By: Dr. Mary Pardee
Dr. Mary Pardee is joined by Dr. Daniel Promislow, a leading figure in aging research and the principal investigator and co-director of the Dog Aging Project, a groundbreaking study that examines the aging processes in pet dogs across the United States.
Exploring the Intersection of Research and Clinical Practice
Dr. Promislow shares his perspective on the evolving field of geroscience and stresses the importance of cross-disciplinary dialogue. New discoveries in aging research have the potential to transform clinical practices and improve patient care.
The Fascination with Canine Aging
Dr. Promislow explains the unique opportunity that studying dogs presents. Unlike other species where aging patterns are less variable, dogs offer a fascinating range of lifespans within a single species. Small dog breeds often live longer than larger breeds, providing a natural experiment to explore aging processes.
Insights into Longevity Across Species
Dr. Promislow highlights some of the longest-lived creatures, which illustrates how studying both long-lived and short-lived species can offer valuable insights into aging. Dr. Promislow emphasizes that understanding these diverse aging patterns helps researchers unravel the complexities of lifespan and aging mechanisms.
The Future of Aging Research
Dr. Promislow’s work with the Dog Aging Project and the newly established Dog Aging Institute reflects a commitment to advancing research in canine health and longevity. By studying dogs, researchers hope to gain insights that could benefit both dogs and their owners, as well as inform broader aging research.
As science continues to evolve, the integration of research and clinical practice will play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of aging and improving health outcomes for all species.
Why Dogs Are a Good Model for Aging Studies:
Genetic and Environmental Variability: Dogs offer a unique opportunity because they are genetically diverse and live in varied environments, much like humans. This variability helps in understanding the genetic and environmental influences on aging.
Similarity in Diseases: Dogs experience many of the same age-related diseases as humans, such as cancer, osteoarthritis, and cognitive decline, which allows for comparative studies.
Speed of Aging: Dogs age much faster than humans, providing a practical way to study aging and its effects over a shorter time span.
Key Components of the Study:
Metabolomics and Molecular Biology: By analyzing metabolites, the microbiome, and the epigenome, researchers aim to uncover biomarkers that can predict health outcomes and lifespan.
Cognitive Function: Research is exploring canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), which resembles Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Initial findings suggest that exercise might reduce the risk of CCD in dogs.
Clinical and Research Challenges:
Long-Term Studies: Conducting longitudinal studies, like the Dog Aging Project, requires careful planning to ensure meaningful results over many years. The challenge is managing the study’s long duration within the practical constraints of grant cycles and graduate student timelines.
Data Integration: The project involves collecting and analyzing a vast amount of data, including genetic, environmental, and clinical information, which is crucial for developing precision medicine approaches for both dogs and humans.
Precision Cohort:
Comprehensive Sampling: This group undergoes intensive sampling, including blood for CBC, chemistries, urinalysis, and advanced analyses like metabolomics and flow cytometry.
Flow Cytometry: This technique, provides detailed information about immune cell types and can offer insights into the dog's health and disease exposure.
Biomarkers and Disease Insights:
Developing New Biomarkers: The project aims to discover and validate new biomarkers for diagnosing current diseases and predicting future risks in dogs, which could also benefit human medicine.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Dogs don’t typically develop type 2 diabetes, though they can have type 1 diabetes. This difference in disease patterns offers a unique perspective for studying metabolic disorders.
Size and Disease Patterns:
Size Variation: Size plays a significant role in disease patterns. Larger dogs are more prone to certain cancers, while smaller dogs may face different health issues.
Cancer Risks: Larger breed dogs are at a higher risk for some cancers, such as osteosarcoma.
Heart Disease:
Similarities and Differences: While dogs don’t typically experience the same cardiovascular diseases as humans, they do suffer from heart failure and mitral valve disease, highlighting both similarities and differences in aging-related heart issues.
Sterilization and Longevity
Sterilized dogs generally live longer but may face different health risks compared to intact dogs. The ongoing research seeks to understand these differences and their implications.
Rapamycin and Longevity
Originally discovered as a fungal inhibitor, rapamycin is now used in human medicine for transplant patients and is being tested in dogs to see if it can extend lifespan. Preliminary findings suggest potential benefits, but more research is needed.
Enrollment and Community
The Dog Aging Project encourages dog owners to participate, creating a diverse community that supports shared goals in understanding aging and health. You can enroll your dog in the Dog Aging Project HERE.
Disclaimer:
The information in this blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this blog is for general information purposes only. Modrn med and Dr. Mary Pardee make no representation and assume no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained in or made available through this blog, and such information is subject to change without notice. This blog does not provide medical services, diagnosis or counsel. You are encouraged to confirm any information obtained from or through this email with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this information.
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