Impaired mitochondrial function is linked to canine brain aging and is partially reversible by antioxidants

Mitochondria are organelles that supply cells with energy, but in doing so also produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules can damage other intracellular compounds, leading cellular dysfunction,. Dr. At the 9th annual Canine Cognition Meeting, Dr. Patrick Sullivan of the University of Kentucky reported, impaired mitochondrial function in aged dogs. He found that mitochondrial production of ROS was significantly increased in aged dogs, when compared to young. These data indicate compromised mitochondiral bioenergetics as a function of age. However, the effect can be partly attenuated by selective dietary supplementation. Significant improvement in mitochondrial function, when compared to controls, was found in a group of aged dogs maintained on a specially formulated food enriched in antioxidants and mitochondrial cofactors for over two years.