Serum concentrations of osteoprotegerin, brain-derived nerve factor, angiotensin II, and endothelin-1 in aging dogs

BACKGROUND: Gerontology is a major research topic in veterinary medicine; however, there are few reports on changes in biomarker levels in aged dogs. AIM: The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the differences in serum biomarker levels between young (less than 36 months) and old (over 108 months) companion dogs. METHODS: We measured the serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), osteoprotegerin (OPG), angiotensin II (ANGII), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in both groups (young: n = 16, 19.8 ± 9.3 months old; old: n = 16, 155.8 ± 22.8 months old). RESULTS: Although the concentrations of BDNF did not differ between the two groups, the OPG, ANGII, and ET-1 levels were significantly higher in the old companion dogs than in the young dogs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: OPG, ANGII, and ET-1 concentrations may increase in dogs during aging.