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Serafini MM, Sepehri S, Midali M, Stinckens M, Biesiekierska M, Wolniakowska A, Gatzios A, Rundén-Pran E, Reszka E, Marinovich M, Vanhaecke T, Roszak J, Viviani B, SenGupta T. Recent advances and current challenges of new approach methodologies in developmental and adult neurotoxicity testing. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1271-1295. [PMID: 38480536 PMCID: PMC10965660 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Adult neurotoxicity (ANT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessments aim to understand the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of toxicants on the human nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the so-called new approach methodologies (NAMs). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), together with European and American regulatory agencies, promote the use of validated alternative test systems, but to date, guidelines for regulatory DNT and ANT assessment rely primarily on classical animal testing. Alternative methods include both non-animal approaches and test systems on non-vertebrates (e.g., nematodes) or non-mammals (e.g., fish). Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advances of NAMs focusing on ANT and DNT and highlights the potential and current critical issues for the full implementation of these methods in the future. The status of the DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) is also reviewed as a first step of NAMs for the assessment of neurotoxicity in the regulatory context. Critical issues such as (i) the need for test batteries and method integration (from in silico and in vitro to in vivo alternatives, e.g., zebrafish, C. elegans) requiring interdisciplinarity to manage complexity, (ii) interlaboratory transferability, and (iii) the urgent need for method validation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Maria Serafini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Sepehri
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miriam Midali
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marth Stinckens
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marta Biesiekierska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Wolniakowska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alexandra Gatzios
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Roszak
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tanima SenGupta
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
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2
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Joshi P, Kang SY, Acharya P, Sidhpura D, Lee MY. High-throughput assessment of metabolism-mediated neurotoxicity by combining 3D-cultured neural stem cells and liver cell spheroids. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 93:105688. [PMID: 37660999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that biotransformation in the liver plays an important role in the augmented toxicity and detoxification of chemicals, relatively little efforts have been made to incorporate biotransformation into in vitro neurotoxicity testing. Conventional in vitro systems for neurotoxicity tests lack the capability of investigating the qualitative and quantitative differences between parent chemicals and their metabolites in the human body. Therefore, there is a need for an in vitro toxicity screening system that can incorporate hepatic biotransformation of chemicals and predict the susceptibility of their metabolites to induce neurotoxicity. To address this need, we adopted 3D cultures of metabolically competent HepaRG cell line with ReNcell VM and established a high-throughput, metabolism-mediated neurotoxicity testing system. Briefly, spheroids of HepaRG cells were generated in an ultralow attachment (ULA) 384-well plate while 3D-cultured ReNcell VM was established on a 384-pillar plate with sidewalls and slits (384PillarPlate). Metabolically sensitive test compounds were added in the ULA 384-well plate with HepaRG spheroids and coupled with 3D-cultured ReNcell VM on the 384PillarPlate, which allowed us to generate metabolites in situ by HepaRG cells and test them against neural stem cells. We envision that this approach could be potentially adopted in pharmaceutical and chemical industries when high-throughput screening (HTS) is necessary to assess neurotoxicity of compounds and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Joshi
- Bioprinting Laboratories Inc., 12200 Ford Road, Dallas, TX 75234, United States of America
| | - Soo-Yeon Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207, United States of America
| | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207, United States of America
| | - Darshita Sidhpura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207, United States of America
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Bioprinting Laboratories Inc., 12200 Ford Road, Dallas, TX 75234, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, 3940 North Elm Street, Denton, TX 76207, United States of America.
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3
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Juberg DR, Fox DA, Forcelli PA, Kacew S, Lipscomb JC, Saghir SA, Sherwin CM, Koenig CM, Hays SM, Kirman CR. A perspective on In vitro developmental neurotoxicity test assay results: An expert panel review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 143:105444. [PMID: 37442267 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, there has been increasing concern about the potential developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) associated with chemicals. Regulatory agencies have historically utilized standardized in vivo testing to evaluate DNT. Owing to considerations including higher-throughput screening for DNT, reduction in animal use, and potential cost efficiencies, the development of alternative new approach methods (NAMs) occurred; specifically, the advent of the DNT in vitro test battery (DNT IVB). SciPinion convened an expert panel to address specific questions related to the interpretation of in vitro DNT test data. The consensus of the expert panel was that the DNT IVB might be used during initial screening, but it is not presently a complete or surrogate approach to determine whether a chemical is a DNT in humans. By itself, the DNT IVB does not have the ability to capture nuances and complexity of the developing nervous system and associated outcomes including behavioral ontogeny, motor activity, sensory function, and learning/memory. Presently, such developmental landmarks cannot be adequately assessed in the DNT IVB or by other NAMs. The expert panel (all who serve as co-authors of this review) recommended that additional data generation and validation is required before the DNT IVB can be considered for application within global regulatory frameworks for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Juberg
- Juberg Toxicology Consulting LLC, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - D A Fox
- DAFoxTox Consulting, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - S Kacew
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, CA, USA
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4
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Blum J, Masjosthusmann S, Bartmann K, Bendt F, Dolde X, Dönmez A, Förster N, Holzer AK, Hübenthal U, Keßel HE, Kilic S, Klose J, Pahl M, Stürzl LC, Mangas I, Terron A, Crofton KM, Scholze M, Mosig A, Leist M, Fritsche E. Establishment of a human cell-based in vitro battery to assess developmental neurotoxicity hazard of chemicals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137035. [PMID: 36328314 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is a major safety concern for all chemicals of the human exposome. However, DNT data from animal studies are available for only a small percentage of manufactured compounds. Test methods with a higher throughput than current regulatory guideline methods, and with improved human relevance are urgently needed. We therefore explored the feasibility of DNT hazard assessment based on new approach methods (NAMs). An in vitro battery (IVB) was assembled from ten individual NAMs that had been developed during the past years to probe effects of chemicals on various fundamental neurodevelopmental processes. All assays used human neural cells at different developmental stages. This allowed us to assess disturbances of: (i) proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPC); (ii) migration of neural crest cells, radial glia cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes; (iii) differentiation of NPC into neurons and oligodendrocytes; and (iv) neurite outgrowth of peripheral and central neurons. In parallel, cytotoxicity measures were obtained. The feasibility of concentration-dependent screening and of a reliable biostatistical processing of the complex multi-dimensional data was explored with a set of 120 test compounds, containing subsets of pre-defined positive and negative DNT compounds. The battery provided alerts (hit or borderline) for 24 of 28 known toxicants (82% sensitivity), and for none of the 17 negative controls. Based on the results from this screen project, strategies were developed on how IVB data may be used in the context of risk assessment scenarios employing integrated approaches for testing and assessment (IATA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Blum
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xenia Dolde
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Arif Dönmez
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nils Förster
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Hübenthal
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hagen Eike Keßel
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sadiye Kilic
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lynn-Christin Stürzl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iris Mangas
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Terron
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Martin Scholze
- Institute of Environment Health and Societies, Brunel University London, UK
| | - Axel Mosig
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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5
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Finlayson KA, van de Merwe JP, Leusch FDL. Review of ecologically relevant in vitro bioassays to supplement current in vivo tests for whole effluent toxicity testing - Part 2: Non-apical endpoints. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158094. [PMID: 35987232 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing uses whole animal exposures to assess the toxicity of complex mixtures, like wastewater. These assessments typically include four apical endpoints: mortality, growth, development, and reproduction. In the last decade, there has been a shift to alternative methods that align with the 3Rs to replace, reduce, and refine the use of animals in research. In vitro bioassays can provide a cost-effective, high-throughput, ethical alternative to in vivo assays. In addition, they can potentially include additional, more sensitive, environmentally relevant endpoints than traditional toxicity tests. However, the ecological relevance of these endpoints must be established before they are adopted into regulatory frameworks. This is Part 2 of a two-part review that aims to identify in vitro bioassays that are linked to ecologically relevant endpoints that could be included in WET testing. Part 2 of this review focuses on non-apical endpoints that should be incorporated into WET testing. In addition to the four apical endpoints addressed in Part 1, this review identified seven additional toxic outcomes: endocrine disruption, xenobiotic metabolism, carcinogenicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity. For each, the response at the molecular or cellular level measured in vitro was linked to the response at the organism level through a toxicity pathway. Literature from 2015 to 2020 was used to identify suitable bioassays that could be incorporated into WET testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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6
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Crofton KM, Bassan A, Behl M, Chushak YG, Fritsche E, Gearhart JM, Marty MS, Mumtaz M, Pavan M, Ruiz P, Sachana M, Selvam R, Shafer TJ, Stavitskaya L, Szabo DT, Szabo ST, Tice RR, Wilson D, Woolley D, Myatt GJ. Current status and future directions for a neurotoxicity hazard assessment framework that integrates in silico approaches. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 22:100223. [PMID: 35844258 PMCID: PMC9281386 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicology is the study of adverse effects on the structure or function of the developing or mature adult nervous system following exposure to chemical, biological, or physical agents. The development of more informative alternative methods to assess developmental (DNT) and adult (NT) neurotoxicity induced by xenobiotics is critically needed. The use of such alternative methods including in silico approaches that predict DNT or NT from chemical structure (e.g., statistical-based and expert rule-based systems) is ideally based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant biological mechanisms. This paper discusses known mechanisms alongside the current state of the art in DNT/NT testing. In silico approaches available today that support the assessment of neurotoxicity based on knowledge of chemical structure are reviewed, and a conceptual framework for the integration of in silico methods with experimental information is presented. Establishing this framework is essential for the development of protocols, namely standardized approaches, to ensure that assessments of NT and DNT based on chemical structures are generated in a transparent, consistent, and defendable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Bassan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National
Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yaroslav G. Chushak
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental
Medicine & Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf,
Germany
| | - Jeffery M. Gearhart
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | | | - Moiz Mumtaz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuela Pavan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment
Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775
Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Rajamani Selvam
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC,
USA
| | - Lidiya Stavitskaya
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wilson
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI 48667, USA
| | | | - Glenn J. Myatt
- Instem, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Corresponding author.
(G.J. Myatt)
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7
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Coccini T, Spinillo A, Roccio M, Lenta E, Valsecchi C, De Simone U. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based in vitro Model for Neurotoxicity Testing. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e423. [PMID: 35471597 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity (NT) testing for regulatory purposes is based on in vivo animal testing. There is general consensus, however, about the need for the development of alternative methodologies to allow researchers to more rapidly and cost effectively screen large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause NT, or to investigate their mode of action. In vitro assays are considered an important source of information for making regulatory decisions, and human cell-based systems are recommended as one of the most relevant models in toxicity testing, to reduce uncertainty in the extrapolation of results from animal-based models. Human neuronal models range from various neuroblastoma cell lines to stem cell-derived systems, including those derived from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSC). hMSCs exhibit numerous advantages, including the fact that they can be obtained in high yield from healthy human adult tissues, can be cultured with a minimal laboratory setup and without genetic manipulations, are able of continuous and repeated self-renewal, are nontumorigenic, and can form large populations of stably differentiated cells representative of different tissues, including neuronal cells. hMSCs derived from human umbilical cord (hUC) in particular possess several prominent advantages, including a painless, non-invasive, and ethically acceptable collection procedure, simple and convenient preparation, and high proliferation capacity. In addition, hMSCs can be efficiently differentiated into neuron-like cells (hNLCs), which can then be used for the assessment of neuronal toxicity of potential neurotoxic compounds in humans. Here, we describe a step-by-step procedure to use hMSCs from the umbilical cord for in vitro neurotoxicity testing. First, we describe how to isolate, amplify, and store hMSCs derived from the umbilical cord. We then outline the steps to transdifferentiate these cells into hNLCs, and then use the hNLCs for neurotoxicity testing by employing multiple common cytotoxicity assays after treatment with test compounds. The approach follows the most updated guidance on using human cell-based systems. These protocols will allow investigators to implement an alternative system for obtaining primary NLCs of human origin, and support advancement in neurotoxicity research. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation and maintenance of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) obtained from the umbilical cord lining membrane Basic Protocol 2: Transdifferentiation of hMSCs into neuron-like cells (hNLCs) and basic neurotoxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Coccini
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, and Pavia Poison Centre-National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marianna Roccio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Lenta
- Immunology and Transplantation Laboratory, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Cell Factory, Department of Maternal and Children's Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Valsecchi
- Immunology and Transplantation Laboratory, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit, Cell Factory, Department of Maternal and Children's Health, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Uliana De Simone
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, and Pavia Poison Centre-National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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8
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Koch K, Bartmann K, Hartmann J, Kapr J, Klose J, Kuchovská E, Pahl M, Schlüppmann K, Zühr E, Fritsche E. Scientific Validation of Human Neurosphere Assays for Developmental Neurotoxicity Evaluation. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:816370. [PMID: 35295221 PMCID: PMC8915868 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.816370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a call for a paradigm shift in developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) evaluation, which demands the implementation of faster, more cost-efficient, and human-relevant test systems than current in vivo guideline studies. Under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a guidance document is currently being prepared that instructs on the regulatory use of a DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) for fit-for-purpose applications. One crucial issue for OECD application of methods is validation, which for new approach methods (NAMs) requires novel approaches. Here, mechanistic information previously identified in vivo, as well as reported neurodevelopmental adversities in response to disturbances on the cellular and tissue level, are of central importance. In this study, we scientifically validate the Neurosphere Assay, which is based on human primary neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and an integral part of the DNT IVB. It assesses neurodevelopmental key events (KEs) like NPC proliferation (NPC1ab), radial glia cell migration (NPC2a), neuronal differentiation (NPC3), neurite outgrowth (NPC4), oligodendrocyte differentiation (NPC5), and thyroid hormone-dependent oligodendrocyte maturation (NPC6). In addition, we extend our work from the hNPCs to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs (hiNPCs) for the NPC proliferation (iNPC1ab) and radial glia assays (iNPC2a). The validation process we report for the endpoints studied with the Neurosphere Assays is based on 1) describing the relevance of the respective endpoints for brain development, 2) the confirmation of the cell type-specific morphologies observed in vitro, 3) expressions of cell type-specific markers consistent with those morphologies, 4) appropriate anticipated responses to physiological pertinent signaling stimuli and 5) alterations in specific in vitro endpoints upon challenges with confirmed DNT compounds. With these strong mechanistic underpinnings, we posit that the Neurosphere Assay as an integral part of the DNT in vitro screening battery is well poised for DNT evaluation for regulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Koch
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Hartmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Kapr
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Eliška Kuchovská
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kevin Schlüppmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Etta Zühr
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ellen Fritsche,
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9
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Machnik P, Schuster S. Recording from an Identified Neuron Efficiently Reveals Hazard for Brain Function in Risk Assessment. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26226935. [PMID: 34834026 PMCID: PMC8622100 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern societies use a continuously growing number of chemicals. Because these are released into the environment and are taken up by humans, rigorous (but practicable) risk assessment must precede the approval of new substances for commerce. A number of tests is applicable, but it has been very difficult to efficiently assay the effect of chemicals on communication and information processing in vivo in the adult vertebrate brain. Here, we suggest a straightforward way to rapidly and accurately detect effects of chemical exposure on action potential generation, synaptic transmission, central information processing, and even processing in sensory systems in vivo by recording from a single neuron. The approach is possible in an identified neuron in the hindbrain of fish that integrates various sources of information and whose properties are ideal for rapid analysis of the various effects chemicals can have on the nervous system. The analysis uses fish but, as we discuss here, key neuronal functions are conserved and differences can only be due to differences in metabolism or passage into the brain, factors that can easily be determined. Speed and efficiency of the method, therefore, make it suitable to provide information in risk assessment, as we illustrate here with the effects of bisphenols on adult brain function.
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10
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Sachana M, Willett C, Pistollato F, Bal-Price A. The potential of mechanistic information organised within the AOP framework to increase regulatory uptake of the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro battery of assays. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:159-170. [PMID: 34147625 PMCID: PMC8279093 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Current in vivo DNT testing for regulatory purposes is not effective. In vitro assays anchored to key neurodevelopmental processes are available. Development of Adverse Outcome Pathways is required to increase mechanistic understanding of DNT effects. DNT Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment for various regulatory purposes should be developed. The OECD Guidance Document on use of in vitro DNT battery of assays is currently under development.
A major challenge in regulatory developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessment is lack of toxicological information for many compounds. Therefore, the Test Guidelines programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) took the initiative to coordinate an international collaboration between diverse stakeholders to consider integration of alternative approaches towards improving the current chemical DNT testing. During the past few years, a series of workshops was organized during which a consensus was reached that incorporation of a DNT testing battery that relies on in vitro assays anchored to key neurodevelopmental processes should be developed. These key developmental processes include neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation, neural cell migration, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis and neuronal network formation, as well key events identified in the existing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). AOPs deliver mechanistic information on the causal links between molecular initiating event, intermediate key events and an adverse outcome of regulatory concern, providing the biological context to facilitate development of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) for various regulatory purposes. Developing IATA case studies, using mechanistic information derived from AOPs, is expected to increase scientific confidence for the use of in vitro methods within an IATA, thereby facilitating regulatory uptake. This manuscript summarizes the current state of international efforts to enhance DNT testing by using an in vitro battery of assays focusing on the role of AOPs in informing the development of IATA for different regulatory purposes, aiming to deliver an OECD guidance document on use of in vitro DNT battery of assays that include in vitro data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775, Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Catherine Willett
- Humane Society International, 1255 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | | | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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Masood MI, Naseem M, Warda SA, Tapia-Laliena MÁ, Rehman HU, Nasim MJ, Schäfer KH. Environment permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water can influence the fate of neural stem cells from the subventricular zone of the postnatal mouse. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116179. [PMID: 33348142 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The developing nervous system is highly vulnerable to environmental toxicants especially pesticides. Glyphosate pesticide induces neurotoxicity both in humans and rodents, but so far only when exposed to higher concentrations. A few studies, however, have also reported the risk of general toxicity of glyphosate at concentrations comparable to allowable limits set up by environmental protection authorities. In vitro data regarding glyphosate neurotoxicity at concentrations comparable to maximum permissible concentrations in drinking water is lacking. In the present study, we established an in vitro assay based upon neural stem cells (NSCs) from the subventricular zone of the postnatal mouse to decipher the effects of two maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water on the basic neurogenesis processes. Our results demonstrated that maximum permissible concentrations of glyphosate recognized by environmental protection authorities significantly reduced the cell migration and differentiation of NSCs as demonstrated by the downregulation of the expression levels of the neuronal ß-tubulin III and the astrocytic S100B genes. The expression of the cytoprotective gene CYP1A1 was downregulated whilst the expression of oxidative stresses indicator gene SOD1 was upregulated. The concentration comparable to non-toxic human plasma concentration significantly induced cytotoxicity and activated Ca2+ signalling in the differentiated culture. Our findings demonstrated that the permissible concentrations of glyphosate in drinking water recognized by environmental protection authorities are capable of inducing neurotoxicity in the developing nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Masood
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, D-66123, Germany; Working Group Enteric Nervous System, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Zweibrücken, 66482, Germany; Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Mahrukh Naseem
- Department of Zoology, University of Balochistan, Quetta, 87550, Pakistan
| | - Salam A Warda
- Working Group Enteric Nervous System, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Zweibrücken, 66482, Germany
| | | | - Habib Ur Rehman
- Department of Physiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jawad Nasim
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, D-66123, Germany
| | - Karl Herbert Schäfer
- Working Group Enteric Nervous System, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Zweibrücken, 66482, Germany; Department of Pediatric Surgery Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, 68167, Germany.
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12
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Li S, Zhang L, Huang R, Xu T, Parham F, Behl M, Xia M. Evaluation of chemical compounds that inhibit neurite outgrowth using GFP-labeled iPSC-derived human neurons. Neurotoxicology 2021; 83:137-145. [PMID: 33508353 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing number of drugs and untested environmental compounds introduced into commercial use, there is recognition for a need to develop reliable and efficient screening methods to identify compounds that may adversely impact the nervous system. One process that has been implicated in neurodevelopment is neurite outgrowth; the disruption of which can result in adverse outcomes that persist later in life. Here, we developed a green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled neurite outgrowth assay in a high-content, high-throughput format using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived human spinal motor neurons and cortical glutamatergic neurons. The assay was optimized for use in a 1536-well plate format. Then, we used this assay to screen a set of 84 unique compounds that have previously been screened in other neurite outgrowth assays. This library consists of known developmental neurotoxicants, environmental compounds with unknown toxicity, and negative controls. Neurons were cultured for 40 h and then treated with compounds at 11 concentrations ranging from 1.56 nM to 92 μM for 24 and 48 h. Effects of compounds on neurite outgrowth were evaluated by quantifying total neurite length, number of segments, and maximum neurite length per cell. Among the 84 tested compounds, neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons and motor neurons were selectively inhibited by 36 and 31 compounds, respectively. Colchicine, rotenone, and methyl mercuric (II) chloride inhibited neurite outgrowth in both cortical and motor neurons. It is interesting to note that some compounds like parathion and bisphenol AF had inhibitory effects on neurite outgrowth specifically in the cortical neurons, while other compounds, such as 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether and caffeine, inhibited neurite outgrowth in motor neurons. The data gathered from these studies show that GFP-labeled iPSC-derived human neurons are a promising tool for identifying and prioritizing compounds with developmental neurotoxicity potential for further hazard characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaizhang Li
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Li Zhang
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tuan Xu
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fred Parham
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Menghang Xia
- Division for Pre-Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Toward a Better Testing Paradigm for Developmental Neurotoxicity: OECD Efforts and Regulatory Considerations. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10020086. [PMID: 33498772 PMCID: PMC7912397 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary It is recognized that the current developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing paradigm is not fit-for -purpose for the assessment of a large number of chemicals. In the last two decades there have been scientific advances made for evaluating chemical interactions with the developing nervous system that rely on alternative to animal methods. The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) provides a forum to develop internationally harmonised guidance to test and assess chemicals for DNT that is primarily based on cellular models. Given the complexity of the developing nervous system and the availability of a number of non-animal methods to address DNT, integration of data from multiple studies is necessary and an OECD framework for organising existing scientific knowledge can be applied as the canvas of this integration. Herein, we provide a brief overview of the OECD DNT project and summarize various achievements of relevance to the project. The review also presents an opportunity to describe considerations for uptake of the DNT non animal methods in a regulatory context. Abstract Characterization of potential chemical-induced developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard is considered for risk assessment purposes by many regulatory sectors. However, due to test complexity, difficulty in interpreting results and need of substantial resources, the use of the in vivo DNT test guidelines has been limited and animal data on DNT are scarce. To address challenging endpoints such as DNT, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) chemical safety program has been working lately toward the development of integrated approaches for testing and assessment (IATA) that rely on a combination of multiple layers of data (e.g., in vitro, in silico and non-mammalian in vivo models) that are supported by mechanistic knowledge organized according to the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework. In 2017, the OECD convened a dedicated OECD expert group to develop a guidance document on the application and interpretation of data derived from a DNT testing battery that relies on key neurodevelopmental processes and is complemented by zebrafish assays. This review will provide a brief overview of the OECD DNT project and summarize various achievements of relevance to the project. The review also presents an opportunity to describe considerations for uptake of the DNT in an in vitro battery in a regulatory context.
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Hogberg HT, de Cássia da Silveira E Sá R, Kleensang A, Bouhifd M, Cemiloglu Ulker O, Smirnova L, Behl M, Maertens A, Zhao L, Hartung T. Organophosphorus flame retardants are developmental neurotoxicants in a rat primary brainsphere in vitro model. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:207-228. [PMID: 33078273 PMCID: PMC7811506 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to regulatory bans and voluntary substitutions, halogenated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (FR) are increasingly substituted by mainly organophosphorus FR (OPFR). Leveraging a 3D rat primary neural organotypic in vitro model (rat brainsphere), we compare developmental neurotoxic effects of BDE-47-the most abundant PBDE congener-with four OPFR (isopropylated phenyl phosphate-IPP, triphenyl phosphate-TPHP, isodecyl diphenyl phosphate-IDDP, and tricresyl phosphate (also known as trimethyl phenyl phosphate)-TMPP). Employing mass spectroscopy-based metabolomics and transcriptomics, we observe at similar human-relevant non-cytotoxic concentrations (0.1-5 µM) stronger developmental neurotoxic effects by OPFR. This includes toxicity to neurons in the low µM range; all FR decrease the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA (except BDE-47 and TPHP). Furthermore, n-acetyl aspartate (NAA), considered a neurologic diagnostic molecule, was decreased by all OPFR. At similar concentrations, the FR currently in use decreased plasma membrane dopamine active transporter expression, while BDE-47 did not. Several findings suggest astrogliosis induced by the OPFR, but not BDE-47. At the 5 µM concentrations, the OPFR more than BDE-47 interfered with myelination. An increase of cytokine gene and receptor expressions suggests that exposure to OPFR may induce an inflammatory response. Pathway/category overrepresentation shows disruption in 1) transmission of action potentials, cell-cell signaling, synaptic transmission, receptor signaling, (2) immune response, inflammation, defense response, (3) cell cycle and (4) lipids metabolism and transportation. Taken together, this appears to be a case of regretful substitution with substances not less developmentally neurotoxic in a primary rat 3D model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Rita de Cássia da Silveira E Sá
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mounir Bouhifd
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ozge Cemiloglu Ulker
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Maertens
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives To Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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15
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Shafer TJ, Brown JP, Lynch B, Davila-Montero S, Wallace K, Friedman KP. Evaluation of Chemical Effects on Network Formation in Cortical Neurons Grown on Microelectrode Arrays. Toxicol Sci 2020; 169:436-455. [PMID: 30816951 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of chemicals to which humans are potentially exposed have not been evaluated for potential developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), driving efforts to develop a battery of in vitro screening approaches for DNT hazard. Here, 136 unique chemicals were evaluated for potential DNT hazard using a network formation assay (NFA) in cortical cells grown on microelectrode arrays. The effects of chemical exposure from 2 h postplating through 12 days in vitro (DIV) on network formation were evaluated at DIV 5, 7, 9, and 12, with cell viability assessed at DIV 12. Only 82 chemicals altered at least 1 network development parameter. Assay results were reproducible; 10 chemicals tested as biological replicates yielded qualitative results that were 100% concordant, with consistent potency values. Toxicological tipping points were determined for 58 chemicals and were similar to or lower than the lowest 50% effect concentrations (EC50) for all parameters. When EC50 and tipping point values from the NFA were compared to the range of potencies observed in ToxCast assays, the NFA EC50 values were less than the lower quartile for ToxCast assay potencies for a subset of chemicals, many of which are acutely neurotoxic in vivo. For 13 chemicals with available in vivo DNT data, estimated administered equivalent doses based on NFA results were similar to or lower than administered doses in vivo. Collectively, these results indicate that the NFA is sensitive to chemicals acting on nervous system function and will be a valuable contribution to an in vitro DNT screening battery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Shafer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Jasmine P Brown
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711.,Graduate Program in Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Brittany Lynch
- Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York 11201
| | - Sylmarie Davila-Montero
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Kathleen Wallace
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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16
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Zindler F, Beedgen F, Brandt D, Steiner M, Stengel D, Baumann L, Braunbeck T. Analysis of tail coiling activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos allows for the differentiation of neurotoxicants with different modes of action. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 186:109754. [PMID: 31606639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In (eco)toxicology, there is a critical need for efficient methods to evaluate the neurotoxic potential of environmental chemicals. Recent studies proposed analysis of early coiling activity in zebrafish embryos as a powerful tool for the identification of neurotoxic compounds. In order to demonstrate that the analysis of early tail movements of zebrafish embryos allows for the discrimination of neurotoxicants acting via different mechanisms, the present study investigated the effects of four different neurotoxicants on the embryogenesis (fish embryo toxicity test) and early tail coiling movements of zebrafish embryos. Cadmium predominantly increased the frequency of tail coiling at the late pharyngula stage. Dichlorvos delayed embryonic development and caused convulsive tail movements resulting in prolonged duration of tail coils. Embryos exposed to teratogenic concentrations of fluoxetine and citalopram displayed absence of spontaneous tail movements at 24 h post-fertilization. In contrast, a non-teratogenic test concentration of citalopram decreased coiling frequency at multiple time points. Results demonstrated that the analysis of tail coiling movements of zebrafish embryos has the potential to discriminate neurotoxic compounds with different primary modes of action. In addition, chemical-induced effects on coiling activity were shown to potentially overlap with effects on embryogenesis. Further studies are needed to clarify the interplay of unspecific developmental toxicity of neurotoxic chemicals and effects resulting from specific neurotoxic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zindler
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany.
| | - Franziska Beedgen
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Diana Brandt
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Madeleine Steiner
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Daniel Stengel
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Lisa Baumann
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Thomas Braunbeck
- Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology Section, Centre for Organismal Studies, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
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17
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Sachana M, Bal-Price A, Crofton KM, Bennekou SH, Shafer TJ, Behl M, Terron A. International Regulatory and Scientific Effort for Improved Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:45-57. [PMID: 30476307 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) coordinates international efforts to enhance developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing. In most regulatory sectors, including the ones dealing with pesticides and industrial chemicals registration, historical use of the in vivo DNT test guideline has been limited. Current challenges include a lack of DNT data and mechanistic information for thousands of chemicals, and difficulty in interpreting results. A series of workshops in the last decade has paved the way for a consensus among stakeholders that there is need for a DNT testing battery that relies on in vitro endpoints (proliferation, differentiation, synaptogenesis, etc.) and is complemented by alternative species (eg, zebrafish) assays. Preferably, a battery of in vitro and alternative assays should be anchored toward mechanistic relevance for applying an integrated approach for testing and assessment (IATA) framework. Specific activities have been initiated to facilitate this OECD project: the collation of available DNT in vitro methods and their scoring for readiness; the selection of these methods to form a DNT testing battery; the generation of a reference set of chemicals that will be tested using the battery; the case studies exemplifying how DNT in vitro data can be interpreted; and the development of an OECD guidance document. This manuscript highlights these international efforts and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Sachana
- Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775 Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Unit Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods I-21027 Ispra (VA), Italy
| | | | - Susanne H Bennekou
- Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Haraldsgade 53, DK - 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709 USA
| | - Andrea Terron
- European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno, 1A, 43126, Parma, Italy
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Behl M, Ryan K, Hsieh JH, Parham F, Shapiro AJ, Collins BJ, Sipes NS, Birnbaum LS, Bucher JR, Foster PMD, Walker NJ, Paules RS, Tice RR. Screening for Developmental Neurotoxicity at the National Toxicology Program: The Future Is Here. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:6-14. [PMID: 30496580 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The National Toxicology Program (NTP) receives requests to evaluate chemicals with potential to cause adverse health effects, including developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Some recent requests have included classes of chemicals such as flame retardants, polycyclic aromatic compounds, perfluoroalkyl substances, and bisphenol A analogs with approximately 20-50 compounds per class, many of which include commercial mixtures. However, all the compounds within a class cannot be tested using traditional DNT animal testing guideline studies due to resource and time limitations. Hence, a rapid and biologically relevant screening approach is required to prioritize compounds for further in vivo testing. Because neurodevelopment is a complex process involving multiple distinct cellular processes, one assay will unlikely address the complexity. Hence, the NTP sought to characterize a battery of in vitro and alternative animal assays to quantify chemical effects on a variety of neurodevelopmental processes. A culmination of this effort resulted in a NTP-hosted collaborative project with approximately 40 participants spanning across domains of academia, industry, government, and regulatory agencies; collaborators presented data on cell-based assays and alternative animal models that was generated using a targeted set of compounds provided by the NTP. The NTP analyzed the assay results using benchmark concentration (BMC) modeling to be able to compare results across the divergent assays. The results were shared with the contributing researchers on a private web application during the workshop, and are now publicly available. This article highlights the overview and goals of the project, and describes the NTP's approach in creating the chemical library, development of NTPs data analysis strategy, and the structure of the web application. Finally, we discuss key issues with emphasis on the utility of this approach, and knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for its use in regulatory decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Kristen Ryan
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Jui-Hua Hsieh
- Kelly Government Solutions, Durham, North Carolina 27709
| | - Frederick Parham
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Andrew J Shapiro
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Bradley J Collins
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Nisha S Sipes
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - John R Bucher
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Paul M D Foster
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Nigel J Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Richard S Paules
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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19
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Zhou Y, Fu Y, Bai Z, Li P, Zhao B, Han Y, Xu T, Zhang N, Lin L, Cheng J, Zhang J, Zhang J. Neural Differentiation of Mouse Neural Stem Cells as a Tool to Assess Developmental Neurotoxicity of Drinking Water in Taihu Lake. Biol Trace Elem Res 2019; 190:172-186. [PMID: 30465171 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-018-1533-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we used neural stem cells (NSCs) as a toxicology tool to assess the potential developmental neurotoxicity of drinking water from Taihu Lake. We found that the condensed drinking water could inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs, especially the tap water. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that nickel was detected in the tap water with a high concentration. Our study revealed that nickel could inhibit NSCs proliferation and differentiation, which is induced not only by the intracellular reactive oxygen species generation, but also by the protein levels upregulation of p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2 and p-Erk1/2 through the axon guidance signal pathways. These findings will provide a new way of research insight for investigation of nickel-induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, our test method confirmed the feasibility and reliability of stem cell assays for developmental neurotoxicity testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Fu
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhendong Bai
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Peixin Li
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuehua Han
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Stem Cell Translational Research Center, Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China.
- Tongji Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 389 Xincun Road, 200065, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Bal-Price A, Pistollato F, Sachana M, Bopp SK, Munn S, Worth A. Strategies to improve the regulatory assessment of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) using in vitro methods. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 354:7-18. [PMID: 29476865 PMCID: PMC6095942 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the identification of chemicals that have the potential to induce developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is based on animal testing. Since at the regulatory level, systematic testing of DNT is not a standard requirement within the EU or USA chemical legislation safety assessment, DNT testing is only performed in higher tiered testing triggered based on chemical structure activity relationships or evidence of neurotoxicity in systemic acute or repeated dose toxicity studies. However, these triggers are rarely used and, in addition, do not always serve as reliable indicators of DNT, as they are generally based on observations in adult rodents. Therefore, there is a pressing need for developing alternative methodologies that can reliably support identification of DNT triggers, and more rapidly and cost-effectively support the identification and characterization of chemicals with DNT potential. We propose to incorporate mechanistic knowledge and data derived from in vitro studies to support various regulatory applications including: (a) the identification of potential DNT triggers, (b) initial chemical screening and prioritization, (c) hazard identification and characterization, (d) chemical biological grouping, and (e) assessment of exposure to chemical mixtures. Ideally, currently available cellular neuronal/glial models derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) should be used as they allow evaluation of chemical impacts on key neurodevelopmental processes, by reproducing different windows of exposure during human brain development. A battery of DNT in vitro test methods derived from hiPSCs could generate valuable mechanistic data, speeding up the evaluation of thousands of compounds present in industrial, agricultural and consumer products that lack safety data on DNT potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| | | | - Magdalini Sachana
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 2 rue André Pascal, 75775 Paris, Cedex 16, France
| | | | - Sharon Munn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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3D-cultured neural stem cell microarrays on a micropillar chip for high-throughput developmental neurotoxicology. Exp Cell Res 2018; 370:680-691. [PMID: 30048616 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Numerous chemicals including environmental toxicants and drugs have not been fully evaluated for developmental neurotoxicity. A key gap exists in the ability to predict accurately and robustly in vivo outcomes based on in vitro assays. This is particularly the case for predicting the toxicity of chemicals on the developing human brain. A critical need for such in vitro assays is choice of a suitable model cell type. To that end, we have performed high-throughput in vitro assessment of proliferation and differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Conventional in vitro assays typically use immunofluorescence staining to quantify changes in cell morphology and expression of neural cell-specific biomarkers, which is often time-consuming and subject to variable specificities of available antibodies. To alleviate these limitations, we developed a miniaturized, three-dimensional (3D) hNSC culture with ReNcell VM on microarray chip platforms and established a high-throughput promoter-reporter assay system using recombinant lentiviruses on hNSC spheroids to assess cell viability, self-renewal, and differentiation. Optimum cell viability and spheroid formation of 3D ReNcell VM culture were observed on a micropillar chip over a period of 9 days in a mixture of 0.75% (w/v) alginate and 1 mg/mL growth factor reduced (GFR) Matrigel with 25 mM CaCl2 as a crosslinker for alginate. In addition, 3D ReNcell VM culture exhibited self-renewal and differentiation on the microarray chip platform, which was efficiently monitored by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression of four NSC-specific biomarkers including sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), synapsin1, and myelin basic protein (MBP) with the promoter-reporter assay system.
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22
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Culture of human neurospheres in 3D scaffolds for developmental neurotoxicity testing. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 52:106-115. [PMID: 29883730 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human neural progenitor cells cultured as neurospheres are a promising tool for developmental neurotoxicity testing in vitro. In order to obtain a human cell-based tissue culture system as close to the organ as possible, it is desirable to improve the spatial organization of the "Neurosphere Assay" and use 3D scaffolds to better mimic the in vivo three dimensional cell microenvironment. For this reason we have established the conditions for short-term culture (up to 6 days) in matrigel or in IKVAV-3 peptide-functionalized hydrogels, and for long-term culture (>25 days) in IKVAV-3 peptide-functionalized hydrogels showing that these conditions support human neural progenitor cells' migration, differentiation to neurons and formation of neuronal networks. Moreover, we assessed if neurospheres grown in 3D scaffolds allow for developmental neurotoxicity compound testing. At concentrations not affecting cell viability the known developmental neurotoxic compound MeHgCl inhibits migration of human neural progenitor cells grown in 3D scaffolds with a higher potency than when the same cells are cultured on a laminin-coated surface as secondary 3D structures. Thus, this work opens the door to functional assessment of compound effects on short- and long-term cultured human neurospheres embedded in 3D scaffolds for developmental neurotoxicity testing.
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23
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Bal-Price A, Hogberg HT, Crofton KM, Daneshian M, FitzGerald RE, Fritsche E, Heinonen T, Hougaard Bennekou S, Klima S, Piersma AH, Sachana M, Shafer TJ, Terron A, Monnet-Tschudi F, Viviani B, Waldmann T, Westerink RHS, Wilks MF, Witters H, Zurich MG, Leist M. Recommendation on test readiness criteria for new approach methods in toxicology: Exemplified for developmental neurotoxicity. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2018; 35:306-352. [PMID: 29485663 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1712081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple non-animal-based test methods have never been formally validated. In order to use such new approach methods (NAMs) in a regulatory context, criteria to define their readiness are necessary. The field of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing is used to exemplify the application of readiness criteria. The costs and number of untested chemicals are overwhelming for in vivo DNT testing. Thus, there is a need for inexpensive, high-throughput NAMs, to obtain initial information on potential hazards, and to allow prioritization for further testing. A background on the regulatory and scientific status of DNT testing is provided showing different types of test readiness levels, depending on the intended use of data from NAMs. Readiness criteria, compiled during a stakeholder workshop, uniting scientists from academia, industry and regulatory authorities are presented. An important step beyond the listing of criteria, was the suggestion for a preliminary scoring scheme. On this basis a (semi)-quantitative analysis process was assembled on test readiness of 17 NAMs with respect to various uses (e.g. prioritization/screening, risk assessment). The scoring results suggest that several assays are currently at high readiness levels. Therefore, suggestions are made on how DNT NAMs may be assembled into an integrated approach to testing and assessment (IATA). In parallel, the testing state in these assays was compiled for more than 1000 compounds. Finally, a vision is presented on how further NAM development may be guided by knowledge of signaling pathways necessary for brain development, DNT pathophysiology, and relevant adverse outcome pathways (AOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (EC JRC), Ispra (VA), Italy
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin M Crofton
- National Centre for Computational Toxicology, US EPA, RTP, Washington, NC, USA
| | - Mardas Daneshian
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Rex E FitzGerald
- Swiss Centre for Human Applied Toxicology, SCAHT, University of Basle, Switzerland
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine & Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tuula Heinonen
- Finnish Centre for Alternative Methods (FICAM), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Stefanie Klima
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, and Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Paris, France
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- National Centre for Computational Toxicology, US EPA, RTP, Washington, NC, USA
| | | | - Florianne Monnet-Tschudi
- Swiss Centre for Human Applied Toxicology, SCAHT, University of Basle, Switzerland.,Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin F Wilks
- Swiss Centre for Human Applied Toxicology, SCAHT, University of Basle, Switzerland
| | - Hilda Witters
- VITO, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Environmental Risk and Health, Mol, Belgium
| | - Marie-Gabrielle Zurich
- Swiss Centre for Human Applied Toxicology, SCAHT, University of Basle, Switzerland.,Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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24
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Pamies D, Block K, Lau P, Gribaldo L, Pardo CA, Barreras P, Smirnova L, Wiersma D, Zhao L, Harris G, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Rotenone exerts developmental neurotoxicity in a human brain spheroid model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018; 354:101-114. [PMID: 29428530 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Growing concern suggests that some chemicals exert (developmental) neurotoxicity (DNT and NT) and are linked to the increase in incidence of autism, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders. The high cost of routine tests for DNT and NT assessment make it difficult to test the high numbers of existing chemicals. Thus, more cost effective neurodevelopmental models are needed. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) in combination with the emerging human 3D tissue culture platforms, present a novel tool to predict and study human toxicity. By combining these technologies, we generated multicellular brain spheroids (BrainSpheres) from human iPSC. The model has previously shown to be reproducible and recapitulates several neurodevelopmental features. Our results indicate, rotenone's toxic potency varies depending on the differentiation status of the cells, showing higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher mitochondrial dysfunction during early than later differentiation stages. Immuno-fluorescence morphology analysis after rotenone exposure indicated dopaminergic-neuron selective toxicity at non-cytotoxic concentrations (1 μM), while astrocytes and other neuronal cell types were affected at (general) cytotoxic concentrations (25 μM). Omics analysis showed changes in key pathways necessary for brain development, indicating rotenone as a developmental neurotoxicant and show a possible link between previously shown effects on neurite outgrowth and presently observed effects on Ca2+ reabsorption, synaptogenesis and PPAR pathway disruption. In conclusion, our BrainSpheres model has shown to be a reproducible and novel tool to study neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity. Results presented here support the idea that rotenone can potentially be a developmental neurotoxicant.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Katharina Block
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Pierre Lau
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, European Reference Laboratory - European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM), Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, VA 21027, Italy
| | - Laura Gribaldo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, European Reference Laboratory - European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (EURL ECVAM), Via Enrico Fermi 2749, Ispra, VA 21027, Italy
| | - Carlos A Pardo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Paula Barreras
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daphne Wiersma
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, 650 Orleans Street, CRB1, Rm 464, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Georgina Harris
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, CAAT-Europe, Universitätsstr. 10, Konstanz 78464, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternative to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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25
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In vitro assessment of chemotherapy-induced neuronal toxicity. Toxicol In Vitro 2018; 50:109-123. [PMID: 29427706 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity is a major concern during drug development, and together with liver and cardio-toxicity, it is one of the main causes of clinical drug attrition. Current pre-clinical models may not sufficiently identify and predict the risk for central or peripheral nervous system toxicity. One such example is clinically dose-limiting neuropathic effects after the administration of chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, the need to establish novel in vitro tools to evaluate the risk of neurotoxicities, such as neuropathy, remains unmet in drug discovery. Though in vitro studies have been conducted using primary and immortalized cell lines, some limitations include the utility for higher throughput methodologies, method reproducibility, and species extrapolation. As a novel alternative, human induced-pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons appear promising for testing new drug candidates. These iPSC-derived neurons are readily available and can be manipulated as required. Here, we describe a novel approach to assess neurotoxicity caused by different classes of chemotherapeutics using kinetic monitoring of neurite dynamic changes and apoptosis in human iPSC-neurons. These studies show promising changes in neurite dynamics in response to clinical inducers of neuropathy, as well as the ability to rank-order and gather mechanistic insight into class-specific compound induced neurotoxicity. This platform can be utilized in early drug development, as part of a weight of evidence approach, to screen drug candidates, and potentially reduce clinical attrition due to neurotoxicity.
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26
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Staal YC, Pennings JL, Hessel EV, Piersma AH. Advanced Toxicological Risk Assessment by Implementation of Ontologies Operationalized in Computational Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2017.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne C.M. Staal
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen L.A. Pennings
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen V.S. Hessel
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert H. Piersma
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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27
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Fu KZ, Li J, Vemula S, Moe B, Li XF. Effects of halobenzoquinone and haloacetic acid water disinfection byproducts on human neural stem cells. J Environ Sci (China) 2017; 58:239-249. [PMID: 28774615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) are a useful tool to assess the developmental effects of various environmental contaminants; however, the application of hNSCs to evaluate water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) is scarce. Comprehensive toxicological results are essential to the prioritization of DBPs for further testing and regulation. Therefore, this study examines the effects of DBPs on the proliferation and differentiation of hNSCs. Prior to DBP treatment, characteristic protein markers of hNSCs from passages 3 to 6 were carefully examined and it was determined that hNSCs passaged 3 or 4 times maintained stem cell characteristics and can be used for DBP analysis. Two regulated DBPs, monobromoacetic acid (BAA) and monochloroacetic acid (CAA), and two emerging DBPs, 2,6-dibromo-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DBBQ) and 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (2,6-DCBQ), were chosen for hNSC treatment. Both 2,6-DBBQ and 2,6-DCBQ induced cell cycle arrest at S-phase at concentrations up to 1μmol/L. Comparatively, BAA and CAA at 0.5μmol/L affected neural differentiation. These results suggest DBP-dependent effects on hNSC proliferation and differentiation. The DBP-induced cell cycle arrest and inhibition of normal hNSC differentiation demonstrate the need to assess the developmental neurotoxicity of DBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Z Fu
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Jinhua Li
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Sai Vemula
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Birget Moe
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada; Alberta Centre for Toxicology, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Xing-Fang Li
- Division of Analytical & Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada.
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28
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Toxicant induced behavioural aberrations in larval zebrafish are dependent on minor methodological alterations. Toxicol Lett 2017; 276:62-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Spontaneous activity represents an early, primitive form of motor activity within zebrafish embryos, providing a potential readout for identification of neuroactive compounds. However, despite use as an endpoint in chemical screens around the world, the predictive power and limitations of assays relying on spontaneous activity remain unclear. Using an improved high-content screening assay that increased throughput from 384 to 3072 wells per week, we screened a well-characterized library of 1280 pharmacologically active compounds (LOPAC1280) - 612 of which target neurotransmission - to identify which targets are detected using spontaneous activity as a readout. Results from this screen revealed that (1) 8% of the LOPAC1280 library was biologically active; (2) spontaneous activity was affected by compounds spanning a broad array of targets; (3) only 4% of compounds targeting neurotransmission impacted spontaneous activity; and (4) hypoactivity was observed for 100% of hits detected, including those that exhibit opposing mechanisms of action for the same target. Therefore, while this assay was able to rapidly identify potent neuroactive chemicals, these data suggest that spontaneous activity may lack the ability to discriminate modes of action for compounds interfering with neurotransmission, an issue that may be due to systemic uptake following waterborne exposure, persistent control variation, and/or interference with non-neurotransmission-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Vliet
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Trina C Ho
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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30
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Al-Rubai AJ, Wigmore P, Pratten MK. Evaluation of a human neural stem cell culture method for prediction of the neurotoxicity of anti-epileptics. Altern Lab Anim 2017; 45:67-81. [PMID: 28598192 DOI: 10.1177/026119291704500202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human neural stem cells have been proposed as an in vitro model to predict neurotoxicity. In this study, the potential of in vitro cultures of human-derived neurospheres to predict the effects of various anti-epileptic drugs (sodium valproate, phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbitone) was evaluated. In general, these drugs had no significant effects on cell viability, total cellular protein, and neuronal process length at low doses, but at high doses these parameters were reduced significantly. Therapeutic doses of sodium valproate and phenytoin had a clear effect on neurosphere size and cell migration, with a significant reduction in both parameters when compared with the control group. The other drugs (carbamazepine and phenobarbitone) reduced neurosphere size and cell migration only at higher doses. The expression levels of glial fibrillary protein and tubulin III, which were used to identify astrocytes and neuronal cells, respectively, were reduced in a dose-dependent manner that became significant at high doses. The levels of glial fibrillary protein did not indicate any occurrence of reactive astrocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdal-Jabbar Al-Rubai
- College of Medicine, Almustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq and School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter Wigmore
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Margaret K Pratten
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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31
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Slotkin TA, Skavicus S, Card J, Levin ED, Seidler FJ. Diverse neurotoxicants target the differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells into neuronal and glial phenotypes. Toxicology 2016; 372:42-51. [PMID: 27816694 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The large number of compounds that needs to be tested for developmental neurotoxicity drives the need to establish in vitro models to evaluate specific neurotoxic endpoints. We used neural stem cells derived from rat neuroepithelium on embryonic day 14 to evaluate the impact of diverse toxicants on their ability to differentiate into glia and neurons: a glucocorticoid (dexamethasone), organophosphate insecticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, parathion), insecticides targeting the GABAA receptor (dieldrin, fipronil), heavy metals (Ni2+, Ag+), nicotine and tobacco smoke extract. We found three broad groupings of effects. One diverse set of compounds, dexamethasone, the organophosphate pesticides, Ni2+ and nicotine, suppressed expression of the glial phenotype while having little or no effect on the neuronal phenotype. The second pattern was restricted to the pesticides acting on GABAA receptors. These compounds promoted the glial phenotype and suppressed the neuronal phenotype. Notably, the actions of compounds eliciting either of these differentiation patterns were clearly unrelated to deficits in cell numbers: dexamethasone, dieldrin and fipronil all reduced cell numbers, whereas organophosphates and Ni2+ had no effect. The third pattern, shared by Ag+ and tobacco smoke extract, clearly delineated cytotoxicity, characterized by major cell loss with suppression of differentiation into both glial and neuronal phenotypes; but here again, there was some selectivity in that glia were suppressed more than neurons. Our results, from this survey with diverse compounds, point to convergence of neurotoxicant effects on a specific "decision node" that controls the emergence of neurons and glia from neural stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Samantha Skavicus
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jennifer Card
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Frederic J Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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32
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Zarei MH, Soodi M, Qasemian-Lemraski M, Jafarzadeh E, Taha MF. Study of the chlorpyrifos neurotoxicity using neural differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:1510-1519. [PMID: 26018426 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is the most commonly used organophosphorus insecticide which causes neurodevelopmental toxicity. So far, animals have been used as ideal models for neurotoxicity studies, but working with animals is very expensive, laborious, and ethically challenging. This has encouraged researchers to seek alternatives. During recent years, several studies have reported successful differentiation of embryonic and adult stem cells to neurons. This has provided an excellent model for neurotoxicologic studies. In this study, neural differentiation of mouse adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was used as an in vitro model for investigation of CPF neurotoxicity. For this purpose, mouse ADSCs were cultured in a medium containing knockout serum replacement and were treated with different concentrations of CPF at several stages of differentiation. Cytotoxic effect of CPF and the expression of neuron-specific genes and proteins were studied in the differentiating ADSCs. Furthermore, the activity of acetylcholinesterase was assessed by Ellman assay at different stages of differentiation. This study showed that up to 500 μM CPF did not alter viability of the undifferentiated ADSCs, whereas viability of the differentiating cells decreased with 500 μM CPF. CPF upregulated the expression of some neuron-specific genes and seemed to decrease the number of β-tubulin III and MAP2 proteins-expressing cells. There was no detectable acetylcholine esterase activity in differentiated ADSCs. In summary, it was shown that CPF treatment can decrease the viability of ADSC-derived neurons and dysregulate the expression of some neuronal markers through acetylcholinesterase-independent mechanisms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1510-1519, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Zarei
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Soodi
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Qasemian-Lemraski
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Emad Jafarzadeh
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Fakhr Taha
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
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Brown JP, Hall D, Frank CL, Wallace K, Mundy WR, Shafer TJ. Editor's Highlight: Evaluation of a Microelectrode Array-Based Assay for Neural Network Ontogeny Using Training Set Chemicals. Toxicol Sci 2016; 154:126-139. [PMID: 27492221 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfw147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thousands of compounds in the environment have not been characterized for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard. To address this issue, methods to screen compounds rapidly for DNT hazard evaluation are necessary and are being developed for key neurodevelopmental processes. In order to develop an assay for network formation, this study evaluated effects of a training set of chemicals on network ontogeny by measuring spontaneous electrical activity in neural networks grown on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). Rat (0-24 h old) primary cortical cells were plated in 48 well-MEA plates and exposed to 6 compounds: acetaminophen, bisindolylmaleimide-1 (Bis-1), domoic acid, mevastatin, sodium orthovanadate, and loperamide for a period of 12 days. Spontaneous network activity was recorded on days 2, 5, 7, 9, and 12 and viability was assessed using the Cell Titer Blue assay on day 12. Network activity (e.g. mean firing rate [MFR], burst rate [BR], etc), increased between days 5 and 12. Random Forest analysis indicated that across all compounds and times, temporal correlation of firing patterns (r), MFR, BR, number of active electrodes and % of spikes in a burst were the most influential parameters in separating control from treated wells. All compounds except acetaminophen (≤ 30 µM) caused concentration-related effects on one or more of these parameters. Domoic acid and sodium orthovanadate altered several of these parameters in the absence of cytotoxicity. Although cytotoxicity was observed with Bis1, mevastatin, and loperamide, some parameters were affected by these compounds at concentrations below those resulting in cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that this assay may be suitable for screening of compounds for DNT hazard identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Hall
- NHEERL, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Aschner M, Ceccatelli S, Daneshian M, Fritsche E, Hasiwa N, Hartung T, Hogberg HT, Leist M, Li A, Mundi WR, Padilla S, Piersma AH, Bal-Price A, Seiler A, Westerink RH, Zimmer B, Lein PJ. Reference compounds for alternative test methods to indicate developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) potential of chemicals: example lists and criteria for their selection and use. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2016; 34:49-74. [PMID: 27452664 PMCID: PMC5250586 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1604201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a paucity of information concerning the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard posed by industrial and environmental chemicals. New testing approaches will most likely be based on batteries of alternative and complementary (non-animal) tests. As DNT is assumed to result from the modulation of fundamental neurodevelopmental processes (such as neuronal differentiation, precursor cell migration or neuronal network formation) by chemicals, the first generation of alternative DNT tests target these processes. The advantage of such types of assays is that they capture toxicants with multiple targets and modes-of-action. Moreover, the processes modelled by the assays can be linked to toxicity endophenotypes, i.e. alterations in neural connectivity that form the basis for neurofunctional deficits in man. The authors of this review convened in a workshop to define criteria for the selection of positive/negative controls, to prepare recommendations on their use, and to initiate the setup of a directory of reference chemicals. For initial technical optimization of tests, a set of >50 endpoint-specific control compounds was identified. For further test development, an additional “test” set of 33 chemicals considered to act directly as bona fide DNT toxicants is proposed, and each chemical is annotated to the extent it fulfills these criteria. A tabular compilation of the original literature used to select the test set chemicals provides information on statistical procedures, and toxic/non-toxic doses (both for pups and dams). Suggestions are provided on how to use the >100 compounds (including negative controls) compiled here to address specificity, adversity and use of alternative test systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mardas Daneshian
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nina Hasiwa
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany.,Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing-Europe (CAAT-Europe), University of Konstanz, Germany.,In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation at the University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), Konstanz University
| | - Abby Li
- Exponent Inc.,San Francisco, USA
| | - William R Mundi
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), NHEERL, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Andrea Seiler
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Remco H Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pamela J Lein
- Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, USA
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Colaianna M, Ilmjärv S, Peterson H, Kern I, Julien S, Baquié M, Pallocca G, Bosgra S, Sachinidis A, Hengstler JG, Leist M, Krause KH. Fingerprinting of neurotoxic compounds using a mouse embryonic stem cell dual luminescence reporter assay. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:365-391. [PMID: 27015953 PMCID: PMC5225183 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1690-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Identification of neurotoxic drugs and environmental chemicals is an important challenge. However, only few tools to address this topic are available. The aim of this study was to develop a neurotoxicity/developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) test system, using the pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cell line CGR8 (ESCs). The test system uses ESCs at two differentiation stages: undifferentiated ESCs and ESC-derived neurons. Under each condition, concentration–response curves were obtained for three parameters: activity of the tubulin alpha 1 promoter (typically activated in early neurons), activity of the elongation factor 1 alpha promoter (active in all cells), and total DNA content (proportional to the number of surviving cells). We tested 37 compounds from the ESNATS test battery, which includes polypeptide hormones, environmental pollutants (including methylmercury), and clinically used drugs (including valproic acid and tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Different classes of compounds showed distinct concentration–response profiles. Plotting of the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations (LOAEL) of the neuronal promoter activity against the general promoter activity or against cytotoxicity, allowed the differentiation between neurotoxic/DNT substances and non-neurotoxic controls. Reporter activity responses in neurons were more susceptible to neurotoxic compounds than the reporter activities in ESCs from which they were derived. To relate the effective/toxic concentrations found in our study to relevant in vivo concentrations, we used a reverse pharmacokinetic modeling approach for three exemplary compounds (teriflunomide, geldanamycin, abiraterone). The dual luminescence reporter assay described in this study allows high-throughput, and should be particularly useful for the prioritization of the neurotoxic potential of a large number of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilena Colaianna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sten Ilmjärv
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Ilse Kern
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Julien
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Sieto Bosgra
- TNO, Zeist, The Netherlands.,BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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Singh S, Srivastava A, Kumar V, Pandey A, Kumar D, Rajpurohit CS, Khanna VK, Yadav S, Pant AB. Stem Cells in Neurotoxicology/Developmental Neurotoxicology: Current Scenario and Future Prospects. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6938-6949. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Mundy WR, Padilla S, Breier JM, Crofton KM, Gilbert ME, Herr DW, Jensen KF, Radio NM, Raffaele KC, Schumacher K, Shafer TJ, Cowden J. Expanding the test set: Chemicals with potential to disrupt mammalian brain development. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2015; 52:25-35. [PMID: 26476195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
High-throughput test methods including molecular, cellular, and alternative species-based assays that examine critical events of normal brain development are being developed for detection of developmental neurotoxicants. As new assays are developed, a "training set" of chemicals is used to evaluate the relevance of individual assays for specific endpoints. Different training sets are necessary for each assay that would comprise a developmental neurotoxicity test battery. In contrast, evaluation of the predictive ability of a comprehensive test battery requires a set of chemicals that have been shown to alter brain development after in vivo exposure ("test set"). Because only a small number of substances have been well documented to alter human neurodevelopment, we have proposed an expanded test set that includes chemicals demonstrated to adversely affect neurodevelopment in animals. To compile a list of potential developmental neurotoxicants, a literature review of compounds that have been examined for effects on the developing nervous system was conducted. The search was limited to mammalian studies published in the peer-reviewed literature and regulatory studies submitted to the U.S. EPA. The definition of developmental neurotoxicity encompassed changes in behavior, brain morphology, and neurochemistry after gestational or lactational exposure. Reports that indicated developmental neurotoxicity was observed only at doses that resulted in significant maternal toxicity or were lethal to the fetus or offspring were not considered. As a basic indication of reproducibility, we only included a chemical if data on its developmental neurotoxicity were available from more than one laboratory (defined as studies originating from laboratories with a different senior investigator). Evidence from human studies was included when available. Approximately 100 developmental neurotoxicity test set chemicals were identified, with 22% having evidence in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Mundy
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Joseph M Breier
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kevin M Crofton
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David W Herr
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Karl F Jensen
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nicholas M Radio
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen C Raffaele
- Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Timothy J Shafer
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John Cowden
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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38
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Chen LH, Sun YT, Chen YF, Lee MY, Chang LY, Chang JY, Shen MR. Integrating Image-Based High-Content Screening with Mouse Models Identifies 5-Hydroxydecanoate as a Neuroprotective Drug for Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathy. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:2206-14. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Salama M, Lotfy A, Fathy K, Makar M, El-emam M, El-gamal A, El-gamal M, Badawy A, Mohamed WM, Sobh M. Developmental neurotoxic effects of Malathion on 3D neurosphere system. Appl Transl Genom 2015; 7:13-8. [PMID: 27054080 PMCID: PMC4803784 DOI: 10.1016/j.atg.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) refers to the toxic effects induced by various chemicals on brain during the early childhood period. As human brains are vulnerable during this period, various chemicals would have significant effects on brains during early childhood. Some toxicants have been confirmed to induce developmental toxic effects on CNS; however, most of agents cannot be identified with certainty. This is because available animal models do not cover the whole spectrum of CNS developmental periods. A novel alternative method that can overcome most of the limitations of the conventional techniques is the use of 3D neurosphere system. This in-vitro system can recapitulate many of the changes during the period of brain development making it an ideal model for predicting developmental neurotoxic effects. In the present study we verified the possible DNT of Malathion, which is one of organophosphate pesticides with suggested possible neurotoxic effects on nursing children. Three doses of Malathion (0.25 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM) were used in cultured neurospheres for a period of 14 days. Malathion was found to affect proliferation, differentiation and viability of neurospheres, these effects were positively correlated to doses and time progress. This study confirms the DNT effects of Malathion on 3D neurosphere model. Further epidemiological studies will be needed to link these results to human exposure and effects data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Salama
- Medical Experimental Research Center, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
- Toxicology Dept., Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Lotfy
- Medical Experimental Research Center, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Khaled Fathy
- Medical Experimental Research Center, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Maria Makar
- Mansoura Manchester Medical Program, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Mona El-emam
- Mansoura Manchester Medical Program, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Aya El-gamal
- Toxicology Dept., Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-gamal
- Toxicology Dept., Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Badawy
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dept., Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
| | - Wael M.Y. Mohamed
- Clinical Pharmacology Dept., Menoufia Medical School, Menoufia University, Egypt
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mohamed Sobh
- Medical Experimental Research Center, Mansura Medical School, Mansura University, Egypt
- UNC, Mansoura University, Egypt
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40
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Comparative human and rat neurospheres reveal species differences in chemical effects on neurodevelopmental key events. Arch Toxicol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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41
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Meijer M, Brandsema JAR, Nieuwenhuis D, Wijnolts FMJ, Dingemans MML, Westerink RHS. Inhibition of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels After Subchronic and Repeated Exposure of PC12 Cells to Different Classes of Insecticides. Toxicol Sci 2015; 147:607-17. [PMID: 26187449 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that acute inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) is a common mode of action for (sub)micromolar concentrations of chemicals, including insecticides. However, because human exposure to chemicals is usually chronic and repeated, we investigated if selected insecticides from different chemical classes (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, and neonicotinoids) also disturb calcium homeostasis after subchronic (24 h) exposure and after a subsequent (repeated) acute exposure. Effects on calcium homeostasis were investigated with single-cell fluorescence (Fura-2) imaging of PC12 cells. Cells were depolarized with high-K(+) saline to study effects of subchronic or repeated exposure on VGCC-mediated Ca(2+) influx. The results demonstrate that except for carbaryl and imidacloprid, all selected insecticides inhibited depolarization (K(+))-evoked Ca(2+) influx after subchronic exposure (IC50's: approximately 1-10 µM) in PC12 cells. These inhibitory effects were not or only slowly reversible. Moreover, repeated exposure augmented the inhibition of the K(+)-evoked increase in intracellular calcium concentration induced by subchronic exposure to cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-oxon, and endosulfan (IC50's: approximately 0.1-4 µM). In rat primary cortical cultures, acute and repeated chlorpyrifos exposure also augmented inhibition of VGCCs compared with subchronic exposure. In conclusion, compared with subchronic exposure, repeated exposure increases the potency of insecticides to inhibit VGCCs. However, the potency of insecticides to inhibit VGCCs upon repeated exposure was comparable with the inhibition previously observed following acute exposure, with the exception of chlorpyrifos. The data suggest that an acute exposure paradigm is sufficient for screening chemicals for effects on VGCCs and that PC12 cells are a sensitive model for detection of effects on VGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Meijer
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joske A R Brandsema
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Desirée Nieuwenhuis
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona M J Wijnolts
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Milou M L Dingemans
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Remco H S Westerink
- Neurotoxicology Research Group, Toxicology Division, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, NL-3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Druwe I, Freudenrich TM, Wallace K, Shafer TJ, Mundy WR. Sensitivity of neuroprogenitor cells to chemical-induced apoptosis using a multiplexed assay suitable for high-throughput screening. Toxicology 2015; 333:14-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Slotkin TA, Skavicus S, Card J, Levin ED, Seidler FJ. Amelioration strategies fail to prevent tobacco smoke effects on neurodifferentiation: Nicotinic receptor blockade, antioxidants, methyl donors. Toxicology 2015; 333:63-75. [PMID: 25891525 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoke exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. We used neuronotypic PC12 cells to evaluate the mechanisms by which tobacco smoke extract (TSE) affects neurodifferentiation. In undifferentiated cells, TSE impaired DNA synthesis and cell numbers to a much greater extent than nicotine alone; TSE also impaired cell viability to a small extent. In differentiating cells, TSE enhanced cell growth at the expense of cell numbers and promoted emergence of the dopaminergic phenotype. Nicotinic receptor blockade with mecamylamine was ineffective in preventing the adverse effects of TSE and actually enhanced the effect of TSE on the dopamine phenotype. A mixture of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, N-acetyl-l-cysteine) provided partial protection against cell loss but also promoted loss of the cholinergic phenotype in response to TSE. Notably, the antioxidants themselves altered neurodifferentiation, reducing cell numbers and promoting the cholinergic phenotype at the expense of the dopaminergic phenotype, an effect that was most prominent for N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Treatment with methyl donors (vitamin B12, folic acid, choline) had no protectant effect and actually enhanced the cell loss evoked by TSE; they did have a minor, synergistic interaction with antioxidants protecting against TSE effects on growth. Thus, components of tobacco smoke perturb neurodifferentiation through mechanisms that cannot be attributed to the individual effects of nicotine, oxidative stress or interference with one-carbon metabolism. Consequently, attempted amelioration strategies may be partially effective at best, or, as seen here, can actually aggravate injury by interfering with normal developmental signals and/or by sensitizing cells to TSE effects on neurodifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Samantha Skavicus
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jennifer Card
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Frederic J Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Fritsche E, Alm H, Baumann J, Geerts L, Håkansson H, Masjosthusmann S, Witters H. Literature review on in vitro and alternative Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) testing methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2015.en-778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Fritsche
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Group of Sphere Models and Risk Assessment, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Henrik Alm
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Group of Sphere Models and Risk Assessment, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jenny Baumann
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Group of Sphere Models and Risk Assessment, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lieve Geerts
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk & Health, Boeretang 200, B‐2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Helen Håkansson
- Karolinska Institute (KI), Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Unit of Environmental Health Risk Assessment, SE‐171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine (IUF), Group of Sphere Models and Risk Assessment, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hilda Witters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Environmental Risk & Health, Boeretang 200, B‐2400 Mol, Belgium
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Harrill JA, Robinette BL, Freudenrich TM, Mundy WR. Media formulation influences chemical effects on neuronal growth and morphology. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015; 51:612-29. [PMID: 25678462 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9873-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Screening for developmental neurotoxicity using in vitro, cell-based systems has been proposed as an efficient alternative to performing in vivo studies. One tool currently used for developmental neurotoxicity screening is automated high-content imaging of neuronal morphology. While high-content imaging (HCI) has been demonstrated to be useful in detection of potential developmental neurotoxicants, comparison of results between laboratories or assays can be complicated due to methodological differences. In order to determine whether high-content imaging-based developmental neurotoxicity assays can be affected by differences in media formulation, a systematic comparison of serum-supplemented (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's media (DMEM) + 10% serum) and serum-free (Neurobasal A + B27) culture media on neuronal morphology was performed using primary rat cortical neurons. Concentration-response assays for neuritogenesis, axon and dendrite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis were performed in each media type using chemicals with previously demonstrated effects. Marked qualitative and quantitative differences in the characteristics of neurons cultured in the two media types were observed, with increased neuronal growth and less basal cell death in Neurobasal A + B27. Media formulation also affected assay sensitivity and selectivity. Increases in assay sensitivity were observed in Neurobasal A + B27 media as compared to serum-supplemented DMEM. In some instances, a greater difference between effective concentrations for cell death and neurodevelopmental-specific endpoints was also observed in Neurobasal A + B27 media as compared to serum-supplemented DMEM. These data show that media formulation must be considered when comparing data for similar endpoints between studies. Neuronal culture maintained in Neurobasal A + B27 media had several features advantageous for HCI applications including less basal cell death, less cell clustering and neurite fasciculation, and a tendency towards increased sensitivity and selectivity in chemical concentration-response studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Harrill
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), United States Environmental Protection Agency, 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
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Bal-Price A, Crofton KM, Leist M, Allen S, Arand M, Buetler T, Delrue N, FitzGerald RE, Hartung T, Heinonen T, Hogberg H, Bennekou SH, Lichtensteiger W, Oggier D, Paparella M, Axelstad M, Piersma A, Rached E, Schilter B, Schmuck G, Stoppini L, Tongiorgi E, Tiramani M, Monnet-Tschudi F, Wilks MF, Ylikomi T, Fritsche E. International STakeholder NETwork (ISTNET): creating a developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing road map for regulatory purposes. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:269-87. [PMID: 25618548 PMCID: PMC4309915 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A major problem in developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) risk assessment is the lack of toxicological hazard information for most compounds. Therefore, new approaches are being considered to provide adequate experimental data that allow regulatory decisions. This process requires a matching of regulatory needs on the one hand and the opportunities provided by new test systems and methods on the other hand. Alignment of academically and industrially driven assay development with regulatory needs in the field of DNT is a core mission of the International STakeholder NETwork (ISTNET) in DNT testing. The first meeting of ISTNET was held in Zurich on 23-24 January 2014 in order to explore the concept of adverse outcome pathway (AOP) to practical DNT testing. AOPs were considered promising tools to promote test systems development according to regulatory needs. Moreover, the AOP concept was identified as an important guiding principle to assemble predictive integrated testing strategies (ITSs) for DNT. The recommendations on a road map towards AOP-based DNT testing is considered a stepwise approach, operating initially with incomplete AOPs for compound grouping, and focussing on key events of neurodevelopment. Next steps to be considered in follow-up activities are the use of case studies to further apply the AOP concept in regulatory DNT testing, making use of AOP intersections (common key events) for economic development of screening assays, and addressing the transition from qualitative descriptions to quantitative network modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- Systems Toxicology Unit, EURL-ECVAM, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, TP 580, Via Fermi 1, 21026, Ispra, VA, Italy,
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Smirnova L, Hogberg HT, Leist M, Hartung T. Developmental neurotoxicity - challenges in the 21st century and in vitro opportunities. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2015; 31:129-56. [PMID: 24687333 DOI: 10.14573/altex.1403271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In recent years neurodevelopmental problems in children have increased at a rate that suggests lifestyle factors and chemical exposures as likely contributors. When environmental chemicals contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) becomes an enormous concern. But how can it be tackled? Current animal test- based guidelines are prohibitively expensive, at $ 1.4 million per substance, while their predictivity for human health effects may be limited, and mechanistic data that would help species extrapolation are not available. A broader screening for substances of concern requires a reliable testing strategy, applicable to larger numbers of substances, and sufficiently predictive to warrant further testing. This review discusses the evidence for possible contributions of environmental chemicals to DNT, limitations of the current test paradigm, emerging concepts and technologies pertinent to in vitro DNT testing and assay evaluation, as well as the prospect of a paradigm shift based on 21st century technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
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48
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Bal-Price A, Crofton KM, Sachana M, Shafer TJ, Behl M, Forsby A, Hargreaves A, Landesmann B, Lein PJ, Louisse J, Monnet-Tschudi F, Paini A, Rolaki A, Schrattenholz A, Suñol C, van Thriel C, Whelan M, Fritsche E. Putative adverse outcome pathways relevant to neurotoxicity. Crit Rev Toxicol 2015; 45:83-91. [PMID: 25605028 PMCID: PMC5072123 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.981331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework provides a template that facilitates understanding of complex biological systems and the pathways of toxicity that result in adverse outcomes (AOs). The AOP starts with an molecular initiating event (MIE) in which a chemical interacts with a biological target(s), followed by a sequential series of KEs, which are cellular, anatomical, and/or functional changes in biological processes, that ultimately result in an AO manifest in individual organisms and populations. It has been developed as a tool for a knowledge-based safety assessment that relies on understanding mechanisms of toxicity, rather than simply observing its adverse outcome. A large number of cellular and molecular processes are known to be crucial to proper development and function of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS). However, there are relatively few examples of well-documented pathways that include causally linked MIEs and KEs that result in adverse outcomes in the CNS or PNS. As a first step in applying the AOP framework to adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to exogenous neurotoxic substances, the EU Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (EURL ECVAM) organized a workshop (March 2013, Ispra, Italy) to identify potential AOPs relevant to neurotoxic and developmental neurotoxic outcomes. Although the AOPs outlined during the workshop are not fully described, they could serve as a basis for further, more detailed AOP development and evaluation that could be useful to support human health risk assessment in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Kevin M. Crofton
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, USA
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, USA
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Anna Forsby
- Department of Neurochemistry, the Arrhenius Laboratories for NaturalScience, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden, Swetox, Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center, Södertälje, Sweden
| | | | - Brigitte Landesmann
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jochem Louisse
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Alexandra Rolaki
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Suñol
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, CIBERESP, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- IfADo-Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Maurice Whelan
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Alépée N, Bahinski A, Daneshian M, De Wever B, Fritsche E, Goldberg A, Hansmann J, Hartung T, Haycock J, Hogberg H, Hoelting L, Kelm JM, Kadereit S, McVey E, Landsiedel R, Leist M, Lübberstedt M, Noor F, Pellevoisin C, Petersohn D, Pfannenbecker U, Reisinger K, Ramirez T, Rothen-Rutishauser B, Schäfer-Korting M, Zeilinger K, Zurich MG. State-of-the-art of 3D cultures (organs-on-a-chip) in safety testing and pathophysiology. ALTEX-ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL EXPERIMENTATION 2014. [PMID: 25027500 DOI: 10.14573/altex1406111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Integrated approaches using different in vitro methods in combination with bioinformatics can (i) increase the success rate and speed of drug development; (ii) improve the accuracy of toxicological risk assessment; and (iii) increase our understanding of disease. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are important building blocks of this strategy which has emerged during the last years. The majority of these models are organotypic, i.e., they aim to reproduce major functions of an organ or organ system. This implies in many cases that more than one cell type forms the 3D structure, and often matrix elements play an important role. This review summarizes the state of the art concerning commonalities of the different models. For instance, the theory of mass transport/metabolite exchange in 3D systems and the special analytical requirements for test endpoints in organotypic cultures are discussed in detail. In the next part, 3D model systems for selected organs--liver, lung, skin, brain--are presented and characterized in dedicated chapters. Also, 3D approaches to the modeling of tumors are presented and discussed. All chapters give a historical background, illustrate the large variety of approaches, and highlight up- and downsides as well as specific requirements. Moreover, they refer to the application in disease modeling, drug discovery and safety assessment. Finally, consensus recommendations indicate a roadmap for the successful implementation of 3D models in routine screening. It is expected that the use of such models will accelerate progress by reducing error rates and wrong predictions from compound testing.
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50
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Pamies D, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1096-1107. [PMID: 24912505 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214537738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Current animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy in humans as the large majority of drugs fails in clinical trials. We have limited understanding of the function of the central nervous system and the complexity of the brain, especially during development and neuronal plasticity. Simple in vitro systems do not represent physiology and function of the brain. Moreover, the difficulty of studying interactions between human genetics and environmental factors leads to lack of knowledge about the events that induce neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems (MPS) promise to generate more complex in vitro human models that better simulate the organ's biology and function. MPS combine different cell types in a specific three-dimensional (3D) configuration to simulate organs with a concrete function. The final aim of these MPS is to combine different "organoids" to generate a human-on-a-chip, an approach that would allow studies of complex physiological organ interactions. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) gives a range of possibilities allowing cellular studies of individuals with different genetic backgrounds (e.g., human disease models). Application of iPSCs from different donors in MPS gives the opportunity to better understand mechanisms of the disease and can be a novel tool in drug development, toxicology, and medicine. In order to generate a brain-on-a-chip, we have established a 3D model from human iPSCs based on our experience with a 3D rat primary aggregating brain model. After four weeks of differentiation, human 3D aggregates stain positive for different neuronal markers and show higher gene expression of various neuronal differentiation markers compared to 2D cultures. Here we present the applications and challenges of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
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