BACKGROUND:Deer antlers are the unique mammalian organs which can periodical y regenerate, and the process is known as a stem cel-based event. Exploring the underlying mechanism of deer antler regeneration and indentifying the functional role of stem cellin mammalian organ regeneration are of great importance to regenerative biology and regenerative medicine.
OBJECTIVE:To review the relevant literatures of the research progress in antler regeneration, as wel as effects of stem cells and cytokines on antler regeneration.
METHODS:A computer-based online search of PubMed (1994-01/2012-10) was performed for acquiring the articles in English by using the key words of“deer antler;antler regeneration;stem cell. In addition, manual search was also performed for those literatures that cannot be readily obtained from internet search. Articles concerning antler regeneration histology, morphology, antler stem cells and micro-environmental studies, and related cytokines. Repetitive studies or articles that are unrelated to the criteria set for the article were excluded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 87 articles were obtained and final y 31 articles were selected. The key tissue types for antler regeneration are antlerogenic periosteum and pedicle periosteum, the cells within which are known as antler stem cells. The covering skin of antlerogenic periosteum and pedicle periosteum constitutes the functional niche for antler stem cells. Numerous cytokines are involved in the process of antler fast growing and ful regeneration, including insulin-like growth factor, sex hormones, human epidermal growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. It is vital y important to identify the interacting molecules between the antler stem cells and their niche celltypes, and to define the role of each molecule that plays in antler regeneration, which wil greatly advance our knowledge of the stem cel-based mammalian organ regeneration.

Objective: To observe the conditions of the eighth costal cartilage in ear reconstructed patients, and accomplish individualized aesthetic helix fabrication according to the texture and features of the cartilage. Methods: From May 2013 to May 2016, the conditions of the eighth costal cartilages in 415 patients who received ear reconstruction with autogenous costal cartilage in our hospital were analyzed, during which, the length, width, flexibility, and plasticity that were closely related with the reconstruction of the helix attracted predominant attentions. During the surgery, based on the features of the above-mentioned aspects, 4 different methods were used to achieve reasonable length and strength of the helix as well as natural jointing between the helix and ear lobe. Results: Four possible methods of using the eighth costal cartilage to reconstruct the helix were summarized and an autogenous costal cartilage framework that was individualized and with natural appearance was obtained. Conclutions According to the conditions of the eighth costal cartilage, a more satisfactory appearance of the reconstructed ear than ever before is obtained by choosing relevant helix fabrication programs.

Animals ; Antlers ; Exosomes ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Osteoarthritis/therapy*