Effects of repeated administration of deer antler extract on biochemical changes related to aging in senescence-accelerated mice

Structural characteristics of a low molecular weight velvet antler protein and the anti-tumor activity on S180 tumor-bearing mice

Velvet antler is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological values, which is an important raw material for traditional Chinese medicinal wine. Nevertheless, the chemical compositions and bioactivities of velvet antler residue used for making medicinal wine are rarely reported, leading to a waste of resources. In this study, a velvet antler protein (VA-pro) was extracted from velvet antler residue by simulating the gastrointestinal digestion, and its composition, structural characteristics and in vivo anti-tumor activities were determined and investigated. VA-pro possessed high purity with a relatively low molecular weight as 22.589 kDa under HPLC, one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis, and it contained high contents of Pro, Gly, Glu and Ala. Besides, the secondary structure of VA-pro was dominated by β-turn and β-sheet, and VA-pro possessed similar protein sequence, isoelectric point and amino acid compositions to hypothetical protein G4228_020061. The in vivo results substantiated that VA-pro could improve the body weights and immune organ indices, increase the expressions of sera cytokines and regulate the distributions of T and B lymphocytes subsets in peripheral blood of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, VA-pro could effectively inhibit solid S180 tumors growth by inducing S phase cell cycle arrest mediated through mitochondria. To summarize, our study provided theoretical support that VA-pro had the potential to be used as an immunopotentiator in immunocompromised or cancer-bearing hosts.

ACE inhibitory peptides in standard and fermented deer velvet: an in silico and in vitro investigation

BACKGROUND

The use of deer velvet antler (DVA) as a potent traditional medicine ingredient goes back for over 2000 years in Asia. Increasingly, though, DVA is being included as a high protein functional food ingredient in convenient, ready to consume products in Korea and China. As such, it is a potential source of endogenous bioactive peptides and of 'cryptides', i.e. bioactive peptides enzymatically released by endogenous proteases, by processing and/or by gastrointestinal digestion. Fermentation is an example of a processing step known to release bioactive peptides from food proteins. In this study, we aimed to identify in silico bioactive peptides and cryptides in DVA, before and after fermentation, and subsequently to validate the major predicted bioactivity by in vitro analysis.

METHODS

Peptides that were either free or located within proteins were identified in the DVA samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) followed by database searching. Bioactive peptides and cryptides were identified in silico by sequence matching against a database of known bioactive peptides. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was measured by a colorimetric method.

RESULTS

Three free bioactive peptides (LVVYPW, LVVYPWTQ and VVYPWTQ) were solely found in fermented DVA, the latter two of which are known ACE inhibitors. However matches to multiple ACE inhibitor cryptides were obtained within protein and peptide sequences of both unfermented and fermented DVA. In vitro analysis showed that the ACE inhibitory activity of DVA was more pronounced in the fermented sample, but both unfermented and fermented DVA had similar activity following release of cryptides by simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

CONCLUSIONS

DVA contains multiple ACE inhibitory peptide sequences that may be released by fermentation or following oral consumption, and which may provide a health benefit through positive effects on the cardiovascular system. The study illustrates the power of in silico combined with in vitro methods for analysis of the effects of processing on bioactive peptides in complex functional ingredients like DVA.

Relationships between Antioxidants and Quality Characteristics from Velvet Antlers of Formosan Sambar Deer

The quality characteristics of velvet antlers obtained from Formosan sambar deer (Cervus unicolor Swinhoi) (SDVA), harvested from 63 to 81 d during the velvet antler growth period, were evaluated by investigating the relationships between antioxidant levels; including content, activity, and content/activity ratios, and physical properties; including shear force values, color, and Ca content. The hardness of samples from base velvet antler sections increased, and that the color of these samples tended to become reddish-yellow (redder and more yellow), suggesting that the Ca content in the base section of the sample was not ossified yet. Samples from the upper sections of velvet antler showed higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) content (3.91 to 1.50 mg/mL, 2.53 to 0.90 mg/mL, and 3.95 to 1.58 mg/mL, respectively) than did samples from the middle and base sections (p<0.05). The activity and content/activity ratios of GPX measured in the upper section were also found to be significantly greater than in the middle and base sections (p<0.05). We further observed that the content and activity of GPX was significantly and negatively correlated with Ca content, shear force values, and the content/activity ratio of this antioxidant (p<0.01). The study findings may serve as a reference index for quality evaluations of velvet antlers of Formosan sambar deer in future.

Deer Bone Oil Extract Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in RAW264.7 Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of deer bone oil extract (DBOE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells. DBOE was fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction to obtain two fractions: methanol fraction (DBO-M) and hexane fraction (DBO-H). TLC showed that DBO-M had relatively more hydrophilic lipid complexes, including unsaturated fatty acids, than DBOE and DBO-H. The relative compositions of tetradecenoyl carnitine, α-linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid increased in the DBO-M fraction by 61, 38, and 32%, respectively, compared with DBOE. The concentration of sugar moieties was 3-fold higher in the DBO-M fraction than DBOE and DBO-H. DBO-M significantly decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. This DBO-M-mediated decrease in NO production was due to downregulation of mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cyclooxygenase (COX-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-12β, was suppressed by DBO-M. Our data showed that DBO-M, which has relatively higher sugar content than DBOE and DBO-H, could play an important role in suppressing inflammatory responses by controlling pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators.

Hematopoietic effect of fermented deer antler extract in iron deficient diet-induced anemic rats

OBJECTIVE

To assess the hematopoietic effects of fermented deer antler extract using a dietinduced anemic animal model to facilitate the utilization of fermented deer antler extract and its derived products.

METHODS

Thirty 3-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated for 5 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups and treated as follows: control, saline; NFA200, non-fermented deer antler extract 200 mg/kg; NFA500, non-fermented deer antler extract 500 mg/kg; FAB200, fermented deer antler extract 200 mg/kg; FAB500, fermented deer antler extract 500 mg/kg; and PC, heme iron 0.2 mg/kg. Blood parameters, iron content in the liver and spleen, hepatic δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase (ALAD) activity and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) mRNA expression were analyzed.

RESULTS

No detectable significant differences were observed in blood parameters among groups. The decrease in the hepatic ALAD activity in anemic rats was significantly improved by fermented deer antler extract supplementation (P<0.05); however, non-fermented deer antler extract supplementation did not result in a significant improvement (P>0.05). The hepatic DMT1 mRNA expression level was increased significantly by supplementation with both the fermented deer antler extract and the non-fermented deer antler extract in a dose-dependent manner compared with nontreatment in anemic rats (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The hematopoietic activity induced by deer antler extract in dietinduced anemic rats might be increased through the fermentation process.

Hematopoietic effect of deer antler extract fermented by Bacillus subtilis on murine marrow cells

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

We examined the chemical composition and the effect of fermented deer antler on hematopoietic factors in bone marrow cells.

MATERIALS/METHODS

For the preparation of fermented deer antler extract (FAB), fermentation was carried out using Bacillus subtilis at 30℃ for 7 days. The hematopoietic effect of FAB was investigated hematopoietic factors in marrow cells.

RESULTS

The contents of total sugar, sulfated glycosaminoglycans, and uronic acid and the dry weight gradually increased with fermentation time. The sialic acid content (from 0.14 mg/mL to 0.54 mg/mL) was the highest on the 4th day of fermentation after which it decreased. The proliferating activity of bone marrow cells increased with fermentation times. The levels of various hematopoietic growth factors were determined to verify the beneficial effect of deer antler extract fermented by B. subtilis on hematopoiesis. FAB increased the number of stem cell factors and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in bone marrow cells. In addition, FAB augmented the burst-forming unit erythroid and total colonies in splenocyte-conditioned medium compared with non-fermented antler extract (NFA). However, FAB did not affect the mRNA levels of erythropoietin, an important factor for erythropoiesis.

CONCLUSIONS

FAB, like NFA, did not directly affect hematopoiesis, but contributed to hematopoiesis by stimulating the production of hematopoietic factors.

Aqueous extract of red deer antler promotes hair growth by regulating the hair cycle and cell proliferation in hair follicles

Deer antlers are the only mammalian appendage capable of regeneration. We aimed to investigate the effect of red deer antler extract in regulating hair growth, using a mouse model. The backs of male mice were shaved at eight weeks of age. Crude aqueous extracts of deer antler were prepared at either 4°C or 100°C and injected subcutaneously to two separate groups of mice (n = 9) at 1 mL/day for 10 consecutive days, with water as a vehicle control group. The mice skin quantitative hair growth parameters were measured and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine was used to identify label-retaining cells. We found that, in both the 4°C and the 100°C deer antler aqueous extract-injection groups, the anagen phase was extended, while the number of BrdU-incorporated cells was dramatically increased. These results indicate that deer antler aqueous extract promotes hair growth by extending the anagen phase and regulating cell proliferation in the hair follicle region.

Neuroprotective action of deer bone extract against glutamate or Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced oxidative stress in mouse hippocampal cells

Water extracts of deer bone, called nokgol in Korean, and deer antlers have been traditionally used as anti-aging medicines. Deer antler extract is known to possess various activities, including anti-aging or anti-amnesic activity. However, there are no reports about the neuroprotective effect of deer bone extract (DBE). The objective of this study was to examine the neuroprotective effect of DBE on glutamate-induced cell death of mouse hippocampal cells (HT-22 cells) and to elucidate the mode of neuroprotective action of DBE. In this study, HT-22 cells was pretreated with DBE before stimulation with glutamate, and then, the effects of DBE on cell viability, oxidative stress markers, and MAP kinases were determined. Separately, the effect of DBE on H₂O₂ or amyloid beta peptide (1-42) (Aβ₁₋₄₂)-induced cytotoxicity of HT-22 cells was evaluated. DBE protected HT-22 cells from glutamate-induced cell death and prevented the increase in lactate dehydrogenase leakage in HT-22 cells. DBE also prevented glutamate-induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation as well as by decreases in glutathione (GSH) levels and GSH peroxidase activity. In addition, DBE inhibited glutamate-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), p38, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, indicators of oxidative stress-induced cell death. Furthermore, DBE also protected against H₂O₂ and Aβ₁₋₄₂-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that DBE may be a useful functional agent for the prevention against neurodegenerative disorders involving oxidative stress.

The behavioral, pathological and therapeutic features of the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 strain as an Alzheimer's disease animal model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a widespread and devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease. Disease-modifying treatments remain beyond reach, and the etiology of the disease is uncertain. Animal model are essential for identifying disease mechanisms and developing effective therapeutic strategies. Research on AD is currently being carried out in rodent models. The most common transgenic mouse model mimics familial AD, which accounts for a small percentage of cases. The senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) strain is a spontaneous animal model of accelerated aging. Many studies indicate that SAMP8 mice harbor the behavioral and histopathological signatures of AD, namely AD-like cognitive and behavioral alterations, neuropathological phenotypes (neuron and dendrite spine loss, spongiosis, gliosis and cholinergic deficits in the forebrain), β-amyloid deposits resembling senile plaques, and aberrant hyperphosphorylation of Tau-like neurofibrillary tangles. SAMP8 mice are useful in the development of novel therapies, and many pharmacological agents and approaches are effective in SAMP8 mice. SAMP8 mice are considered a robust model for exploring the etiopathogenesis of sporadic AD and a plausible experimental model for developing preventative and therapeutic treatments for late-onset/age-related AD, which accounts for the vast majority of cases.

Hematopoietic effect of Bacillus subtilis-fermented antler extract on phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in Sprague-Dawley rats

This study examined the effect of fermentation on the ability of antler to act as a stimulator of hematopoietic activity. Hemolytic anemia was induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The vehicle or antler extract (nonfermented or fermented) mixed in drinking water was administered from Days 2 to 15 after PHZ injection. On Day 15, red blood cell counts in the fermented antler group (6.33×10⁶/μL) were significantly higher than those in the nonfermented antler group (5.90×10⁶/μL) (P<.05), and rats treated with fermented antler extract tended to have higher hemoglobin compared with rats treated with nonfermented antler extract, but not significantly. In addition, rats treated with fermented antler extract had slightly lower serum erythropoietin levels compared with nonfermented antler extract, which were not statistically different from serum erythropoietin levels of nonanemic rats. We conclude therefore that the hematopoietic activity of antler might be increased by the fermentation process.

Wound healing by a 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide from velvet antler of Cervus nippon Temminck

Velvet antler (VA) is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments including the enhancement of wound healing. A 3.2 kDa recombinant polypeptide of VA from sika deer was purified and compared to native polypeptides stimulation growth of NIH3T3 cells. Both stimulated growth in a dose-dependent manner (10-100 μg/ml). To study its wound healing properties, burn-wounded rats were topically administered with recombinant VA polypeptide or native polypeptide. Rats treated with 0.05 and 0.1% (w/w) polypeptides exhibited significant wound healing. As the yield of recombinant polypeptide was 40-fold higher than that of the native polypeptide, it may therefore be a useful biopharmaceutical.

Stimulation of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells by antler and fermented antler using Cordyceps militaris

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

For thousands of years antlers have been used in Asian countries to promote rapid healing, treat weight loss, slow growth in children, strengthen weak bones, and alleviate cold hands and feet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was performed to examine the effect of fermentation on the ability of antler to act as a stimulator of bone growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study used pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells to examine factors related to bone growth, such as cell proliferation, production of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., collagens, osteonectin, bone sialoprotein (BSP)), via the treatment of non-fermented and fermented antler.

RESULTS

Antler fermentation using Cordyceps militaris was carried out at 25°C for seven days. The total content of sugar, sialic acid, and protein increased with fermentation time. Cell proliferation was greater in the fermented antler- (FA-) treated groups than in the NFA- (non-fermented antler-) treated groups, in which proliferation increased significantly up to 137% of the basal value. Significant increases in mRNA expression and ALP activity were found at FA concentrations of 50-100 μg/ml; at 100 μg/ml the activity had increased 119% compared to the control activity. For NFA and FA the expression levels of type I collagen mRNA significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner at all treatment doses. However, significant differences between the antler groups were not observed. Mineralization significantly increased by NFA and FA treatment to 183% and 241%, respectively, when compared to colostrum, as a positive control (165%).

CONCLUSIONS

Antler treatment increased the proliferation of osteoblasts and bone matrix proteins, such as type I collagen and BSP. Antler fermented with Cordyceps militaris showed enhanced activity, and its stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and ALP production were greater than those of NFA. We surmise that these increases in activity were related to increased sialic acid content. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the physiological effects of antler, including bone growth, may be increased through the fermentation process.

Effects of TGFbeta1 and extracts from Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe on acute and chronic arthritis in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY

To elucidate the pharmacological activities of deer antler acupuncture and TGF61538;1 on the acute and chronic phases of rheumatoid arthritis diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polyarthritis rats were administered with TGF61538;1 and water extract of deer antler acupunture (DAA), prepared from the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe. TGF61538; (0.1 to 2 61549;g/animal) and DAA (5-100 61549;g/kg animal) were initiated 1 day before an arthritogenic dose of streptococcal cell wall fragments to see the effects on the joint swelling and distortion during the acute phase and the chronic phase of the disease. Arthritic index suppression of rat arthritis model was examined by TGF61538; and DAA administrations.

RESULTS

TGF61538;1 and DAA diminished the polyarthritis development in rats. TGF61538; and DAA eliminated the joint swelling and distortion observed during the acute phase and the chronic phase of the disease. The TGF61538; and DAA suppressed the arthritis progress when administration was begun after acute phase of arthritis.

DISCUSSION

Consistent with the inhibition of inflammatory cell recruitment into the synovium, TGF61538;1 and DAA reversed the leukocytosis associated with the chronic phase of the arthritis, respectively.

Prevention of collagen-induced arthritis in mice by Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe

The effect of water extract of deer antler (DAA) prepared from the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe (Nokyong) on collagen-induced mouse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model was studied. Identification of common DAA capable of affording protection or modulating the onset and severity of arthritis may have important human health implications. DAA has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties in experimental animals. In this study, we determined the effect of DAA-injection on collagen-induced arthritis in mice. In three independent experiments, mice given DAA in water exhibited significantly reduced incidence of arthritis (30-45%) as compared with mice not given DAA in water (86-98%). The arthritis index also was significantly lower in DAA-injected animals. Western blot analysis showed a marked reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase 2, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor α in arthritic joints of DAA-injected mice. The neutral endopeptidase activity was approximately six-fold higher in arthritic joints of non-DAA-injected mice in comparison to non-arthritic joints of unimmunized mice, whereas it was only two-fold higher in the arthritic joints of DAA-injected mice. Additionally, total IgG and type II collagen-specific IgG levels were lower in serum and arthritic joints of DAA-injected mice. Taken together our studies suggest that DAA may be useful in the prevention of onset and severity of arthritis.

Immunosuppressive activity of deer antler extracts of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe, on type II collagen-induced arthritis

Unossified horn or pilose antler cut from deer, which belong to the Cervidae generally is termed Nokyong. Nokyong is one of the most famous Korean traditional medicines and has been considered to possess sexual-reinforcing and antiaging actions. In this study, water extract of deer antler extract (DAA) prepared from the growing antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe was used to investigate the efficacy of the DAA on the development of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Male rats were immunized with an emulsion of 200 microg of CII and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The rats then were administered by injection a suspension of DAA or phosphate-buffered saline. The effect of DAA on cellular responses to CII was examined. The injection of DAA suppressed the CII-specific secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma from splenocytes ex vivo. The influence of DAA also was evaluated on the incidence and development of arthritis in rat CIA. Rats were immunized twice at a 3-wk interval with bovine CII, with DAA being given by injection once a d for 14 d with four different regimens. A 14-d course of DAA treatment at a daily dose of 100 microg/kg, which began on the d of the first CII immunization, suppressed the development of arthritis, as well as antibody formation and delayed-type hypersensitivity to CII. Treatment with DAA resulted in inhibition of development of arthritis and immune responses to CII.

Effects of Bambusae concretio Salicea (Chunchukhwang) on amyloid beta-induced cell toxicity and antioxidative enzymes in cultured rat neuronal astrocytes

Bambusae concretio Salicea (BCS; plant family name: Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold et Zuccarinii) is a medicinal plant used in Korea for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. Previously, it was shown that BCS is an effective protectant against oxidative glutamate toxicity in the murine neuroblastoma cells and human neuroblastoma cells. Treatment with BCS increased the secretion of the non-amyloidogenic amyloid precursor protein fragment, and decreased the secretion of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides from neuronal cells [Jeong, J.C., Seo, Y.J., Kim, H.M., Lee, Y.C., Kim, C.H., 2003. Inhibitory effects of Bombusae concretio Salicea on neuronal secretion of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptides, a neuro-degenerative peptide. Neurochemical Research 28, 1785-1792.]. To further examine the pharmacological activity of BCS, we studied the protective effect of the water extracts on Abeta25-35 peptide-induced neuronal death by microscopic observation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and action on antioxidative enzymes using cultured astrocyte cells. Ten microM Abeta25-35-induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of BCS in a dose-dependent manner, and concentrations of 1-10 microg/ml had a significant effect compared to exposure to Abeta25-35 only. When antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were assayed after Abeta25-35 treatment, the enzymes were decreased in a similar fashion. However, those activities were enhanced by BCS treatment and this may have resulted from the potentiation of antioxidative ability by BCS. The ability of BCS to reduce cellular cytotoxicity induced by 10 microM Abeta25-35 suggests that BCS may be a protective agent for free radical generating compounds such as Abeta25-35, and that Abeta25-35 is not only a potent lipid peroxide inducer, but also causes changes in antioxidative enzymes. From the results, it was concluded that BCS has a protective effect on Abeta-induced neuronal death in cultured astrocyte cells through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protection of antioxidative enzymes.

Protective and anti-arthritic effects of deer antler aqua-acupuncture (DAA), inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, on phosphate ions-mediated chondrocyte apoptosis and rat collagen-induced arthritis

The effect of water extract of deer antler aqua-acupuncture (DAA; Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu) prepared from the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe (Nokyong in Korean), a traditional immunosuppressive and immunoactivating Korean herbal acupuncture [Int. Immunopharm. 3 7 (2003) 1001] on rat chondrocyte apoptosis was studied. Terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes were isolated from rat costochondrial cartilage and cell death was measured in the presence of 3-5 mM phosphate ions (Pi). The effect of 10 microg/ml DAA was compared to that of phosphonoformic acid (PFA), a competitive inhibitor of the Na-Pi co-transport on Pi-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes. A total of 1 mM PFA blocked anion-induced cell death and prevented an increase in the cell Pi content. In a parallel study, we determined that the DAA also protected chondrocytes from death. On the other hand, the effect of DAA was also evaluated as an inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHO-DHase) and tested in the rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Female 7-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the evaluation of DAA in the CIA model. Arthritis was evaluated by arthritis score, body weight loss, bone destruction score. DAA was administered by bilateral Shinsu (B23) acupuncture five times per week (10, 20, 30, and 100 microg/kg/day). DAA inhibited rat liver DHO-DHase in vitro with Ki = 843 +/- 43 microg/ml. The anti-proliferative effect of DAA was caused by cell cycle arrest at the S-phase. Treatment with 300 mg/kg/day of DAA completely prevented the development of CIA based on the reduction of the arthritis score. The 50% effective dose (ED50) of DAA on arthritis score was 64 mg/kg. DAA ameliorated body weight loss associated with disease onset. DAA suppressed the development of arthritis, even when it was administered after a booster immunization of collagen. DAA is a novel immunosuppressant which inhibits DHO-DHase and its effects in CIA suggest that it could be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Purification and structural determination of hematopoietic stem cell-stimulating monoacetyldiglycerides from Cervus nippon (deer antler)

A mixture of monoacetyldiglycerides was newly isolated from the chloroform extract of antlers of Cervus nippon, guided by the hematopoietic stimulation of stem cells. The structures of monoacetyldiglycerides were determined by various spectroscopic methods: FAB MS, CID tandem MS, and 1D and 2D NMR. A mixture of at least nine inseparable sn-3-monoacetyldiglycerides was identified: 1 [C(39)H(72)O(6) (C16 : 0/C18 : 1)], 2 [C(39)H(72)O(6) (C18 : 1/C16 : 0)], 3 [C(39)H(70)O(6) (C16 : 0/C18 : 2)], 4 [C(39)H(70)O(6) (C18 : 2/C16 : 0)], 5 [C(41)H(74)O(6) (C18 : 0/C18 : 2), 6 [C(41)H(74)O(6) (C18 : 2/C18 : 0)], 7 [C(41)H(74)O(6) (C18 : 1/C18 : 1)], 8 [C(43)H(74)O(6) (C18 : 0/C20 : 4)], and 9 [C(43)H(74)O(6) (C20 : 4/C18 : 0)]. Among these nine monoacetyldiglycerides in deer antlers, compound 3 was one of the major compounds and was efficiently synthesized from glycerol. Spectral data of synthetic monoacetyldiglyceride 3 were compared with the corresponding data for the mixture of natural monoacetyldiglycerides. The mixture of natural monoacetyldiglycerides from deer antlers showed potent activity on the hematopoiesis (stimulation index=1.40+/-0.05, p<0.02 at 1 microg/ml), and synthetic monoacetyldiglyceride 3 showed even better activity (stimulation index=1.54+/-0.12, p<0.001, at 1 microg/ml).

Anti-bone resorption activity of deer antler aqua-acupunture, the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe (Nokyong) in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

Effect of deer antler aqua-acupunture (DAA), prepared from the pilose antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe, a traditional immunosuppressive acupuncture, was evaluated to assess the reductions in bone mass, strength, and turnover in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. For measuring the above parameters, a 20-day dosing experiment was performed using 6-week-old female Lewis rats. Arthritis was induced by injecting the adjuvant into the hind paw of the Lewis rats. The age-dependent increases in the body weight, lumbar bone mineral content and density (BMC and BMD) and compressive strength were disturbed in the arthritic rats. At 10 days, the histomorphometric parameters of bone formation (BFR/BS and BFR/BV) and the serum osteocalcin levels were significantly reduced compared with the baseline controls of Lewis rats. However, the BMC values corrected for body weight did not differ significantly between the arthritic and normal rats, and the bone minerals were not reduced when they were compared with the baseline controls. At 20 days, the parameters of bone minerals and strength of the lumbar body in the arthritic rats, both with and without correction for body weight, were significantly reduced compared with the baseline controls. The trabecular mineralizing surface remained significantly reduced and the osteoclast numbers were increased. DAA at the doses of 10, 20, 50 and 100 microg/kg, administered by Shinsu (B23) acupuncture daily from the start of the experiment, significantly prevented the development of the chronic paw edema at 20 days. The reductions in the parameters such as bone minerals, strength, and trabecular bone formation, and the increase in osteoclast number were alleviated by this DAA. Age-dependent increases in the lumbar height, disturbed by the adjuvant injection, were also maintained. These results indicated that a 20-day-period is necessary to obtain sufficient reductions in the bone mass and strength of the lumbar body concerning the model of secondary osteoarthritis in adjuvant arthritic rats. DAA was able to prevent these reductions by modulating the bone turnover in this arthritis model.

Inhibitory effects of deer antler aqua-acupuncture, the pilose antler of Cervus Korean TEMMINCK var mantchuricus Swinhoe, on type II collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Water extract of deer antler aqua-acupunture (DAA) prepared from the growing antler of Cervus korean TEMMINCK var. mantchuricus Swinhoe, was used to investigate the efficacy of a traditional immunosuppressive and immuno-activating Korean aqua-acupuncture, on the development of type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. The onset of arthritis was observed at the 24th day after the CII-immunization in rats, and the severity of CIA was gradually developed. As compared with rats treated with saline, DAA i.p. injected at doses of more than 50 microg/kg once a day for 14 days inhibited the ability of inguinal lymph node cells to produce T cell cytokines interleukin 2 and interferon-gamma when the cells were obtained from rats 24 days after immunization and cultured in vitro with CII. Treatment with DAA also inhibited the production of macrophage cytokines interleukin-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in response to in vitro stimulation of lymph node and macrophage cells with CII. In addition, in order to evaluate the influence of DAA on the incidence and development of arthritis in rat CIA, rats were immunized twice at a 3-week interval with bovine CII, with DAA being given i.p. once a day for 14 days with four different regimens. A 14-day course of DAA treatment at a daily dose of 100 microg/kg, which began on the day of the first CII immunization, suppressed the development of arthritis, as well as antibody formation and delayed-type hypersensitivity to CII. Treatment with DAA, which started on the same day as the booster immunization, also resulted in inhibition of development of arthritis and of immune responses to CII. However, treatment with DAA, which was prophylactically started prior to a primary immunization, did not inhibit the development of arthritis and immune response to CII. Furthermore, DAA extract did not affect the established diseases.

Elk velvet antler in rheumatoid arthritis: phase II trial

The purpose of this phase II clinical trial was to examine safety of elk velvet antler taken concurrently with rheumatoid arthritis medications and to determine efficacy by dose to enable sample size estimation and dose standardization for a larger study. Forty patients with stage II rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 arms of 10 patients each. One group received placebo and the other 3 groups received 2, 4, or 6 capsules (215 mg) of elk velvet antler with appropriate placebos to total 6 capsules daily. All subjects continued to take their arthritis medications. Outcome variables were reported adverse events and health status. At 1 month, there were no significant differences between groups in number of adverse events or health status. The greatest improvement was in the 6 elk velvet antler group, the least was in the placebo group. Differences were not statistically significant. It was concluded that elk velvet antler can be taken safely in conjunction with a number of rheumatoid arthritis medications and should be studied further to assess efficacy.

Bombycis corpus extract prevents amyloid-beta-induced cytotoxicity and protects superoxide dismutase activity in cultured rat astrocytes

Bombycis corpus(BC) or Bombyx Batryticatus, a batryticated silkworm and white-stiff silkworm, is a drug consisting of the dried larva of silkworm, Mobyz mori L., dead and stiffened due to the infection of Beauveria (Bals.) Vuill. In the present study, we have examined the protective effect of the water extracts against Amyloid- beta(A beta) 25-35 peptide-induced cytotoxicity by microscopic observation and LDH assay, and its action on antioxidative enzymes using cultured astrocyte cells. A beta 25-35-induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of BC in a dose-dependent manner, and concentrations of 10(-6)to 10(-7)g ml(-1)showed a significant effect compared to exposure of A beta 25-35 alone. When antioxidative enzyme activities such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione-S transferase (GST) were assayed after A beta 25-35 treatment, most enzyme activities were decreased in a similar fashion. BC treatment of A beta 25-35-treated astrocytes did not affect the enzyme activities of catalase, GSH-Px and GST. However, only SOD activity was enhanced by BC treatment and this may result from the potentiation of the antioxidative ability of BC. The protective effect of BC against cytotoxicity induced by Abeta 25-35 strongly indicates that BC could be a protective agent for free radical generating compounds, and that Abeta 25-35 is not only a potent lipid peroxide inducer, but can also cause changes in antioxidative enzymes. From the results, it was concluded that BC has a protective effect against Abeta -induced cytotoxicity in cultured astrocyte cells through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and protection of antioxidative enzymes.

Learning and memory in the SAMP8 mouse

The SAMP8 (P8) mouse strain develops deficits in learning and memory relatively early in its lifespan. This review provides an overview of the age-related changes that occur in P8 mice. Behavioral studies with P8 mice show impaired acquisition and retention as early as 4 months of age. Deficits in acquisition and retention occur with both aversive and appetitive training tasks. Anatomical studies have detected a number of age-related changes that occur in the central nervous system of P8 mice. The age-related increase in amyloid beta protein is well correlated with the age-related decline in learning and memory. Antibody to amyloid beta protein injected prior to training alleviated impaired acquisition and retention, whereas post-training injections alleviated retention deficits in older P8 mice. Biochemical studies have detected numerous age-related changes with reduced NMDA receptor activity most closely related to impaired learning and memory in P8 mice. Pharmacological studies have found age-related functional changes in the ability of drugs to improve memory processing in P8 mice in the septum and the hippocampus. The specific pattern of pharmacological changes and the inferred change in neurotransmitter activity suggest that age-related impairment in memory processing may be due to impaired septohippocampal interactions. The proposal that P8 mice may be a useful model for studying the early phases of age-related dementia of the Alzheimer type, while still requiring considerable study, seems reasonable.

Effects of Kamikihi-To, a traditional Chinese medicine, on passive and conditioned avoidance performance impairment in senescence accelerated mouse (SAM)

Effects of Kamikihi-To (KMK), a traditional Chinese medicine (Chinese name: Jia-Wei-Gui-Pi-Tang), on learning performance impairment caused by aging were evaluated in senescence accelerated mice (SAM). Normal diet containing 8% KMK extract was given to SAM-P/8, a senile-prone strain and to SAM-R/1, a resistant strain, from 2 months old. Effects of KMK on learning performance were evaluated in 5 and 10 month old SAM using step through and step down type passive avoidance tests and shuttle box and lever press type conditioned avoidance tests. At 5 months old KMK increased the retention rate in the step through test and decreased the number of errors in the step down test in SAM-P/8, though KMK had no effects in conditioned avoidance tests. KMK had no effects in any tests in SAM-R/1. At 10 months old, the decrease in the number of errors in the step down test and increase of the rate of the conditioned avoidance response in the shuttle box test were observed in SAM-P/8 treated with KMK. These results suggest that chronic administration of KMK can improve learning performance in the senescence model.