OLD DOG - Validating the dog as an animal model for human aging studies

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Comparative Medicine
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Companion dogs share human environments and receive similar medical care, making them potential models for human aging.
• A validated set of canine aging biomarkers is currently lacking, hindering their use in translational research.
• The OLD-DOG Project aims to address this gap by identifying and validating aging biomarkers in dogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and validate biomarkers of aging in companion dogs.
• To assess the predictive value of these biomarkers for canine healthspan and lifespan.
• To evaluate the suitability of dogs as translational models for human aging research.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, 30-month study involving 209 privately owned dogs aged 5 years and older.
• Comprehensive evaluations every six months, including clinical exams, fitness tests, blood/fecal sampling, and owner questionnaires.
• Analysis of physiological, biochemical, hematological, behavioral, microbiota, telomere, and DNA methylation data.

Main Results:

• Preliminary cross-sectional analyses revealed consistent age-related patterns in hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, physical, and cognitive parameters.
• Ongoing longitudinal analyses are investigating the predictive value of candidate biomarkers for morbidity and mortality.
• The study is establishing a biobank of canine biological samples for future research.

Conclusions:

• Companion dogs show promise as translational models for human aging research.
• The OLD-DOG Project is identifying key canine aging biomarkers and their predictive capabilities.
• Further research will refine an integrative model of biological age in dogs, strengthening their utility in aging studies.