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Versteegden LRM, de Jonge PKJD, IntHout J, van Kuppevelt TH, Oosterwijk E, Feitz WFJ, de Vries RBM, Daamen WF. Tissue Engineering of the Urethra: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Eur Urol 2017; 72:594-606. [PMID: 28385451 DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2017.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Urethra repair by tissue engineering has been extensively studied in laboratory animals and patients, but is not routinely used in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate preclinical and clinical evidence of the efficacy of tissue engineering for urethra repair in order to stimulate translation of preclinical studies to the clinic. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search strategy was applied in PubMed and EMBASE. Studies were independently screened for relevance by two reviewers, resulting in 80 preclinical and 23 clinical studies of which 63 and 13 were selected for meta-analysis to assess side effects, functionality, and study completion. Analyses for preclinical and clinical studies were performed separately. Full circumferential and inlay procedures were assessed independently. Evaluated parameters included seeding of cells and type of biomaterial. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Meta-analysis revealed that cell seeding significantly reduced the probability of encountering side effects in preclinical studies. Remarkably though, cells were only sparsely used in the clinic (4/23 studies) and showed no significant reduction of side effects. ln 21 out of 23 clinical studies, decellularized templates were used, while in preclinical studies other biomaterials showed promising outcomes as well. No direct comparison to current clinical practice could be made due to the limited number of randomized controlled studies. CONCLUSIONS Due to a lack of controlled (pre)clinical studies, the efficacy of tissue engineering for urethra repair could not be determined. Meta-analysis outcome measures were similar to current treatment options described in literature. Surprisingly, it appeared that favorable preclinical results, that is inclusion of cells, were not translated to the clinic. Improved (pre)clinical study designs may enhance clinical translation. PATIENT SUMMARY We reviewed all available literature on urethral tissue engineering to assess the efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. We show that improvements to (pre)clinical study design is required to improve clinical translation of tissue engineering technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk R M Versteegden
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul K J D de Jonge
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna IntHout
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Toin H van Kuppevelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wout F J Feitz
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob B M de Vries
- SYRCLE (SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation), Department for Health Evidence (section HTA), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke F Daamen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Effects of early-life stress on cognitive function and hippocampal structure in female rodents. Neuroscience 2017; 342:101-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Wieschowski S, Silva DS, Strech D. Animal Study Registries: Results from a Stakeholder Analysis on Potential Strengths, Weaknesses, Facilitators, and Barriers. PLoS Biol 2016; 14:e2000391. [PMID: 27832101 PMCID: PMC5104355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Publication bias in animal research, its extent, its predictors, and its potential countermeasures are increasingly discussed. Recent reports and conferences highlight the potential strengths of animal study registries (ASRs) in this regard. Others have warned that prospective registration of animal studies could diminish creativity, add administrative burdens, and complicate intellectual property issues in translational research. A literature review and 21 international key-informant interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed to develop a comprehensive matrix of main- and subcategories for potential ASR-related strengths, weaknesses, facilitators, and barriers (SWFBs). We identified 130 potential SWFBs. All stakeholder groups agreed that ASRs could in various ways improve the quality and refinement of animal studies while allowing their number to be reduced, as well as supporting meta-research on animal studies. However, all stakeholder groups also highlighted the potential for theft of ideas, higher administrative burdens, and reduced creativity and serendipity in animal studies. Much more detailed reasoning was captured in the interviews than is currently found in the literature, providing a comprehensive account of the issues and arguments around ASRs. All stakeholder groups highlighted compelling potential strengths of ASRs. Although substantial weaknesses and implementation barriers were highlighted as well, different governance measures might help to minimize or even eliminate their impact. Such measures might include confidentiality time frames for accessing prospectively registered protocols, harmonized reporting requirements across ASRs, ethics reviews, lab notebooks, and journal submissions. The comprehensive information gathered in this study could help to guide a more evidence-based debate and to design pilot tests for ASRs. The manifold contributions over the last years on “publication bias” and “reproducibility crisis” in animal research initiated a debate on whether and how prospective animal study registries (ASRs) should be established in analogy to clinical trial registries. All recent debate, however, followed rather broad lines of argumentation and concluded that future decision-making on the issue of ASRs depends strongly on better knowledge about relevant characteristics of ASRs and about conflicting stakeholder interests. More qualitative but systematically developed evidence in this regard is needed. The primary objective of this study, therefore, was to present a systematically derived spectrum of all relevant strengths, weaknesses, facilitators and barriers (SWFBs) for ASRs. A systematic literature review and 21 key-informant interviews with experts from preclinical and clinical research, industry, and regulatory bodies were conducted to fulfill this objective. Our investigations resulted in a comprehensive and structured account of 130 issues and arguments around ASRs. Future debate and decision-making on ASRs might be heavily influenced by arguments and reasoning from individual experts and thus result in “eminence-based” policy making that relies on expert opinion. This study’s comprehensive spectrum of arguments and issues around ASR, developed through systematic and transparent methods, helps to balance the ongoing debate and thus facilitate a more evidence-based policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wieschowski
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Diego S. Silva
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Daniel Strech
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Wei D, Tang K, Wang Q, Estill J, Yao L, Wang X, Chen Y, Yang K. The use of GRADE approach in systematic reviews of animal studies. J Evid Based Med 2016; 9:98-104. [PMID: 26997212 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The application of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) in systematic review (SR) of animal studies can promote the translation from bench to bedside. We aim to explore the use of GRADE in SRs of animal studies. METHODS We used a theoretical analysis method to explore the use of GRADE in SR of animal studies and applied in an SR of animal studies. Meanwhile, we presented and discussed our results in two international conferences. RESULTS Five downgrade factors were considered as follows in SRs of animal studies: (1) Risk of bias: the SYRCLE tool can be used for assessing the risk of bias of animal studies. (2) Indirectness: we can assess indirectness in SRs of animal studies from the PICO. (3) Inconsistency: similarity of point estimates, extent of overlap of confidence intervals (CIs), and statistical heterogeneity are also suitable to evaluate inconsistency of evidence from animal studies. (4) Imprecision: optimal information size and 95% CIs are also suitable for SRs of animal studies, like those of clinical trials. (5) Publication bias: we need to consider publication bias comprehensively through the qualitative and quantitative methods. CONCLUSIONS The methods about the use of GRADE in SR of animal studies are explicit. However, the principle about GRADE in developing the policy based on the evidence from animal studies when there is an emergency of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dang Wei
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Liang Yao
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
- Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Simonsen AL, Danborg PB, Gøtzsche PC. Persistent sexual dysfunction after early exposure to SSRIs: Systematic review of animal studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2016; 28:1-12. [DOI: 10.3233/jrs-160668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Li F, Zhou C, Xu L, Tao S, Zhao J, Gu Q. Effect of Stem Cell Therapy on Bone Mineral Density: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies in Animal Models of Osteoporosis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149400. [PMID: 26882451 PMCID: PMC4755606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preclinical studies of the therapeutic role of stem cell based therapy in animal models of osteoporosis have largely yielded inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to provide an overview of the currently available evidence. Methods Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant controlled studies. A random-effect model was used for pooled analysis of the effect of stem cell based therapy on bone mineral density (BMD). Stratified analyses were performed to explore the effect of study characteristics on the outcomes. Results Pooled results from 12 preclinical studies (110 animals in stem cell treatment groups, and 106 animals in control groups) indicated that stem cell based treatment was associated with significantly improved BMD (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.84–1.74, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochrane’s Q test: P = 0.02, I2 = 45%) among the constituent studies. Implantation of bone marrow cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells, were all associated with improved BMD as compared to that in the controls (P < 0.05 for all); the only exception being the use of embryonic stem cell transplantation (P > 0.05). Egger’s test detected potential publication bias (P = 0.055); however, ‘trim and fill’ analysis yielded similar results after statistically incorporating the hypothetical studies in the analysis (SMD = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.32–2.16, P < 0.001). Conclusions Stem cell transplantation may improve BMD in animal models of osteoporosis. Our meta-analysis indicates a potential therapeutic role of stem cell based therapy for osteoporosis, and serves to augment the rationale for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Bone joint surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- Department of emergency surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Bone joint surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
| | - Shuqing Tao
- Department of Bone joint surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
| | - Jingyi Zhao
- Heilongjiang academy of traditional Chinese medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
| | - Qun Gu
- Department of Bone joint surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150086, China
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Ingberg E, Dock H, Theodorsson E, Theodorsson A, Ström JO. Method parameters' impact on mortality and variability in mouse stroke experiments: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21086. [PMID: 26876353 PMCID: PMC4753409 DOI: 10.1038/srep21086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although hundreds of promising substances have been tested in clinical trials,
thrombolysis currently remains the only specific pharmacological treatment for
ischemic stroke. Poor quality, e.g. low statistical power, in the preclinical
studies has been suggested to play an important role in these failures. Therefore,
it would be attractive to use animal models optimized to minimize unnecessary
mortality and outcome variability, or at least to be able to power studies more
exactly by predicting variability and mortality given a certain experimental setup.
The possible combinations of methodological parameters are innumerous, and an
experimental comparison of them all is therefore not feasible. As an alternative
approach, we extracted data from 334 experimental mouse stroke articles and, using a
hypothesis-driven meta-analysis, investigated the method parameters’
impact on infarct size variability and mortality. The use of Swiss and C57BL6 mice
as well as permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery rendered the lowest
variability of the infarct size while the emboli methods increased variability. The
use of Swiss mice increased mortality. Our study offers guidance for researchers
striving to optimize mouse stroke models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvin Ingberg
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Hua Dock
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Elvar Theodorsson
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Annette Theodorsson
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden.,Division of Neuro and Inflammation Science, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Neurosurgery, Anaesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, Sweden
| | - Jakob O Ström
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics, Region Östergötland, Sweden.,Vårdvetenskapligt Forskningscentrum/Centre for Health Sciences, Örebro University Hospital, County Council of Örebro, Örebro, Sweden.,School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Sheng C, Peng W, Xia ZA, Wang Y, Chen Z, Su N, Wang Z. The impact of ginsenosides on cognitive deficits in experimental animal studies of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:386. [PMID: 26497388 PMCID: PMC4619356 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0894-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background The efficacy of ginsenoside treatment on cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has yet to be investigated. In this protocal, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of ginsenosides on cognitive deficits in experimental rodent AD models. Methods We identified eligible studies by searching seven electronic databases spanning from January 1980 to October 2014. We assessed the study quality, evaluated the efficacy of ginsenoside treatment, and performed a stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis to assess the influence of the study design on ginsenoside efficacy. Results Twelve studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria from a total of 283 publications. The overall methodological quality of these studies was poor. The meta-analysis revealed that ginsenosides have a statistically significant positive effect on cognitive performance in experimental AD models. The stratified analysis revealed that ginsenoside Rg1 had the greatest effect on acquisition and retention memory in AD models. The effect size was significantly higher for both acquisition and retention memory in studies that used female animals compared with male animals. Conclusions We conclude that ginsenosides might reduce cognitive deficits in AD models. However, additional well-designed and well-reported animal studies are needed to inform further clinical investigations.
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de Vries RBM, Wever KE, Avey MT, Stephens ML, Sena ES, Leenaars M. The usefulness of systematic reviews of animal experiments for the design of preclinical and clinical studies. ILAR J 2015; 55:427-37. [PMID: 25541545 PMCID: PMC4276599 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilu043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The question of how animal studies should be designed, conducted, and analyzed remains underexposed in societal debates on animal experimentation. This is not only a scientific but also a moral question. After all, if animal experiments are not appropriately designed, conducted, and analyzed, the results produced are unlikely to be reliable and the animals have in effect been wasted. In this article, we focus on one particular method to address this moral question, namely systematic reviews of previously performed animal experiments. We discuss how the design, conduct, and analysis of future (animal and human) experiments may be optimized through such systematic reviews. In particular, we illustrate how these reviews can help improve the methodological quality of animal experiments, make the choice of an animal model and the translation of animal data to the clinic more evidence-based, and implement the 3Rs. Moreover, we discuss which measures are being taken and which need to be taken in the future to ensure that systematic reviews will actually contribute to optimizing experimental design and thereby to meeting a necessary condition for making the use of animals in these experiments justified.
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Green SB. Can animal data translate to innovations necessary for a new era of patient-centred and individualised healthcare? Bias in preclinical animal research. BMC Med Ethics 2015. [PMID: 26215508 PMCID: PMC4517563 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-015-0043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The public and healthcare workers have a high expectation of animal research which they perceive as necessary to predict the safety and efficacy of drugs before testing in clinical trials. However, the expectation is not always realised and there is evidence that the research often fails to stand up to scientific scrutiny and its 'predictive value' is either weak or absent. Discussion Problems with the use of animals as models of humans arise from a variety of biases and systemic failures including: 1) bias and poor practice in research methodology and data analysis; 2) lack of transparency in scientific assessment and regulation of the research; 3) long-term denial of weaknesses in cross-species translation; 4) profit-driven motives overriding patient interests; 5) lack of accountability of expenditure on animal research; 6) reductionist-materialism in science which tends to dictate scientific inquiry and control the direction of funding in biomedical research. Summary Bias in animal research needs to be addressed before medical research and healthcare decision-making can be more evidence-based. Research funding may be misdirected on studying 'disease mechanisms' in animals that cannot be replicated outside tightly controlled laboratory conditions, and without sufficient critical evaluation animal research may divert attention away from avenues of research that hold promise for human health. The potential for harm to patients and trial volunteers from reliance on biased animal data1 requires measures to improve its conduct, regulation and analysis. This article draws attention to a few of the many forms of bias in animal research that have come to light in the last decade and offers a strategy incorporating ten recommendations stated at the end of each section on bias. The proposals need development through open debate and subsequent rigorous implementation so that reviewers may determine the value of animal research to human health. The 10Rs + are protected by a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License and therefore may be 'shared, remixed or built on, even commercially, so long as attributed by giving appropriate credit with a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made.’ Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12910-015-0043-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Anglemyer AT, Krauth D, Bero L. Industry sponsorship and publication bias among animal studies evaluating the effects of statins on atherosclerosis and bone outcomes: a meta-analysis. BMC Med Res Methodol 2015; 15:12. [PMID: 25880564 PMCID: PMC4353470 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-015-0008-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The effect that sponsorship has on publication rates or overall effect estimates in animal studies is unclear, though methodological biases are prevalent in animal studies of statins and there may be differences in efficacy estimates between industry and non-industry sponsored studies. In the present analysis, we evaluated the impact of funding source on publication bias in animal studies estimating the effect of statins on atherosclerosis and bone outcomes. Methods We conducted two independent systematic reviews and meta-analyses identifying animal studies evaluating the effect of statins on reducing the risk of atherosclerosis outcomes (n = 49) and increasing the likelihood of beneficial bone outcomes (n = 45). After stratifying the included studies within each systematic review by funding source, three separate analyses were employed to assess publication bias in these meta-analyses—funnel plots, Egger’s Linear Regression, and the Trim and Fill methods. Results We found potential evidence of publication bias, primarily in non-industry sponsored studies. In all 3 assessments of publication bias, we found evidence of publication bias in non-industry sponsored studies, while in industry-sponsored studies publication bias was not evident in funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests. We also found that inadequate reporting of sponsorship in animal studies is still exceedingly common. Conclusions In meta-analyses assessing the effects of statins on atherosclerosis and bone outcomes in animal studies, we found evidence of publication bias, though small numbers of industry-sponsored studies limit the interpretation of the trim-and-fill results. This publication bias is more prominent in non-industry sponsored studies. Industry and non-industry funded researchers may have different incentives for publication. Industry may have a financial interest to publish all preclinical animal studies to maximize the success of subsequent trials in humans, whereas non-industry funded academics may prefer to publish high impact statistically significant results only. Differences in previously published effect estimates between industry- and non-industry sponsored animal studies may be partially explained by publication bias. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12874-015-0008-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Anglemyer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, 50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - David Krauth
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, 50 Beale Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Lisa Bero
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Sydney, Australia.
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de Vries RBM, Hooijmans CR, Langendam MW, van Luijk J, Leenaars M, Ritskes-Hoitinga M, Wever KE. A protocol format for the preparation, registration and publication of systematic reviews of animal intervention studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ebm2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rob B. M. de Vries
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn R. Hooijmans
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Miranda W. Langendam
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics; Academic Medical Center (AMC); Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Judith van Luijk
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Marlies Leenaars
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Kimberley E. Wever
- SYRCLE, Central Animal Laboratory; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
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Mueller KF, Briel M, Strech D, Meerpohl JJ, Lang B, Motschall E, Gloy V, Lamontagne F, Bassler D. Dissemination bias in systematic reviews of animal research: a systematic review. PLoS One 2014; 9:e116016. [PMID: 25541734 PMCID: PMC4277453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews of preclinical studies, in vivo animal experiments in particular, can influence clinical research and thus even clinical care. Dissemination bias, selective dissemination of positive or significant results, is one of the major threats to validity in systematic reviews also in the realm of animal studies. We conducted a systematic review to determine the number of published systematic reviews of animal studies until present, to investigate their methodological features especially with respect to assessment of dissemination bias, and to investigate the citation of preclinical systematic reviews on clinical research. METHODS Eligible studies for this systematic review constitute systematic reviews that summarize in vivo animal experiments whose results could be interpreted as applicable to clinical care. We systematically searched Ovid Medline, Embase, ToxNet, and ScienceDirect from 1st January 2009 to 9th January 2013 for eligible systematic reviews without language restrictions. Furthermore we included articles from two previous systematic reviews by Peters et al. and Korevaar et al. RESULTS The literature search and screening process resulted in 512 included full text articles. We found an increasing number of published preclinical systematic reviews over time. The methodological quality of preclinical systematic reviews was low. The majority of preclinical systematic reviews did not assess methodological quality of the included studies (71%), nor did they assess heterogeneity (81%) or dissemination bias (87%). Statistics quantifying the importance of clinical research citing systematic reviews of animal studies showed that clinical studies referred to the preclinical research mainly to justify their study or a future study (76%). DISCUSSION Preclinical systematic reviews may have an influence on clinical research but their methodological quality frequently remains low. Therefore, systematic reviews of animal research should be critically appraised before translating them to a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F. Mueller
- Center for Pediatric Clinical Studies, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Briel
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Daniel Strech
- CELLS – Center for Ethics and Law in Life Sciences, University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joerg J. Meerpohl
- German Cochrane Centre, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Britta Lang
- German Cochrane Centre, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edith Motschall
- Center for Medical Biometry and Medical Informatics, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria Gloy
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francois Lamontagne
- Clinical Research Centre Clinique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Dirk Bassler
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zuerich, Zuerich, Switzerland
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Onishi A, Furukawa TA. Publication bias is underreported in systematic reviews published in high-impact-factor journals: metaepidemiologic study. J Clin Epidemiol 2014; 67:1320-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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[Animal experimentation and progress in medicine]. Med Clin (Barc) 2014; 143:448-54. [PMID: 24854194 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2014.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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66
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Everitt JI. The Future of Preclinical Animal Models in Pharmaceutical Discovery and Development. Toxicol Pathol 2014; 43:70-7. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623314555162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Animal models have provided an important tool to help make the decision to take potential therapies from preclinical studies to humans. In the past several years, the strong reliance of the pharmaceutical discovery and development process on the use of animal models has come under increasing scrutiny for ethical and scientific reasons. Several prominent and widely publicized articles have reported limited concordance of animal experiments with subsequent human clinical trials. Recent assessments of the quality of animal studies have suggested that this translational failure may be due in part to shortcomings in the planning, conduct, and reporting of in vivo studies. This article will emphasize methods to assure best practice rigor in animal study methods and reporting. It will introduce the so-called scientific 3Rs of relevance, robustness, and reproducibility to the in vivo study approach and will review important new trends in the animal research and pharmaceutical discovery and development communities.
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Ritskes‐Hoitinga M, Leenaars M, Avey M, Rovers M, Scholten R. Systematic reviews of preclinical animal studies can make significant contributions to health care and more transparent translational medicine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:ED000078. [PMID: 24719910 PMCID: PMC10845857 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.ed000078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc Avey
- Ottawa Hospital Research InstituteCanada
| | - Maroeska Rovers
- Radboud University Medical CenterDepartment for Health EvidenceNijmegenthe Netherlands
| | - Rob Scholten
- University Medical Center UtrechtDutch Cochrane Centrethe Netherlands
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van Luijk J, Bakker B, Rovers MM, Ritskes-Hoitinga M, de Vries RBM, Leenaars M. Systematic reviews of animal studies; missing link in translational research? PLoS One 2014; 9:e89981. [PMID: 24670965 PMCID: PMC3966727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The methodological quality of animal studies is an important factor hampering the translation of results from animal studies to a clinical setting. Systematic reviews of animal studies may provide a suitable method to assess and thereby improve their methodological quality. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were: 1) to evaluate the risk of bias assessment in animal-based systematic reviews, and 2) to study the internal validity of the primary animal studies included in these systematic reviews. DATA SOURCES We systematically searched Pubmed and Embase for SRs of preclinical animal studies published between 2005 and 2012. RESULTS A total of 91 systematic reviews met our inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed in 48 (52.7%) of these 91 systematic reviews. Thirty-three (36.3%) SRs provided sufficient information to evaluate the internal validity of the included studies. Of the evaluated primary studies, 24.6% was randomized, 14.6% reported blinding of the investigator/caretaker, 23.9% blinded the outcome assessment, and 23.1% reported drop-outs. CONCLUSIONS To improve the translation of animal data to clinical practice, systematic reviews of animal studies are worthwhile, but the internal validity of primary animal studies needs to be improved. Furthermore, risk of bias should be assessed by systematic reviews of animal studies to provide insight into the reliability of the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith van Luijk
- SYRCLE - Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Brenda Bakker
- SYRCLE - Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maroeska M Rovers
- Departments for Health Evidence and Operating rooms, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE - Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rob B M de Vries
- SYRCLE - Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies Leenaars
- SYRCLE - Central Animal Laboratory, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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El Sayed Abd El-Aal W. Ethical Issues for Animal Use in Toxicological Research in Africa. TOXICOLOGICAL SURVEY OF AFRICAN MEDICINAL PLANTS 2014:17-41. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800018-2.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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Briel M, Müller KF, Meerpohl JJ, von Elm E, Lang B, Motschall E, Gloy V, Lamontagne F, Schwarzer G, Bassler D. Publication bias in animal research: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2013; 2:23. [PMID: 23621910 PMCID: PMC3651300 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-2-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of pre-clinical studies, in vivo animal experiments in particular, can influence clinical care. Publication bias is one of the major threats of validity in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Previous empirical studies suggested that systematic reviews and meta-analyses have become more prevalent until 2010 and found evidence for compromised methodological rigor with a trend towards improvement. We aim to comprehensively summarize and update the evidence base on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies, their methodological quality and assessment of publication bias in particular. METHODS/DESIGN The objectives of this systematic review are as follows: •To investigate the epidemiology of published systematic reviews of animal studies until present. •To examine methodological features of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies with special attention to the assessment of publication bias. •To investigate the influence of systematic reviews of animal studies on clinical research by examining citations of the systematic reviews by clinical studies. Eligible studies for this systematic review constitute systematic reviews and meta-analyses that summarize in vivo animal experiments with the purpose of reviewing animal evidence to inform human health. We will exclude genome-wide association studies and animal experiments with the main purpose to learn more about fundamental biology, physical functioning or behavior. In addition to the inclusion of systematic reviews and meta-analyses identified by other empirical studies, we will systematically search Ovid Medline, Embase, ToxNet, and ScienceDirect from 2009 to January 2013 for further eligible studies without language restrictions. Two reviewers working independently will assess titles, abstracts, and full texts for eligibility and extract relevant data from included studies. Data reporting will involve a descriptive summary of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. DISCUSSION Results are expected to be publicly available later in 2013 and may form the basis for recommendations to improve the quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of animal studies and their use with respect to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Briel
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Papageorgiou SN, Papadopoulos MA, Athanasiou AE. Reporting characteristics of meta-analyses in orthodontics: methodological assessment and statistical recommendations. Eur J Orthod 2013; 36:74-85. [DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
Carlijn Hooijmans and colleagues discuss developments that might improve the quality and translation of animal research, focusing on the importance of systematic reviews, the role of an international register of animal studies, and cooperation across the scientific community. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary
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Publication bias in laboratory animal research: a survey on magnitude, drivers, consequences and potential solutions. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43404. [PMID: 22957028 PMCID: PMC3434185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Publication bias jeopardizes evidence-based medicine, mainly through biased literature syntheses. Publication bias may also affect laboratory animal research, but evidence is scarce. Objectives To assess the opinion of laboratory animal researchers on the magnitude, drivers, consequences and potential solutions for publication bias. And to explore the impact of size of the animals used, seniority of the respondent, working in a for-profit organization and type of research (fundamental, pre-clinical, or both) on those opinions. Design Internet-based survey. Setting All animal laboratories in The Netherlands. Participants Laboratory animal researchers. Main Outcome Measure(s) Median (interquartile ranges) strengths of beliefs on 5 and 10-point scales (1: totally unimportant to 5 or 10: extremely important). Results Overall, 454 researchers participated. They considered publication bias a problem in animal research (7 (5 to 8)) and thought that about 50% (32–70) of animal experiments are published. Employees (n = 21) of for-profit organizations estimated that 10% (5 to 50) are published. Lack of statistical significance (4 (4 to 5)), technical problems (4 (3 to 4)), supervisors (4 (3 to 5)) and peer reviewers (4 (3 to 5)) were considered important reasons for non-publication (all on 5-point scales). Respondents thought that mandatory publication of study protocols and results, or the reasons why no results were obtained, may increase scientific progress but expected increased bureaucracy. These opinions did not depend on size of the animal used, seniority of the respondent or type of research. Conclusions Non-publication of “negative” results appears to be prevalent in laboratory animal research. If statistical significance is indeed a main driver of publication, the collective literature on animal experimentation will be biased. This will impede the performance of valid literature syntheses. Effective, yet efficient systems should be explored to counteract selective reporting of laboratory animal research.
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