Abstract
BackgroundWe have previously reported the effects of age and diet on nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and large intestinal fermentation patterns in healthy young adult and senior dogs. However, a genome-wide molecular analysis of colonic mucosa as a function of age and diet has not yet been performed in dogs.Methodology/Principal FindingsColonic mucosa samples were collected from six senior (12-year old) and six young adult (1-year old) female beagles fed one of two diets (animal protein-based vs. plant protein-based) for 12 months. Total RNA in colonic mucosa was extracted and hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip® Canine Genome Arrays. Results indicated that the majority of gene expression changes were due to age (212 genes) rather than diet (66 genes). In particular, the colonic mucosa of senior dogs had increased expression of genes associated with cell proliferation, inflammation, stress response, and cellular metabolism, whereas the expression of genes associated with apoptosis and defensive mechanisms were decreased in senior vs. young adult dogs. No consistent diet-induced alterations in gene expression existed in both age groups, with the effects of diet being more pronounced in senior dogs than in young adult dogs.ConclusionOur results provide molecular insight pertaining to the aged canine colon and its predisposition to dysfunction and disease. Therefore, our data may aid in future research pertaining to age-associated gastrointestinal physiological changes and highlight potential targets for dietary intervention to limit their progression.
Highlights
The primary role of the colon has been known for years to maintain water and electrolyte balance and to excrete undigested food materials
In our previous experiments [5,15], it was demonstrated that age and diet influenced nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and colonic fermentation patterns in dogs
Senior dogs had greater (P,0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of organic matter and fat as compared to young growing dogs, while these differences were undetectable as young dogs became mature (,12 month old)
Summary
Our results provide molecular insight pertaining to the aged canine colon and its predisposition to dysfunction and disease. Our data may aid in future research pertaining to age-associated gastrointestinal physiological changes and highlight potential targets for dietary intervention to limit their progression
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