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Haake J, Meller S, Meyerhoff N, Twele F, Charalambous M, Talbot SR, Volk HA. Comparing standard screening questionnaires of canine behavior for assessment of cognitive dysfunction. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374511. [PMID: 38835892 PMCID: PMC11149356 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a common, yet underdiagnosed neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs. Treatment is most effective when started early, so identifying mild cognitive decline in the earlier stages of the disease is considered important. Hypothesis/objective To compare the results of three different standard screening questionnaires [Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS), and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR)] for CCD diagnosis. Trainability, pain sensitivity, and fear were additionally assessed with the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) in order to evaluate associations between the three dementia scales and behavior. Methods An online survey containing all the mentioned questionnaires was designed for and distributed among owners of elderly dogs. Results Data from 597 dogs were analyzed. Overall, the scores of the three CCD questionnaires correlated well with each other, especially those of the CADES and CCAS. The CADES was more sensitive in identifying dogs with already mild to moderate cognitive impairment, while the others classified them as still undergoing normal aging. CCD scores increased for all questionnaires with age with spatial orientation being a key feature in CCD development. Trainability assessed with the C-BARQ decreased significantly with severity of CCD signs, while pain sensitivity increased. Fear and anxiety was pronounced in animals with mild but not with severe CCD. These associations based on the C-BARQ were more clearly observable in relation to CADES and CCDR than CCAS. Conclusion/clinical relevance The choice of screening questionnaire impacts the evaluation of cognitive status and severity of CCD. Thresholds for severity classification differ significantly and may have an impact on reliable assessment. Further longitudinal studies are required to determine which of the questionnaires investigated in this study is best suited for early detection of CCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Haake
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Meyerhoff
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Friederike Twele
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marios Charalambous
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven R Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger A Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Turcsán B, Kubinyi E. Differential behavioral aging trajectories according to body size, expected lifespan, and head shape in dogs. GeroScience 2024; 46:1731-1754. [PMID: 37740140 PMCID: PMC10828231 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00945-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The twofold life expectancy difference between dog breeds predicts differential behavioral and cognitive aging patterns between short- and long-lived dogs. To investigate this prediction, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis using survey data from over 15,000 dogs. We examined the effect of expected lifespan and three related factors (body size, head shape, and purebred status) on the age trajectory of various behavioral characteristics and the prevalence of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Our findings reveal that, although age-related decline in most behavioral characteristics began around 10.5 years of age, the proportion of dogs considered "old" by their owners began to increase uniformly around 6 years of age. From the investigated factors, only body size had a systematic, although not gradual, impact on the aging trajectories of all behavioral characteristics. Dogs weighing over 30 kg exhibited an earlier onset of decline by 2-3 years and a slower rate of decline compared to smaller dogs, probably as a byproduct of their faster age-related physical decline. Larger sized dogs also showed a lower prevalence of CCD risk in their oldest age group, whereas smaller-sized dogs, dolichocephalic breeds, and purebreds had a higher CCD risk prevalence. The identification of differential behavioral and cognitive aging trajectories across dog groups, and the observed associations between body size and the onset, rate, and degree of cognitive decline in dogs have significant translational implications for human aging research, providing valuable insights into the interplay between morphology, physiological ageing, and cognitive decline, and unravelling the trade-off between longevity and relative healthspan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbála Turcsán
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE NAP Canine Brain Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Bognár Z, Turcsán B, Faragó T, Szabó D, Iotchev IB, Kubinyi E. Age-related effects on a hierarchical structure of canine cognition. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01123-1. [PMID: 38512580 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01123-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study investigates whether there are statistically independent age-related influences on the canine cognitive structure and how individual factors moderate cognitive aging on both cross-sectional and longitudinal samples. A battery of seven tasks was administered to 129 pet dogs, on which exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to unveil the correlational structure underlying individual differences in cognitive performance. The best-fitting model featured a hierarchical structure with two first-order cognitive domains (individual problem solving, learning) and a second-order common factor. These higher order factors exhibited consistency over a period of at least 2.5 years. External validation linked the common factor positively to discrimination and reversal learning performance, exploration, neophilia, activity/excitability, and training level while negatively to cognitive dysfunction symptoms, suggesting that it is a good candidate for a general cognitive factor (canine g). Structural equation models identified three distinct age-related influences, operating on associative learning, on memory, and on canine g. Health status moderated the negative age-canine g relationship, with a stronger association observed in dogs with poorer health status, and no relationship for dogs in good health. On a longitudinal sample (N = 99), we showed that the direction and magnitude of change in canine g over up to 3 years is affected by various interactions between the dogs' age, communication score, baseline performance, and time elapsed since the baseline measurement. These findings underscore the presence of a general cognitive factor in dogs and reveal intriguing parallels between human and canine aging, affirming the translational value of dogs in cognition and aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Bognár
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Borbála Turcsán
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Tamás Faragó
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Szabó
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE NAP Canine Brain Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Belshaw Z. Owners of dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction report higher levels of caregiver burden. Vet Rec 2024; 194:73-75. [PMID: 38240432 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
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Wihadmadyatami H, Zulfikar MA, Herawati H, Pratama DAO, Saragih GR, Kustiati U, Handayani AN. Chitosan hydrogel nanoparticle enhance therapeutic effect of bovine umbilical mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium on canine cognitive dysfunction or canine Alzheimer's like mediated by inhibition of neuronal apoptotic. Open Vet J 2023; 13:1504-1516. [PMID: 38292722 PMCID: PMC10824087 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i12.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In treating brain diseases, such as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), most currently available potent drugs have weak therapeutic efficacy. One of the causes is the inability of the substance to reach the brain in therapeutic quantities. These pharmaceuticals lacked targeted mechanisms for drug delivery, coming about in an elevated drug concentration in imperative organs, which drove to drug harmfulness. In recent years, cell-free treatment (conditioned medium) determined from animal and human stem cells has provided new promise for treating brain diseases, as CM can stimulate the regeneration of neurons and prevent the inflammation and apoptotic of neurons caused by pathology or aging. On the other hand, it is well known that chitosan-hydrogel (CH) is a polymer derived from natural sources. It has been authorized for use in biomedical use because of its uncommon biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mucoadhesive properties. CH modification has been utilized to generate nanoparticles (NPs) for intranasal and intravenous brain targeting. NPs shown upgraded drug take-up to the brain with decreased side impacts due to their drawn out contact time with the nasal mucosa, surface charge, nanosize, and capacity to extend the tight intersections inside the mucosa. Due to the aforementioned distinctive characteristics, developing Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles load with bovine umbilical mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium is crucial as a new therapeutic strategy for CCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hevi Wihadmadyatami
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Herawati Herawati
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Dyah Ayu O.A. Pratama
- Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Golda Rani Saragih
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ulayatul Kustiati
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
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Wallis LJ, Radford AD, Belshaw Z, Jackson J, Kubinyi E, German AJ, Westgarth C. "Just old age" - a qualitative investigation of owner and veterinary professional experiences of and attitudes to ageing in dogs in the UK. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:425-433. [PMID: 36971187 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many UK dogs live into old age, but owners may not recognise or report age-associated signs of disease which lead to negative welfare. This study investigated dog owner and veterinary professional experiences and attitudes towards ageing in dogs, how health care is offered, barriers to its delivery, and some best-practice solutions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 owners of 21 dogs (aged 8 to 17 years mean: 13) and 11 veterinary professional (eight veterinary surgeons, two nurses and one physiotherapist). Open-text responses from 61 dog owners were collected using an online survey. Transcripts and survey responses were inductively coded into themes. RESULTS Four themes were constructed: "just old age", barriers to care, trust in veterinary surgeons, and tools to improve health care. Age-related changes were mostly perceived as "just old age" by dog owners. Many dogs were no longer vaccinated and did not attend check-ups unless owners identified a problem. The greatest barriers to health care were finances (dog owners), owner awareness, willingness to act and consultation time (veterinary professionals). Trust in veterinary professionals was more likely when dog owner experienced continuity, prioritisation of care, clear communication and an accessible, knowledgeable and empathic veterinary professional. Participants suggested that senior health care and communication between dog owners and veterinary professionals could be improved through questionnaires, and evidence-based online information. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Opportunities to educate owners on which clinical signs represent healthy or pathological ageing are being missed. Resources should be developed to guide on best-practice discussions in consultations, encourage more owners to recognise clinical signs and to seek and trust veterinary advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Wallis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - A D Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - J Jackson
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - E Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Hungary
| | - A J German
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - C Westgarth
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Associations between physical activity and cognitive dysfunction in older companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project. GeroScience 2023; 45:645-661. [PMID: 36129565 PMCID: PMC9886770 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00655-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a form of dementia that shares many similarities with Alzheimer's disease. Given that physical activity is believed to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease in humans, we explored the association between physical activity and cognitive health in a cohort of companion dogs, aged 6-18 years. We hypothesized that higher levels of physical activity would be associated with lower (i.e., better) scores on a cognitive dysfunction rating instrument and lower prevalence of dementia, and that this association would be robust when controlling for age, comorbidities, and other potential confounders. Our sample included 11,574 companion dogs enrolled through the Dog Aging Project, of whom 287 had scores over the clinical threshold for CCD. In this observational, cross-sectional study, we used owner-reported questionnaire data to quantify dog cognitive health (via a validated scale), physical activity levels, health conditions, training history, and dietary supplements. We fit regression models with measures of cognitive health as the outcome, and physical activity-with several important covariates-as predictors. We found a significant negative relationship between physical activity and current severity of cognitive dysfunction symptoms (estimate = - 0.10, 95% CI: - 0.11 to - 0.08, p < 0.001), extent of symptom worsening over a 6-month interval (estimate = - 0.07, 95% CI: - 0.09 to - 0.05, p < 0.001), and whether a dog reached a clinical level of CCD (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.63, p < 0.001). Physical activity was robustly associated with better cognitive outcomes in dogs. Our findings illustrate the value of companion dogs as a model for investigating relationships between physical activity and cognitive aging, including aspects of dementia that may have translational potential for Alzheimer's disease. While the current study represents an important first step in identifying a relationship between physical activity and cognitive function, it cannot determine causality. Future studies are needed to rule out reverse causation by following the same dogs prospectively over time, and to evaluate causality by administering physical activity interventions.
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Szabó D, Janosov M, Czeibert K, Gácsi M, Kubinyi E. Central nodes of canine functional brain networks are concentrated in the cingulate gyrus. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:831-843. [PMID: 36995432 PMCID: PMC10147816 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the field of human fMRI, knowledge about functional networks in dogs is scarce. In this paper, we present the first anatomically-defined ROI (region of interest) based functional network map of the companion dog brain. We scanned 33 awake dogs in a "task-free condition". Our trained subjects, similarly to humans, remain willingly motionless during scanning. Our goal is to provide a reference map with a current best estimate for the organisation of the cerebral cortex as measured by functional connectivity. The findings extend a previous spatial ICA (independent component analysis) study (Szabo et al. in Sci Rep 9(1):1.25. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51752-2 , 2019), with the current study including (1) more subjects and (2) improved scanning protocol to avoid asymmetric lateral distortions. In dogs, similarly to humans (Sacca et al. in J Neurosci Methods. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2021.109084 , 2021), ageing resulted in increasing framewise displacement (i.e. head motion) in the scanner. Despite the inherently different approaches between model-free ICA and model-based ROI, the resulting functional networks show a remarkable similarity. However, in the present study, we did not detect a designated auditory network. Instead, we identified two highly connected, lateralised multi-region networks extending to non-homotropic regions (Sylvian L, Sylvian R), including the respective auditory regions, together with the associative and sensorimotor cortices and the insular cortex. The attention and control networks were not split into two fully separated, dedicated networks. Overall, in dogs, fronto-parietal networks and hubs were less dominant than in humans, with the cingulate gyrus playing a central role. The current manuscript provides the first attempt to map whole-brain functional networks in dogs via a model-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Szabó
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Milán Janosov
- Department of Network and Data Science, Central European University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Czeibert
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Momentum Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- ELTE NAP Canine Brain Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
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LaLonde-Paul D, Mouttham L, Promislow DEL, Castelhano MG. Banking on a new understanding: translational opportunities from veterinary biobanks. GeroScience 2023:10.1007/s11357-023-00763-z. [PMID: 36890420 PMCID: PMC10400517 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Current advances in geroscience are due in part to the discovery of biomarkers with high predictive ability in short-lived laboratory animals such as flies and mice. These model species, however, do not always adequately reflect human physiology and disease, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and relevant model of human aging. Domestic dogs offer a solution to this obstacle, as they share many aspects not only of the physiological and pathological trajectories of their human counterpart, but also of their environment. Furthermore, they age at a considerably faster rate. Studying aging in the companion dog provides an opportunity to better understand the biological and environmental determinants of healthy lifespan in our pets, and to translate those findings to human aging. Biobanking, the systematic collection, processing, storage, and distribution of biological material and associated data has contributed to basic, clinical, and translational research by streamlining the management of high-quality biospecimens for biomarker discovery and validation. In this review, we discuss how veterinary biobanks can support research on aging, particularly when integrated into large-scale longitudinal studies. As an example of this concept, we introduce the Dog Aging Project Biobank.
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Affiliation(s)
- D LaLonde-Paul
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - L Mouttham
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - D E L Promislow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M G Castelhano
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Urban VS, Cegledi A, Mikala G. Multiple myeloma, a quintessential malignant disease of aging: a geroscience perspective on pathogenesis and treatment. GeroScience 2022; 45:727-746. [PMID: 36508077 PMCID: PMC9742673 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy, which is predominantly a disease of older adults (the median age at diagnosis is 70 years). The slow progression from asymptomatic stages and the late-onset of MM suggest fundamental differences compared to many other hematopoietic system-related malignancies. The concept discussed in this review is that age-related changes at the level of terminally differentiated plasma cells act as the main risk factors for the development of MM. Epigenetic and genetic changes that characterize both MM development and normal aging are highlighted. The relationships between cellular aging processes, genetic mosaicism in plasma cells, and risk for MM and the stochastic processes contributing to clonal selection and expansion of mutated plasma cells are investigated. In line with the DNA damage accumulation theory of aging, in this review, the evolution of monoclonal gammopathy to symptomatic MM is considered. Therapeutic consequences of age-dependent comorbidities that lead to frailty and have fundamental influence on treatment outcome are described. The importance of considering geriatric states when planning the life-long treatment course of an elderly MM patient in order to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika S. Urban
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Cegledi
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital–National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Mikala
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, South Pest Central Hospital-National Institute for Hematology and Infectious Diseases, Budapest, Hungary.
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Kubinyi E. Biologia Futura: four questions about ageing and the future of relevant animal models. Biol Futur 2022; 73:385-391. [PMID: 36131217 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how active and healthy ageing can be achieved is one of the most relevant global problems. In this review, I use the "Four questions" framework of Tinbergen to investigate how ageing works, how it might contribute to the survival of species, how it develops during the lifetime of (human) individuals and how it evolved. The focus of ageing research is usually on losses, although trajectories in later life show heterogeneity and many individuals experience healthy ageing. In humans, mild changes in cognition might be a typical part of ageing, but deficits are a sign of pathology. The ageing of the world's populations, and relatedly, the growing number of pathologically ageing people, is one of the major global problems. Animal models can help to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. .,MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
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MacQuiddy B, Moreno JA, Kusick B, McGrath S. Assessment of risk factors in dogs with presumptive advanced canine cognitive dysfunction. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:958488. [PMID: 36330158 PMCID: PMC9622924 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.958488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the potential risk factors involved in the development of presumptive advanced canine cognitive dysfunction (pACCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS A questionnaire was developed to identify dogs with presumptive canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) based on an adapted Canine Dementia Scale and to evaluate for potential risk factors among the presumptive advanced cognitive dysfunction group. The questionnaire was distributed to 7,574 owners of dogs (≥8 years of age) who presented to the CSU VTH between 2017 and 2020. Dogs were classified into four groups based on the Canine Dementia Scale score (normal, mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment) and two subgroups for the cognitively impaired groups based on the presence or absence of underlying medical conditions. Comparisons between normal and presumptive advanced cognitively impaired groups, with and without underlying medical conditions, were made against various risk factors. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations between categorical variables and a p-value of <0.05 was considered indicative of evidence of association. RESULTS The completed response rate for the questionnaire was 14.2% (1,079/7,574). Among those, 231 dogs were classified as having presumptive advanced cognitive dysfunction. The prevalence of presumptive advanced cognitive dysfunction in the included age groups was 8.1% in ages 8 to <11 years, 18.8% in ages 11 to <13 years, 45.3% in ages 13 to <15 years, 67.3% in ages 15 to <17 years, and 80% in ages >17 years. Dogs with a thin body condition score had the largest contribution to the chi-square statistic. Based on the logistic regression model, both age (p < 0.001) and BCS (p = 0.0057) are associated with presumptive ACCD. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis both suggested an association between a thin body condition and an increased chance of cognitive decline. However, it is difficult to determine if the thin BCS in this group could be secondary to another confounding factor. The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction rapidly increased with age in this study. These findings warrant continued studies including veterinary evaluations to explore risk factors of canine dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany MacQuiddy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Julie A. Moreno
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Breonna Kusick
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Stephanie McGrath
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Dog-human translational genomics: state of the art and genomic resources. J Appl Genet 2022; 63:703-716. [PMID: 36074326 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-022-00721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Innovative models for medical research are strongly required nowadays. Convincing evidence supports dog as the most suitable spontaneous model for several human genetic diseases. Decades of studies on dog genome allowed the identification of hundreds of mutations causing genetic disorders, many of which are proposed as counterparts responsible for human diseases. Traditionally, the murine model is the most extensively used in human translational research. However, this species shows large physiological differences from humans, and it is kept under a controlled artificial environment. Conversely, canine genetic disorders often show pathophysiological and clinical features highly resembling the human counterpart. In addition, dogs share the same environment with humans; therefore, they are naturally exposed to many risk factors. Thus, different branches of translational medicine aim to study spontaneously occurring diseases in dogs to provide a more reliable model for human disorders. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and resources available today for all the researchers involved in the field of dog-human translational medicine. Some of the main successful examples from dog-human translational genomics are reported, such as the canine association studies which helped to identify the causal mutation in the human counterpart. We also illustrated the ongoing projects aiming to create public canine big datasets. Finally, specific online databases are discussed along with several information resources that can speed up clinical translational research.
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Sándor S, Urfer S, Kubinyi E. Toward establishing a worldwide net of canine biobanks. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:2436-2437. [PMID: 35302513 PMCID: PMC9004562 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sára Sándor
- Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Silvan Urfer
- Dog Aging Project, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Senior Family Dog Project, Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Sándor S, Jónás D, Tátrai K, Czeibert K, Kubinyi E. Poly(A) RNA sequencing reveals age-related differences in the prefrontal cortex of dogs. GeroScience 2022; 44:1269-1293. [PMID: 35288843 PMCID: PMC9213612 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs may possess a unique translational potential to investigate neural aging and dementia because they are prone to age-related cognitive decline, including an Alzheimer’s disease–like pathological condition. Yet very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying canine cognitive decline. The goal of the current study was to explore the transcriptomic differences between young and old dogs’ frontal cortex, which is a brain region often affected by various forms of age-related dementia in humans. RNA isolates from the frontal cortical brain area of 13 pet dogs, which represented 7 different breeds and crossbreds, were analyzed. The dogs were euthanized for medical reasons, and their bodies had been donated by their owners for scientific purposes. The poly(A) tail RNA subfraction of the total transcriptome was targeted in the sequencing analysis. Cluster analyses, differential gene expression analyses, and gene ontology analyses were carried out to assess which genes and genetic regulatory mechanisms were mostly affected by aging. Age was the most prominent factor in the clustering of the animals, indicating the presence of distinct gene expression patterns related to aging in a genetically variable population. A total of 3436 genes were found to be differentially expressed between the age groups, many of which were linked to neural function, immune system, and protein synthesis. These findings are in accordance with previous human brain aging RNA sequencing studies. Some genes were found to behave more similarly to humans than to rodents, further supporting the applicability of dogs in translational aging research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Sándor
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Dávid Jónás
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Kitti Tátrai
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.,Department of Genetics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Czeibert
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Eniko Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1/c Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
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16
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Zhang Y, Huang Q, Wang S, Liao Z, Jin H, Huang S, Hong X, Liu Y, Pang J, Shen Q, Wang Q, Li C, Ji L. The Food Additive β-Caryophyllene Exerts Its Neuroprotective Effects Through the JAK2-STAT3-BACE1 Pathway. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:814432. [PMID: 35296033 PMCID: PMC8919047 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.814432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its diagnosis and treatment remain challenging, and no effective therapies are currently available. Amyloid β (Aβ) extracellular plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are the histological characteristics of AD that have been directly linked to neuropathological events such as synaptic and neuronal cell loss. In this study, we explored whether the “JAK2-STAT3-BACE1” pathway is involved in neuroprotection conferred by the food flavouring agent β-caryophyllene (BCP). PC-12 cells with overexpressed amyloid-β protein precursor (APP) were utilised to construct an AD model in vitro, which was then split into four groups, namely control, empty vector, APP overexpression, and BCP (5, 10, and 20 μM). CCK-8 was used to evaluate cell viability, immunofluorescence was utilised to examine synaptic morphology, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to examine gene and protein expression levels. The relative expression levels of JAK2, STAT3, and BACE1 mRNA in the transfected PC-12 cells were found to be significantly upregulated. The cell morphology altered dramatically 72 h after transfection, becoming rounder, with a decrease in cell number. BCP exhibited the potential to dramatically increase PC-12 cell viability while protecting cell morphology. BCP inhibited APP, JAK2, STAT3, BACE1 mRNA and BACE1 protein overexpression, as well as JAK2 and STAT3 hyperphosphorylation. Molecular docking simulated the docking of BCP with JAK2, STAT3, BACE1, CB2. And JAK2 was found to be the most stable protein. In conclusion, inhibition of the “JAK2-STAT3-BACE1” signalling pathway may be one of the mechanisms through which BCP protects neurons and antagonises Aβ’s neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sichen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziqian Liao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haichao Jin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Pang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Affiliated People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Shen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Zhejiang Province Joint Key Laboratory of Aquatic Products Processing, Institute of Seafood, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Shen,
| | - Qingcheng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Hangzhou Linping Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Linping, China
- Qingcheng Wang,
| | - Changyu Li
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Changyu Li,
| | - Liting Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Liting Ji,
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17
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Mouttham L, Castelhano MG, Akey JM, Benton B, Borenstein E, Castelhano MG, Coleman AE, Creevy KE, Crowder K, Dunbar MD, Ernst HR, Fajt VR, Fitzpatrick AL, Garrison SJ, Herndon RS, Jaramilla D, Jeffery U, Jonlin EC, Kaeberlein M, Karlsson EK, Kerr KF, Levine JM, Ma J, McClelland RL, Prescott JO, Promislow DEL, Ruple A, Schwartz SM, Shrager S, Snyder-Mackler N, Tinkle AK, Tolbert MK, Urfer SR, Wilfond BS. Purpose, Partnership, and Possibilities: The Implementation of the Dog Aging Project Biobank. Biomark Insights 2022; 17:11772719221137217. [PMID: 36468152 PMCID: PMC9716607 DOI: 10.1177/11772719221137217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biobanks have been supporting longitudinal prospective and retrospective studies by providing standardized services for the acquisition, transport, processing, storage, and distribution of high-quality biological material and associated data. Here, we describe how the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large-scale longitudinal study of the domestic dog ( Canis familiaris) with translational applications for humans, developed a biobank of canine biospecimens and associated data. Design and methods: This was accomplished by working with the Cornell Veterinary Biobank, the first biobank in the world to receive accreditation to ISO 20387:2018—General Requirements for Biobanking. The biobank research team was involved in the early collection stages of the DAP, contributing to the development of appropriate workflows and processing fit-for-purpose biospecimens. In support of a dynamic strategy for real-time adjustment of processes, a pilot phase was implemented to develop, test, and optimize the biospecimen workflows, followed by an early phase of collection, processing, and banking of specimens from DAP participants. Results: During the pilot and early phases of collection, the DAP Biobank stored 164 aliquots of whole blood, 273 aliquots of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, 130 aliquots of plasma, and 70 aliquots of serum, and extracted high molecular weight genomic DNA suitable for whole-genome sequencing from 109 whole blood specimens. These specimens, along with their associated preanalytical data, have been made available for distribution to researchers. Conclusion: We discuss the challenges and opportunities encountered during the implementation of the DAP Biobank, along with novel strategies for promoting biobanking sustainability such as partnering with a DAP quality assurance manager and a DAP marketing and communication specialist and developing a pilot grant structure to fund small innovative research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Mouttham
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Marta G Castelhano
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Joshua M Akey
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Brooke Benton
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elhanan Borenstein
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Marta G Castelhano
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Amanda E Coleman
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kate E Creevy
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kyle Crowder
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew D Dunbar
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Holley R Ernst
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Virginia R Fajt
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Annette L Fitzpatrick
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan J Garrison
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Reba S Herndon
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Debra Jaramilla
- Cornell Veterinary Biobank, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Unity Jeffery
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Erica C Jonlin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matt Kaeberlein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elinor K Karlsson
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen F Kerr
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Levine
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Jena O Prescott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Daniel EL Promislow
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Audrey Ruple
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Stephen M Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Epidemiology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sandi Shrager
- Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Noah Snyder-Mackler
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Amanda K Tinkle
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - M Katherine Tolbert
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Silvan R Urfer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin S Wilfond
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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18
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Successful and Unsuccessful Brain Aging in Pets: Pathophysiological Mechanisms behind Clinical Signs and Potential Benefits from Palmitoylethanolamide Nutritional Intervention. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092584. [PMID: 34573549 PMCID: PMC8470385 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common yet underreported neurodegenerative disorder of elderly dogs and cats and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. The increasingly expanding life expectancy means a larger proportion of affected animals in the coming decades. Although far from being curative, available treatments are more effective the sooner they are started. Educating veterinary practitioners and owners in the early recognition of age-related cognitive dysfunction is thus mandatory. By shedding light on the mechanism underlying the disease, novel and more effective approaches might be developed. Emerging evidence shows that successful and unsuccessful brain aging share a common underlying mechanism that is neuroinflammation. This process involves astrocytes, microglia, and mast cells and has a restorative homeostatic intent. However, for reasons not fully elucidated yet, neuroinflammation can also exert detrimental consequences substantially contributing to neurodegeneration. Here we summarize the evidence accumulated so far on the pathogenic role of neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The potential benefit of palmitoylethanolamide dietary intervention in rebalancing neuroinflammation and exerting neuroprotection is also discussed. Abstract Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common neurodegenerative disorder of old age and a natural model of human Alzheimer’s disease. With the unavoidable expanding life expectancy, an increasing number of small animals will be affected. Although there is no cure, early detection and intervention are vitally important to delay cognitive decline. Knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression is an equally decisive factor for developing effective approaches. Uncontrolled neuroinflammation, orchestrated in the central nervous system mainly by astrocytes, microglia, and resident mast cells, is currently acknowledged as a hallmark of neurodegeneration. This has prompted scientists to find a way to rebalance the altered crosstalk between these cells. In this context, great emphasis has been given to the role played by the expanded endocannabinoid system, i.e., endocannabinoidome, because of its prominent role in physiological and pathological neuroinflammation. Within the endocannabinoidome, great attention has been paid to palmitoylethanolamide due to its safe and pro-homeostatic effects. The availability of new ultramicronized formulations highly improved the oral bioavailability of palmitoylethanolamide, paving the way to its dietary use. Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide has been repeatedly tested in animal models of age-related neurodegeneration with promising results. Data accumulated so far suggest that supplementation with ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide helps to accomplish successful brain aging.
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