Mitochondrial dysfunction in equine ageing: Current evidence and clinical implications for geroscience.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Comparative Medicine
• Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

• Ageing is a universal biological process impacting both human and equine populations.
• Mitochondrial dysfunction is a recognized hallmark of ageing, contributing to cellular decline.
• Geriatric horses represent a growing population requiring specific health and welfare considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on mitochondrial dysfunction in aged equines.
• To draw parallels between equine and human ageing processes.
• To identify knowledge gaps and propose future research directions in equine mitochondrial ageing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing findings from human and equine ageing research.
• Comparative analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms.
• Identification of translational opportunities between human and equine medicine.

Main Results:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is evident in aged equines, mirroring human ageing.
• Parallels exist in the multifaceted nature of mitochondrial dysfunction across species.
• Significant knowledge gaps remain in understanding equine-specific mitochondrial ageing.

Conclusions:

• Comparative research in equine mitochondrial ageing can advance human ageing studies.
• Further research is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies for geriatric horses.
• Understanding mitochondrial dysfunction is key to improving the welfare of aging horses.