Evaluation of the effects of environmental enrichment for cognition biomarkers in companion dogs

• Grant number: 21/02131-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: May 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Tânia Araújo Viel
• Grantee: Bianca Dias Batista
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases are consequences of pathological aging. Among them, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent, as it generates a gradual loss of memory and its effects make it one of the first four causes of death in developed countries. A very similar disease, the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (DCS), also affects dogs, which makes them excellent animal models, since theyshare the same environment and life style of their tutors and may be exposed to similar factors that influence the aging process. Biomarkers are essential for understanding the neurobiology of these diseases. In this context, environmental enrichment (EE) proved to be an effective strategy of cognitive stimulation, presenting a reducing and preventive potential in the development of these pathologies. Therefore, the present study seeks to analyze the effects of environmental enrichment on the expression of blood biomarkers of cognition (BNDF neurotrophin, A2A receptor) using companion dogs as an animal model. The work will be carried out within the Fun for Pet Project, in partnership with Ciência-Cidadã, in which citizens will participate in the project by answering questionnaires to analyze the behavior of the dog and its tutor and to collect biological samples from their dogs (oral mucosa and blood). There will be a comparison of two groups: 1) Control Group: Dogs without environmental enrichment; 2) EA Group: Dogs with environmental enrichment. Thus, it is intended to assess whether environmental enrichment influences the expression of biological markers in the blood of these animals and can be considered a strategy of positive change in the aging process.