements. In vitro studies with human HaCaT keratinocytes focused on cell adhesion, morphology, actin formation, and growth within 7 days. The study showed that surface functionalization influenced cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. Micro-dimple clusters on polished bulk metals (DC20) will not hinder viability. Still, they will not promote the initial adhesion and spreading of HaCaTs. In contrast, additional nanostructuring with laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) promotes cell behavior. DC20 + LIPSS induced enhanced cell attachment with well-spread cell morphology. Thus, the bioinspired structures exhibited a benefit in initial cell adhesion. Laser surface functionalization opens up new possibilities for structuring, and is relevant to developing bioactive implants in regenerative medicine. Full article

Cisplatin is a widely used antineoplastic drug, though its adverse effects, particularly its hepatorenal toxicity, limit its long-term application. Sika deer antler is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) documented to possess the capacity for tonifying the kidney and regulating the liver, of which the sika deer antler protein is an important active ingredient. In this study, two protein fractions, SVPr1 and SVPr2, of sika deer antler were purified and administered to mice treated with cisplatin, and serum metabolome and fecal microbiota were measured using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. SVPr1 and SVPr2 significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced liver and kidney injury and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis. In addition, SVPr1 and SVPr2 impacted the gut microbiota structure of mice, significantly increasing the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, which deserves to be scrutinized. Moreover, SVPr1 and SVPr2 antagonism of cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury may be related to the regulation of lysine degradation, tryptophan metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism pathways, significantly altering the levels of L-saccharopine, L-lysine, L-kynurenine, 3-methylindole, xanthurenic acid, riboflavin, and D-ribulose-5-phosphate. A correlation between the differential metabolites and Lactobacillus was identified. These findings increased the knowledge of the gut microbiota–metabolites axis mediated by SVPr1 and SVPr2, and may be able to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for the simultaneous prevention and treatment of liver and kidney injury from cisplatin treatment. Full article

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. Full article

The suitability of CT and 3D scanners for craniometric proposes was tested using digital calipers when determining linear measurements, and a measuring cylinder was used for the accuracy of 3D printing of deer antlers obtained by the CT and 3D scanners. The resolution of digitized objects from a 3D scanner ranged from 0.008 mm to 0.122 mm. For mandibular dimensions, a positive deviation (p < 0.01) from the primary control measurement was recorded. The average antler volume measured with the cylinder was 60.47 cm³ at the first measurement, in the case of the CT scanner 61.62 cm³ and for the 3D scanner 64.76 cm³—both technologies exhibit a positive deviation from the primary measurement. Precise sensing and measurements can be used to evaluate the quality and evolution of wildlife populations, create digital museum collections, or to examine in detail certain traits such as antler and horn development or dentition. Full article

Sika deer velvet antler is the most important animal nutraceutic in traditional Chinese medicine. Reducing the breeding cost of sika deer by looking for a low-cost diet is the main research direction at present. The purpose of this experiment was to find an alternative diet for sika deer and reduce the cost of the diet by using spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a concentrate supplement. The apparent digestibility for sika doe and the hematological changes of sika doe and suckling fawn were measured by replacing 10% of the concentrate supplement with SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP). Compared with the control group, the digestibility of dry matter (DM), total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), and cholesterol (CHOL) of sika doe were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and glucose (GLU), alanine (Ala), phenylalanine (Phe), and proline (Pro) of sika doe were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the replacement of SMS-MP. Compared with the control group, the serum GLU of suckling fawn was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and the phosphatase (ALP) was significantly increased after the replacement of SMS-MP (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the immune globulin and amino acid of suckling fawns between the two groups (p > 0.05). The present findings confirm the applicability of SMS-MP as a sika doe concentrate supplement. At the same time, using SMS, a waste resource, can not only reduce the breeding cost of sika doe, but also make full use of SMS to reduce environmental pollution. Full article

At present, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is a waste resource that is producing a pollution problem in China, and which has some use as animal feed or fertilizer, has not been assessed as a feed for deer. The purpose of this study is to expand the feed of male sika deer and reduce the feeding cost by using the waste resource of SMS. The 10% concentrated supplement was replaced with SMS and the feed intake, apparent digestibility, blood index and velvet production of male sika deer were measured. As the results showed, compared to the control group, the substitution of SMS for 10% of the concentrate supplement decreased the concentration of IgA (p < 0.01), replacing 10% concentrated supplement with SMS of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP) reduced the intake of organic matter (OMI) and improved the digestibility of ether extract (EE), while replacing 10% concentrated supplement with SMS of Flammulina velutipes (SMS-MF) had no effect on apparent nutrient digestibility, feed intake, velvet antler production, and biochemical indexes. In conclusion, SMS had no effect on serum biochemical indexes and the ratio of the feed weight of the deer supplement to the weight of velvet antler (p > 0.05). At the same time, SMS could reduce the feed consumption and improve the economy by using SMS as a waste resource. Full article

A 3-to-4-year-old roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) was admitted to the Veterinary Hospital. Although it showed well-developed antlers with retained velvet, an external female appearance and genitalia were evident. External biometrical measurements were taken for the antlers, and a computed tomography was performed. Molecular studies targeting the SRY gene were performed, and a PIS (polled intersex syndrome) mutation diagnosis was implemented. The gonads consisted of a right testicle paired with a left ovotestis. Histologically, the ovary-like structures in the ovotestis were functional, but the testis, as the testis-like structure in the ovotestis, did not show active spermatogenesis. No evidence of SRY gene was detected by PCR, suggesting an XX-chromosome constitution. Additionally, polled intersex syndrome (PIS) deletion was not detected in the case under study. The clinical and histopathological findings confirmed the DSD with the presence of a testicle and a contralateral ovotestis. Full article

In a previous study, we found that Lactobacillus curvatus HY7602-fermented antler (FA) improved exercise endurance by increasement of muscle mass and strength in a young mouse model. In this study, we investigated the effect of FA on recovery of muscle mass and strength in aging-induced muscle loss. We have used a middle-aged model in which muscle decline begins in many mammalian species. All mice performed treadmill exercise and forced swimming, and measured muscle grip strength. Then, calf muscle weight and histological analysis, blood biomarker and gene expression in soleus muscle tissue were measured. Muscle strength and forced swimming time were significantly increased in the FA-intake groups compared to controls. The levels of muscle and liver damage-related indicators (ATL, ALP, LDH and CK) and muscle endurance, fatigue and exercise performance-related indicators (lactate and creatinine) were significantly improved by FA supplementation. In addition, FA regulates genes related to muscle protein degradation (Atrogin-1 and MuRF1) and muscle fiber synthesis (MyoD and Myf5), resulting in increased muscle mass, and fiber diameter and area values. The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, related to apoptosis in skeletal muscle was significantly decreased. These results demonstrate that FA improves exercise performance with ameliorating blood biomarkers and also increases muscle mass and muscle strength by inhibiting muscle proteolysis and promoting muscle synthesis in a middle-aged mouse. Full article

A stray find of red deer antler from Sweden with the braincase was collected due to an apparently pathological deformation, the strongly retarded right antler. Measurements of the complete left antler inspired the analysis of general antler conformation in order to place this archaeological specimen in a zoological context. This stray find and another prehistoric antler from Sweden as well as three complete prehistoric antlers from Hungary were metrically compared using measurements of over 17,000 trophies of extant red deer from Hungary. The results confirmed that the stray specimen from Sweden and prehistoric antlers from Hungary were similar in that they were stouter (smaller length measurements but greater circumferences) than their 20th century counterparts. Most of their measurements fell within the ±1 standard deviation interval of the means of extant trophies. The pathological lesion on the studied stray specimen directed attention to the role of human selection. Twentieth century record trophies show a significant increase in antler weight and “quality” as defined in the international trophy grading system. While these morphometric observations cannot be taken as a proxy for absolute dating or precise contextual identification for the stray find central to this study, its size and apparent lack of consistent human selection (pathological deformation, “archaic” antler proportions) point to possibly early origins, prior to major human influence. Full article

Acetylated diacylglycerol 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol (PLAG) is a lipid molecule from the antlers of sika deer that might reduce inflammation by effectively controlling neutrophil infiltration, endothelial permeability and inflammatory chemokine production. Therefore, we evaluated the modulatory effect of PLAG on arthritis and interstitial lung disease (ILD) in an autoimmune arthritis model. We injected curdlan into SKG mice and PLAG was orally administered every day from 3 weeks to 20 weeks after the curdlan injection. The arthritis score was measured every week after the curdlan injection. At 20 weeks post-injection, the lung specimens were evaluated with H&E, Masson’s trichrome and multiplexed immunofluorescent staining. Serum cytokines were also analyzed using a Luminex multiple cytokine assay. PLAG administration decreased the arthritis score until 8 weeks after the curdlan injection. However, the effect was not sustained thereafter. A lung histology revealed severe inflammation and fibrosis in the curdlan-induced SKG mice, which was attenuated in the PLAG-treated mice. Furthermore, immunofluorescent staining of the lung tissue showed a GM-CSF⁺ neutrophil accumulation and a decreased citrullinated histone 3 expression after PLAG treatment. PLAG also downregulated the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and upregulated the level of sIL-7Rα, an anti-fibrotic molecule. Our results indicate that PLAG might have a preventative effect on ILD development through the resolution of NETosis in the lung. Full article

The increased use of antler restrictions by state game agencies has led to a focus on antlers by the hunting public, particularly the potential for an association between genetics and antler characteristics. We analyzed microsatellite data from 1231 male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from three states (Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas) within USA to determine if genetic relatedness, internal relatedness (IR), homozygosity weighted by locus (HL), or correlations among uniting gametes (F_is) influenced total antler points, antler score, non-typical points or antler malformations. Within each location, deer in the lower and upper quartile intervals for number of antler points and score were unrelated (95% CI included 0 or was <0) and relatively heterozygous for four measures of inbreeding. Antler score and points were positively influenced by age but negatively influenced by IR and HL, except for antler score in Mississippi. Relatedness, HL, IR and F_is did not differ between groups of deer with and without antler malformations. Perceived differences in antler quality do not appear to be affected by heterozygosity or a result of close inbreeding because we found deer were unrelated and measures of inbreeding and genome-wide heterozygosity were not correlated with antler characteristics. Full article

As the only known organ that can completely regenerate in mammals, deer antler is of real significance in the field of regenerative medicine. Recent studies have shown that the regenerative capacity of the antlers comes from the pedicle periosteum and the cells resident in the periosteum possess the attributes of stem cells. Currently, the molecular mechanism of antler regeneration remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the potentiated and dormant antler stem cells using isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling of the peptides, coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to compare the proteome profiles. Proteins were identified by searching against the NCBI nr database and our own Cervine transcriptome database, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Based on this searching strategy, we identified 169 differentially expressed proteins in total, consisting of 70 up- and 99 down-regulated in the potentiated vs. dormant antler stem cells. Reliability of the iTRAQ was confirmed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression of selected genes. We identified transduction pathways through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, such as HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways that play important roles in regulating the regeneration of antlers. In summary, the initiation stage of antler regeneration, a process from dormant to potentiated states in antler stem cells, is regulated by multiple proteins and complicated signal networks. Full article