1
|
Pagani E, Ropke CD, Soares CM, Perez SAC, Benevides PJC, Barbosa BS, Carvalho ACB, Behrens MD. Technology Readiness Level Roadmap for Developing Innovative Herbal Medicinal Products. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:703. [PMID: 38931370 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the vast global botanical diversity, the pharmaceutical development of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) remains underexploited. Of over 370,000 described plant species, only a few hundred are utilized in HMPs. Most of these have originated from traditional use, and only a minority come from megadiverse countries. Exploiting the pharmacological synergies of the hundreds of compounds found in poorly studied plant species may unlock new therapeutic possibilities, enhance megadiverse countries' scientific and socio-economic development, and help conserve biodiversity. However, extensive constraints in the development process of HMPs pose significant barriers to transforming this unsatisfactory socio-economic landscape. This paper proposes a roadmap to overcome these challenges, based on the technology readiness levels (TRLs) introduced by NASA to assess the maturity of technologies. It aims to assist research entities, manufacturers, and funding agencies from megadiverse countries in the discovery, development, and global market authorization of innovative HMPs that comply with regulatory standards from ANVISA, EMA, and FDA, as well as WHO and ICH guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Pagani
- Medical Department, Azidus Brasil, Valinhos 13271-130, SP, Brazil
- Centroflora Group, Innovation Department, Campinas 06460-040, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Cristiane Mota Soares
- Project Management Office, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra Aurora Chavez Perez
- Project Management Office, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ana Cecilia Bezerra Carvalho
- GMESP, Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Brasília 71205-050, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria Dutra Behrens
- Natural Products Department, Vice Direction of Education, Research and Innovation, Institute of Drug Technology Farmanguinhos, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laman JD. Cutting edge technologies in chronic inflammation research. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31 Suppl 1:17-21. [PMID: 36059185 PMCID: PMC9539701 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This concise review provides the broad background and selection from the literature for a Keynote lecture at EHSF 2022 on state of the art technologies in inflammation research, with an emphasis on disease of the skin and the nervous system. The value of ex vivo skin explant models is discussed, as well as the innovative use of animal models, wherein the crucial roles of antigen experience and "wild" microbiota are emphasized. Spectral flow cytometry allowing large surface marker panels to be explored is touched upon, as well as multiplex technology for cytokines and other analytes important for inflammation and tissue damage. Single-cell sequencing and in situ transcriptomics (spatial profiling) now provide exciting granular information on functional cell subsets, interactions and plasticity. A selection of novel research and diagnostic tools for antibodies against linear peptides or gangliosides is presented. Finally, the review discusses a new anti-inflammatory strategy against skin inflammation with a panel of protease inhibitors derived from the protein fraction of industrial starch potatoes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon D Laman
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SHAM SURGERY ON PHAGOCYTE FUNCTIONS IN RATS. BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2022. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech15.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of inflammatory disorders, including those of the nervous system are commonly used to explore the pathophysiological role of immune cell response in disease triggering and course and to develop biotechnology products for therapeutic use. Modeling some of these disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, implies surgical manipulations for the intracerebral introduction of disease-initiating substances (toxins, amyloids etc.). Design of these experiments involves the use of sham-operated animals as a control of non-specific intrinsic side-effects elicited by surgical manipulations per se, including local and systemic inflammation, where phagocytic cells are key participants. Short-term post-surgical immunomodulatory effects are widely reported. However, no study thus far has examined the long term effects of sham-surgery on phagocyte functions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of sham-surgery, commonly used for modeling neurodegenerative diseases, on phagocyte functions in the far terms after the surgical manipulations. Materials and Methods. Adult male Wistar rats were used in the study. Sham surgery consisted of stereotactic unilateral injection of saline solution into the median forebrain bundle (sham-operated 1, SO1) or directly into the substantia nigra (sham-operated 2, SO2). Before the placebo surgery, animals were anaesthetized using nembutal and ketamine/xylazine correspondingly. Functional characteristics (phagocytic activity, oxidative metabolism, CD80/86 and CD206 expression) of phagocytes (microglia, peritoneal macrophages, circulating monocytes and granulocytes) were examined by flow cytometry. Differential leukocyte count was conducted using hematological analyzer. Results. Phagocytes from animals underwent of different protocols of placebo surgery, demonstrated various patterns of functional changes on day 29 after the manipulations. In animals from SO1 group, we observed signs of residual neuroinflammation (pro-inflammatory shift of microglia functional profile) along with ongoing resolution of systemic inflammation (anti-inflammatory metabolic shift of circulating phagocytes and peritoneal macrophages). In rats from SO2 group, pro-inflammatory polarized activation of peritoneal phagocytes was registered along with anti-inflammatory shift in microglia and circulating phagocytes. Conclusions. Sham surgery influences functions of phagocytic cells of different locations even in the far terms after the manipulations. These effects can be considered as combined long-term consequences of surgical brain injury and the use of anesthetics. Our observations evidences, that sham associated non-specific immunomodulatory effects should always be taken into consideration in animal models of inflammatory central nervous system diseases.
Collapse
|
4
|
Vogsen M, Jensen JD, Gerke O, Jylling AMB, Asmussen JT, Christensen IY, Braad PE, Thye-Rønn P, Søe KL, Ewertz M, Hildebrandt MG. Benefits and harms of implementing [ 18F]FDG-PET/CT for diagnosing recurrent breast cancer: a prospective clinical study. EJNMMI Res 2021; 11:93. [PMID: 34553294 PMCID: PMC8458550 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-021-00833-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) has been implemented sporadically in hospital settings as the standard of care examination for recurrent breast cancer. We aimed to explore the clinical impact of implementing [18F]FDG-PET/CT for patients with clinically suspected recurrent breast cancer and validate the diagnostic accuracy. Methods Women with suspected distant recurrent breast cancer were prospectively enrolled in the study between September 2017 and August 2019. [18F]FDG-PET/CT was performed, and the appearance of incidental benign and malignant findings was registered. Additional examinations, complications, and the final diagnosis were registered to reflect the clinical consequence of such findings. The diagnostic accuracy of [18F]FDG-PET/CT as a stand-alone examination was analyzed. Biopsy and follow-up were used as a reference standard.
Results [18F]FDG-PET/CT reported breast cancer metastases in 72 of 225 women (32.0%), and metastases were verified by biopsy in 52 (52/225, 23.1%). Prior probability and posterior probability of a positive test for suspected metastatic cancer and incidental malignancies were 27%/85% and 4%/20%, respectively. Suspected malignant incidental findings were reported in 46 patients (46/225, 20.4%), leading to further examinations and final detection of nine synchronous cancers (9/225, 4.0%). These cancers originated from the lung, thyroid, skin, pancreas, peritoneum, breast, kidney, one was malignant melanoma, and one was hematological cancer. False-positive incidental malignant findings were examined in 37/225 patients (16.4%), mainly in the colon (n = 12) and thyroid gland (n = 12). Ten incidental findings suspicious for benign disease were suggested by [18F]FDG-PET/CT, and further examinations resulted in the detection of three benign conditions requiring treatment. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC-ROC for diagnosing distant metastases were 1.00 (0.93–1.0), 0.88 (0.82–0.92), and 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), respectively. Conclusion [18F]FDG-PET/CT provided a high posterior probability of positive test, and a negative test was able to rule out distant metastases in women with clinically suspected recurrent breast cancer. One-fifth of patients examined for incidental findings detected on [18F]FDG-PET/CT were diagnosed with clinically relevant conditions. Further examinations of false-positive incidental findings in one of six women should be weighed against the high accuracy for diagnosing metastatic breast cancer. Trial registration Clinical.Trials.gov. NCT03358589. Registered 30 November 2017—Retrospectively registered, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13550-021-00833-3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Vogsen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,OPEN, Odense Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. .,Center for Personalized Response Monitoring in Oncology (PREMIO), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | - Oke Gerke
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Bak Jylling
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jon Thor Asmussen
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Poul-Erik Braad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Thye-Rønn
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Diagnostic Center, Department of Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Svendborg, Denmark
| | | | - Marianne Ewertz
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Malene Grubbe Hildebrandt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Center for Personalized Response Monitoring in Oncology (PREMIO), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
ABSTRACT The ARRIVE (Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) guidelines were endorsed by the Shock Society in 2012, but to date there has been no systematic evaluation of research reporting quality for Shock. We systematically assessed 100 randomly selected animal-based research articles published between 2014 and 2018 for reporting quality and statistical practice, compared with 40 pre-ARRIVE studies. More than half of surveyed papers omitted verifiable ethical oversight information and basic animal descriptive information. Few papers reported best-practice methods, such as sample size justification (10%), randomization (43%), randomization method (7%), blinding (23%). Only one paper reported effect sizes to interpret study results. Most troubling was inadequate reporting of welfare-related information (anesthesia, analgesia, humane endpoints, euthanasia). Almost a decade after ARRIVE endorsement, our findings show that reporting deficiencies have persisted with little sign of correction. There is a clear need for investigators to increase transparency of research methods reporting, and drastically improve skills in experimental design. Improvement in standards and greater attention paid to reporting will lead to improvement in reproducibility, replicability, and research quality. It is incumbent upon the research community to improve reporting practices; accurate and transparent reporting is integral to producing rigorous and ethical science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penny S Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology, Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dommisch H, Stolte KN, Jager J, Vogel K, Müller R, Hedtrich S, Unbehauen M, Haag R, Danker K. Characterization of an ester-based core-multishell (CMS) nanocarrier for the topical application at the oral mucosa. Clin Oral Investig 2021; 25:5795-5805. [PMID: 33821321 PMCID: PMC8443517 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-021-03884-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Topical drug administration is commonly applied to control oral inflammation. However, it requires sufficient drug adherence and a high degree of bioavailability. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether an ester-based core-multishell (CMS) nanocarrier is a suitable nontoxic drug-delivery system that penetrates efficiently to oral mucosal tissues, and thereby, increase the bioavailability of topically applied drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS To evaluate adhesion and penetration, the fluorescence-labeled CMS 10-E-15-350 nanocarrier was applied to ex vivo porcine masticatory and lining mucosa in a Franz cell diffusion assay and to an in vitro 3D model. In gingival epithelial cells, potential cytotoxicity and proliferative effects of the nanocarrier were determined by MTT and sulphorhodamine B assays, respectively. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured in presence and absence of CMS 10-E-15-350 using an Endohm-12 chamber and a volt-ohm-meter. Cellular nanocarrier uptake was analyzed by laser scanning microscopy. Inflammatory responses were determined by monitoring pro-inflammatory cytokines using real-time PCR and ELISA. RESULTS CMS nanocarrier adhered to mucosal tissues within 5 min in an in vitro model and in ex vivo porcine tissues. The CMS nanocarrier exhibited no cytotoxic effects and induced no inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the physical barrier expressed by the TEER remained unaffected by the nanocarrier. CONCLUSIONS CMS 10-E-15-350 adhered to the oral mucosa and adhesion increased over time which is a prerequisite for an efficient drug release. Since TEER is unaffected, CMS nanocarrier may enter the oral mucosa transcellularly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Nanocarrier technology is a novel and innovative approach for efficient topical drug delivery at the oral mucosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Dommisch
- Department of Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 14197, Berlin, Germany. .,Department of Periodontology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - K N Stolte
- Department of Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Jager
- Institute for Biochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Vogel
- Department of Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Müller
- Department of Periodontology, Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Hedtrich
- Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - M Unbehauen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Haag
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Danker
- Institute for Biochemistry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Complete Freund's adjuvant-free experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Dark Agouti rats is a valuable tool for multiple sclerosis studies. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 354:577547. [PMID: 33765502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is classically induced with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The immune response against CFA has a confounding influence on the translational capacity of EAE as a multiple sclerosis model. Here, we compare clinical, cellular and molecular properties between syngeneic spinal cord homogenate (SCH)- and SCH + CFA-immunized Dark Agouti rats. EAE signs were observed earlier and the cumulative clinical score was higher without CFA. Also, a higher number of immune cells infiltrates in the spinal cords was noticed at the peak of EAE without CFA. High spinal cord abundance of CD8+CD11bc+MHC class II+ cells was detected in SCH-immunized rats. Myelin basic protein -specific response can be elicited in the cells from the lymph nodes draining the site of SCH immunization. This CFA-free EAE is a reliable multiple sclerosis model.
Collapse
|
8
|
Can Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Be a Good Model for the Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Diet in Humans? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9010036. [PMID: 33466327 PMCID: PMC7824757 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Subclinical, low-grade, inflammation is one of the main pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the majority of chronic and non-communicable diseases. Several methodological approaches have been applied for the assessment of the anti-inflammatory properties of nutrition, however, their impact in human body remains uncertain, because of the fact that the majority of the studies reporting anti-inflammatory effect of dietary patterns, have been performed under laboratory settings and/or in animal models. Thus, the extrapolation of these results to humans is risky. It is therefore obvious that the development of an inflammatory model in humans, by which we could induce inflammatory responses to humans in a regulated, specific, and non-harmful way, could greatly facilitate the estimation of the anti-inflammatory properties of diet in a more physiological way and mechanistically relevant way. We believe that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) could serve as such a model, either in studies investigating the homeostatic responses of individuals under inflammatory stimuli or for the estimation of the anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory potential of dietary patterns, foods, supplements, nutrients, or phytochemicals. Thus, in this review we discuss the possibility of exercise-induced muscle damage being an inflammation model suitable for the assessment of the anti-inflammatory properties of diet in humans.
Collapse
|
9
|
Disorganization of chondrocyte columns in the growth plate does not aggravate experimental osteoarthritis in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10745. [PMID: 32612184 PMCID: PMC7329885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial joint disease mainly affecting articular cartilage (AC) with a relevant biomechanical component. During endochondral ossification growth plate (GP) chondrocytes arrange in columns. GPs do not ossify in skeletally mature rodents. In neonatal mice, an altered joint loading induces GP chondrocyte disorganization. We aimed to study whether experimental OA involves GP disorganization in adult mice and to assess if it may have additional detrimental effects on AC damage. Knee OA was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in wild-type (WT) adult mice, and in Tamoxifen-inducible Ellis-van-Creveld syndrome protein (Evc) knockouts (EvccKO), used as a model of GP disorganization due to Hedgehog signalling disruption. Chondrocyte column arrangement was assessed in the tibial GP and expressed as Column Index (CI). Both DMM-operated WT mice and non-operated-EvccKO showed a decreased CI, indicating GP chondrocyte column disarrangement, although in the latter, it was not associated to AC damage. The most severe GP chondrocyte disorganization occurred in DMM-EvccKO mice, in comparison to the other groups. However, this altered GP structure in DMM-EvccKO mice did not exacerbate AC damage. Further studies are needed to confirm the lack of interference of GP alterations on the analysis of AC employing OA mice.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bie P, Debrabant B. Gonadal sex and animal experimentation: Perfection vs. 3R principle? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 127:111-119. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bie
- Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute of Molecular Medicine University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark
| | - Birgit Debrabant
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography Department of Public Health University of Southern Denmark Odense Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meyerholz DK, Beck AP. Fundamental Concepts for Semiquantitative Tissue Scoring in Translational Research. ILAR J 2019; 59:13-17. [PMID: 30715381 PMCID: PMC6927897 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Failure to reproduce results from some scientific studies has raised awareness of the critical need for reproducibility in translational studies. Macroscopic and microscopic examination is a common approach to determine changes in tissues, but text descriptions and visual images have limitations for group comparisons. Semiquantitative scoring is a way of transforming qualitative tissue data into numerical data that allow more robust group comparisons. Semiquantitative scoring has broad uses in preclinical and clinical studies for evaluation of tissue lesions. Reproducibility can be improved by constraining bias through appropriate experimental design, randomization of tissues, effective use of multidisciplinary collaborations, and valid masking procedures. Scoring can be applied to tissue lesions (eg, size, distribution, characteristics) and also to tissues through evaluation of staining distribution and intensity. Semiquantitative scores should be validated to demonstrate relevance to biological data and to demonstrate observer reproducibility. Statistical analysis should make use of appropriate tests to give robust confidence in the results and interpretations. Following key principles of semiquantitative scoring will not only enhance descriptive tissue evaluation but also improve quality, reproducibility, and rigor of tissue studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dickson RP, Erb-Downward JR, Falkowski NR, Hunter EM, Ashley SL, Huffnagle GB. The Lung Microbiota of Healthy Mice Are Highly Variable, Cluster by Environment, and Reflect Variation in Baseline Lung Innate Immunity. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019. [PMID: 29533677 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201711-2180oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The "gut-lung axis" is commonly invoked to explain the microbiome's influence on lung inflammation. Yet the lungs harbor their own microbiome, which is altered in respiratory disease. The relative influence of gut and lung bacteria on lung inflammation is unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine whether baseline lung immune tone reflects local (lung-lung) or remote (gut-lung) microbe-host interactions. METHODS We compared lung, tongue, and cecal bacteria in 40 healthy, genetically identical, 10-week-old mice, using 16S ribosomal RNA gene quantification and sequencing. We measured inflammatory cytokines, using a multiplex assay of homogenized lung tissue. We compared lung bacteria in healthy mice treated with varied durations of systemic antibiotics. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Lung bacterial communities are highly variable among mice, cluster strongly by cage, shipment, and vendor, and are altered by antibiotics in a microbiologically predictable manner. Baseline lung concentrations of two key inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and IL-4) are correlated with the diversity and community composition of lung bacterial communities. Lung concentrations of these inflammatory cytokines correlate more strongly with variation in lung bacterial communities than with that of the gut or mouth. CONCLUSIONS In the lungs of healthy mice, baseline innate immune tone more strongly reflects local (lung-lung) microbe-host interactions than remote (gut-lung) microbe-host interactions. Our results independently confirm the existence and immunologic significance of the murine lung microbiome, even in health. Variation in lung microbiota is likely an important, underappreciated source of experimental and clinical variability. The lung microbiome is an unexplored therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Dickson
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and.,2 Michigan Center for Integrative Research in Critical Care, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - John R Erb-Downward
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and
| | - Nicole R Falkowski
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and
| | - Ellen M Hunter
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and
| | - Shanna L Ashley
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and
| | - Gary B Huffnagle
- 1 Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and.,3 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,4 Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and.,5 Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
't Hart BA. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the common marmoset: a translationally relevant model for the cause and course of multiple sclerosis. Primate Biol 2019; 6:17-58. [PMID: 32110715 PMCID: PMC7041540 DOI: 10.5194/pb-6-17-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging Western societies are facing an increasing prevalence of chronic
autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disorders (AIMIDs) for which treatments that are safe and effective are scarce. One of the
main reasons for this situation is the lack of animal models, which accurately replicate
clinical and pathological aspects of the human diseases. One important AIMID is the
neuroinflammatory disease multiple sclerosis (MS), for which the mouse experimental
autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model has been frequently used in preclinical
research. Despite some successes, there is a long list of experimental treatments that
have failed to reproduce promising effects observed in murine EAE models when they were
tested in the clinic. This frustrating situation indicates a wide validity gap between
mouse EAE and MS. This monography describes the development of an EAE model in nonhuman
primates, which may help to bridge the gap.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bert A 't Hart
- Department of Immunobiology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, the Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
't Hart BA, Laman JD, Kap YS. Merits and complexities of modeling multiple sclerosis in non-human primates: implications for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2018; 13:387-397. [PMID: 29465302 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2018.1443075] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The translation of scientific discoveries made in animal models into effective treatments for patients often fails, indicating that currently used disease models in preclinical research are insufficiently predictive for clinical success. An often-used model in the preclinical research of autoimmune neurological diseases, multiple sclerosis in particular, is experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Most EAE models are based on genetically susceptible inbred/SPF mouse strains used at adolescent age (10-12 weeks), which lack exposure to genetic and microbial factors which shape the human immune system. Areas covered: Herein, the authors ask whether an EAE model in adult non-human primates from an outbred conventionally-housed colony could help bridge the translational gap between rodent EAE models and MS patients. Particularly, the authors discuss a novel and translationally relevant EAE model in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) that shares remarkable pathological similarity with MS. Expert opinion: The MS-like pathology in this model is caused by the interaction of effector memory T cells with B cells infected with the γ1-herpesvirus (CalHV3), both present in the pathogen-educated marmoset immune repertoire. The authors postulate that depletion of only the small subset (<0.05%) of CalHV3-infected B cells may be sufficient to limit chronic inflammatory demyelination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bert A 't Hart
- a Department of Immunobiology , Biomedical Primate Research Centre , Rijswijk , The Netherlands.,b Department of Neuroscience , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jon D Laman
- b Department of Neuroscience , University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda S Kap
- a Department of Immunobiology , Biomedical Primate Research Centre , Rijswijk , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|