1
|
Bhuller Y, Deonandan R, Krewski D. Relevance and feasibility of principles for health and environmental risk decision-making. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024; 27:189-211. [PMID: 38743482 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2024.2338078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Globally, national regulatory authorities are both responsible and accountable for health and environmental decisions related to diverse products and risk decision contexts. These authorities provided regulatory oversight and expedited market authorizations of vaccines and other therapeutic products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulatory decisions regarding such products and situations depend upon well-established risk assessment and management steps. The underlying processes supporting such decisions were outlined in frameworks describing the complex interactions between factors including risk assessment and management steps as well as principles which help guide risk decision-making. In 2022, experts in risk science proposed a set of 10 guiding principles, further examining the intersection and utility of these principles using 10 diverse risk contexts, and inviting a broader discourse on the application of these principles in risk decision-making. To add to this information, Canadian regulatory practitioners responsible for evaluating health and environmental risks and establishing policies convened at a Health Canada workshop on Principles for Risk Decision-Making. This review reports the results derived from this interactive engagement and provides a first pragmatic analysis of the relevance, importance, and feasibility of such principles for health and environmental risk decision-making within the Canadian regulatory context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yadvinder Bhuller
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Raywat Deonandan
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sharma N, Kumar V, S V, Umesh M, Sharma P, Thazeem B, Kaur K, Thomas J, Pasrija R, Utreja D. Hazard identification of endocrine-disrupting carcinogens (EDCs) in relation to cancers in humans. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 109:104480. [PMID: 38825092 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104480] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals or carcinogens have been known for decades for their endocrine signal disruption. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a serious concern and they have been included in the top priority toxicants and persistent organic pollutants. Therefore, researchers have been working for a long time to understand their mechanisms of interaction in different human organs. Several reports are available about the carcinogen potential of these chemicals. The presented review is an endeavor to understand the hazard identification associated with endocrine disrupting carcinogens in relation to the human body. The paper discusses the major endocrine disrupting carcinogens and their potency for carcinogenesis. It discusses human exposure, route of entry, carcinogenicity and mechanisms. In addition, the paper discusses the research gaps and bottlenecks associated with the research. Moreover, it discusses the limitations associated with the analytical techniques for detection of endocrine disrupting carcinogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering (BITE) Laboratory, Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India.
| | - Vimal S
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Thandalam 602105, India
| | - Mridul Umesh
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029, India
| | - Preeti Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Basheer Thazeem
- Waste Management Division, Integrated Rural Technology Centre (IRTC), Palakkad, Kerala 678592, India
| | - Komalpreet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Institute of Agriculture, Gurdaspur, Punjab 143521, India
| | - Jithin Thomas
- Department of Biotechnology, Mar Athanasius College, Kerala, India
| | - Ritu Pasrija
- Department of Biochemistry, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Divya Utreja
- Department of Chemistry, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab 141004, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mittal K, Arini A, Basu N. Screening 800 putative endocrine disrupting chemicals in a representative mammal, bird, and fish using a neurochemical cell-free testing platform. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142562. [PMID: 38851506 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142562] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
There is global demand for novel ecotoxicity testing tools that are based on alternative to animal models, have high throughput potential, and may be applicable to a wide diversity of taxa. Here we scaled up a microplate-based cell-free neurochemical testing platform to screen 800 putative endocrine disrupting chemicals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ToxCast e1k library against the glutamate (NMDA), muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh), and dopamine (D2) receptors. Each assay was tested in cellular membranes isolated from brain tissues from a representative bird (zebra finch = Taeniopygia castanotis), mammal (mink = Neogale vison), and fish (rainbow trout = Oncorhynchus mykiss). The primary objective of this short communication was to make the results database accessible, while also summarising key attributes of assay performance and presenting some initial observations. In total, 7200 species-chemical-assay combinations were tested, of which 453 combinations were classified as a hit (radioligand binding changed by at least 3 standard deviations). There were some differences across species, and most hits were found for the D2 and NMDA receptors. The most active chemical was C.I. Solvent Yellow 14 followed by Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, Gentian Violet, SR271425, and Zamifenacin. Nine chemicals were tested across multiple plates with a mean relative standard deviation of the specific radioligand binding data being 24.6%. The results demonstrate that cell-free assays may serve as screening tools for large chemical libraries especially for ecological species not easily studied using traditional methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krittika Mittal
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adeline Arini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alexander-White C. In NAMs we trust - an innovative paradigm-shift in risk-based chemicals management for globally harmonized protection goals. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2024; 20:545-547. [PMID: 38716722 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2024.2353765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
|
5
|
Jacobs MN, Hoffmann S, Hollnagel HM, Kern P, Kolle SN, Natsch A, Landsiedel R. Avoiding a reproducibility crisis in regulatory toxicology-on the fundamental role of ring trials. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2047-2063. [PMID: 38689008 PMCID: PMC11169035 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03736-z] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The ongoing transition from chemical hazard and risk assessment based on animal studies to assessment relying mostly on non-animal data, requires a multitude of novel experimental methods, and this means that guidance on the validation and standardisation of test methods intended for international applicability and acceptance, needs to be updated. These so-called new approach methodologies (NAMs) must be applicable to the chemical regulatory domain and provide reliable data which are relevant to hazard and risk assessment. Confidence in and use of NAMs will depend on their reliability and relevance, and both are thoroughly assessed by validation. Validation is, however, a time- and resource-demanding process. As updates on validation guidance are conducted, the valuable components must be kept: Reliable data are and will remain fundamental. In 2016, the scientific community was made aware of the general crisis in scientific reproducibility-validated methods must not fall into this. In this commentary, we emphasize the central importance of ring trials in the validation of experimental methods. Ring trials are sometimes considered to be a major hold-up with little value added to the validation. Here, we clarify that ring trials are indispensable to demonstrate the robustness and reproducibility of a new method. Further, that methods do fail in method transfer and ring trials due to different stumbling blocks, but these provide learnings to ensure the robustness of new methods. At the same time, we identify what it would take to perform ring trials more efficiently, and how ring trials fit into the much-needed update to the guidance on the validation of NAMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam N Jacobs
- Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards (RCE), Department of Toxicology, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Chilton, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | | | | | - Petra Kern
- Procter & Gamble Services Company NV, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Susanne N Kolle
- BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | | | - Robert Landsiedel
- BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany.
- Free University of Berlin, Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thorne D, McHugh D, Simms L, Lee KM, Fujimoto H, Moses S, Gaca M. Applying new approach methodologies to assess next-generation tobacco and nicotine products. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1376118. [PMID: 38938663 PMCID: PMC11208635 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1376118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro toxicology research has accelerated with the use of in silico, computational approaches and human in vitro tissue systems, facilitating major improvements evaluating the safety and health risks of novel consumer products. Innovation in molecular and cellular biology has shifted testing paradigms, with less reliance on low-throughput animal data and greater use of medium- and high-throughput in vitro cellular screening approaches. These new approach methodologies (NAMs) are being implemented in other industry sectors for chemical testing, screening candidate drugs and prototype consumer products, driven by the need for reliable, human-relevant approaches. Routine toxicological methods are largely unchanged since development over 50 years ago, using high-doses and often employing in vivo testing. Several disadvantages are encountered conducting or extrapolating data from animal studies due to differences in metabolism or exposure. The last decade saw considerable advancement in the development of in vitro tools and capabilities, and the challenges of the next decade will be integrating these platforms into applied product testing and acceptance by regulatory bodies. Governmental and validation agencies have launched and applied frameworks and "roadmaps" to support agile validation and acceptance of NAMs. Next-generation tobacco and nicotine products (NGPs) have the potential to offer reduced risks to smokers compared to cigarettes. These include heated tobacco products (HTPs) that heat but do not burn tobacco; vapor products also termed electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), that heat an e-liquid to produce an inhalable aerosol; oral smokeless tobacco products (e.g., Swedish-style snus) and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches. With the increased availability of NGPs and the requirement of scientific studies to support regulatory approval, NAMs approaches can supplement the assessment of NGPs. This review explores how NAMs can be applied to assess NGPs, highlighting key considerations, including the use of appropriate in vitro model systems, deploying screening approaches for hazard identification, and the importance of test article characterization. The importance and opportunity for fit-for-purpose testing and method standardization are discussed, highlighting the value of industry and cross-industry collaborations. Supporting the development of methods that are accepted by regulatory bodies could lead to the implementation of NAMs for tobacco and nicotine NGP testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Thorne
- BAT (Investments) Ltd., Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| | - Damian McHugh
- PMI R&D Philip Morris Products S. A., Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Liam Simms
- Imperial Brands, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - K. Monica Lee
- Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | | | - Marianna Gaca
- BAT (Investments) Ltd., Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Paege N, Feustel S, Marx-Stoelting P. Toxicological evaluation of microbial secondary metabolites in the context of European active substance approval for plant protection products. Environ Health 2024; 23:52. [PMID: 38835048 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Risk assessment (RA) of microbial secondary metabolites (SM) is part of the EU approval process for microbial active substances (AS) used in plant protection products (PPP). As the number of potentially produced microbial SM may be high for a certain microbial strain and existing information on the metabolites often are low, data gaps are frequently identified during the RA. Often, RA cannot conclusively clarify the toxicological relevance of the individual substances. This work presents data and RA conclusions on four metabolites, Beauvericin, 2,3-deepoxy-2,3-didehydro-rhizoxin (DDR), Leucinostatin A and Swainsonin in detail as examples for the challenging process of RA. To overcome the problem of incomplete assessment reports, RA of microbial AS for PPP is in need of new approaches. In view of the Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA), the combination of literature data, omic-methods, in vitro and in silico methods combined in adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) can be used for an efficient and targeted identification and assessment of metabolites of concern (MoC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norman Paege
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sabrina Feustel
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Stucki AO, Sauer UG, Allen DG, Kleinstreuer NC, Perron MM, Yozzo KL, Lowit AB, Clippinger AJ. Differences in the anatomy and physiology of the human and rat respiratory tracts and impact on toxicological assessments. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 150:105648. [PMID: 38772524 PMCID: PMC11198871 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105648] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Inhalation is a critical route through which substances can exert adverse effects in humans; therefore, it is important to characterize the potential effects that inhaled substances may have on the human respiratory tract by using fit for purpose, reliable, and human relevant testing tools. In regulatory toxicology testing, rats have primarily been used to assess the effects of inhaled substances as they-being mammals-share similarities in structure and function of the respiratory tract with humans. However, questions about inter-species differences impacting the predictability of human effects have surfaced. Disparities in macroscopic anatomy, microscopic anatomy, or physiology, such as breathing mode (e.g., nose-only versus oronasal breathing), airway structure (e.g., complexity of the nasal turbinates), cell types and location within the respiratory tract, and local metabolism may impact inhalation toxicity testing results. This review shows that these key differences describe uncertainty in the use of rat data to predict human effects and supports an opportunity to harness modern toxicology tools and a detailed understanding of the human respiratory tract to develop testing approaches grounded in human biology. Ultimately, as the regulatory purpose is protecting human health, there is a need for testing approaches based on human biology and mechanisms of toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ursula G Sauer
- Scientific Consultancy - Animal Welfare, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - David G Allen
- International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS), Mount Royal, NJ, USA
| | - Nicole C Kleinstreuer
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NC, USA
| | - Monique M Perron
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Krystle L Yozzo
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anna B Lowit
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huchthausen J, Braasch J, Escher BI, König M, Henneberger L. Effects of Chemicals in Reporter Gene Bioassays with Different Metabolic Activities Compared to Baseline Toxicity. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:744-756. [PMID: 38652132 PMCID: PMC11110108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
High-throughput cell-based bioassays are used for chemical screening and risk assessment. Chemical transformation processes caused by abiotic degradation or metabolization can reduce the chemical concentration or, in some cases, lead to the formation of more toxic transformation products. Unaccounted loss processes may falsify the bioassay results. Capturing the formation and effects of transformation products is important for relating the in vitro effects to in vivo. Reporter gene cell lines are believed to have low metabolic activity, but inducibility of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes has been reported. Baseline toxicity is the minimal toxicity a chemical can have and is caused by the incorporation of the chemical into cell membranes. In the present study, we improved an existing baseline toxicity model based on a newly defined critical membrane burden derived from freely dissolved effect concentrations, which are directly related to the membrane concentration. Experimental effect concentrations of 94 chemicals in three bioassays (AREc32, ARE-bla and GR-bla) were compared with baseline toxicity by calculating the toxic ratio (TR). CYP activities of all cell lines were determined by using fluorescence-based assays. Only ARE-bla showed a low basal CYP activity and inducibility and AREc32 showed a low inducibility. Overall cytotoxicity was similar in all three assays despite the different metabolic activities indicating that chemical metabolism is not relevant for the cytotoxicity of the tested chemicals in these assays. Up to 28 chemicals showed specific cytotoxicity with TR > 10 in the bioassays, but baseline toxicity could explain the effects of the majority of the remaining chemicals. Seven chemicals showed TR < 0.1 indicating inaccurate physicochemical properties or experimental artifacts like chemical precipitation, volatilization, degradation, or other loss processes during the in vitro bioassay. The new baseline model can be used not only to identify specific cytotoxicity mechanisms but also to identify potential problems in the experimental performance or evaluation of the bioassay and thus improve the quality of the bioassay data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Huchthausen
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jenny Braasch
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luise Henneberger
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for
Environmental Research − UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lemmens M, Dorsheimer L, Zeller A, Dietz-Baum Y. Non-clinical safety assessment of novel drug modalities: Genome safety perspectives on viral-, nuclease- and nucleotide-based gene therapies. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503767. [PMID: 38821669 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503767] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapies have emerged as promising treatments for various conditions including inherited diseases as well as cancer. Ensuring their safe clinical application requires the development of appropriate safety testing strategies. Several guidelines have been provided by health authorities to address these concerns. These guidelines state that non-clinical testing should be carried out on a case-by-case basis depending on the modality. This review focuses on the genome safety assessment of frequently used gene therapy modalities, namely Adeno Associated Viruses (AAVs), Lentiviruses, designer nucleases and mRNAs. Important safety considerations for these modalities, amongst others, are vector integrations into the patient genome (insertional mutagenesis) and off-target editing. Taking into account the constraints of in vivo studies, health authorities endorse the development of novel approach methodologies (NAMs), which are innovative in vitro strategies for genotoxicity testing. This review provides an overview of NAMs applied to viral and CRISPR/Cas9 safety, including next generation sequencing-based methods for integration site analysis and off-target editing. Additionally, NAMs to evaluate the oncogenicity risk arising from unwanted genomic modifications are discussed. Thus, a range of promising techniques are available to support the safe development of gene therapies. Thorough validation, comparisons and correlations with clinical outcomes are essential to identify the most reliable safety testing strategies. By providing a comprehensive overview of these NAMs, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of the genome safety perspectives of gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lena Dorsheimer
- Research and Development, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main 65926, Germany.
| | - Andreas Zeller
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, pRED Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Yasmin Dietz-Baum
- Research and Development, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, Industriepark Hoechst, Frankfurt am Main 65926, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rattner BA, Bean TG, Beasley VR, Berny P, Eisenreich KM, Elliott JE, Eng ML, Fuchsman PC, King MD, Mateo R, Meyer CB, O'Brien JM, Salice CJ. Wildlife ecological risk assessment in the 21st century: Promising technologies to assess toxicological effects. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:725-748. [PMID: 37417421 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in toxicity testing and the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs) for hazard assessment, the ecological risk assessment (ERA) framework for terrestrial wildlife (i.e., air-breathing amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) has remained unchanged for decades. While survival, growth, and reproductive endpoints derived from whole-animal toxicity tests are central to hazard assessment, nonstandard measures of biological effects at multiple levels of biological organization (e.g., molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, organism, population, community, ecosystem) have the potential to enhance the relevance of prospective and retrospective wildlife ERAs. Other factors (e.g., indirect effects of contaminants on food supplies and infectious disease processes) are influenced by toxicants at individual, population, and community levels, and need to be factored into chemically based risk assessments to enhance the "eco" component of ERAs. Regulatory and logistical challenges often relegate such nonstandard endpoints and indirect effects to postregistration evaluations of pesticides and industrial chemicals and contaminated site evaluations. While NAMs are being developed, to date, their applications in ERAs focused on wildlife have been limited. No single magic tool or model will address all uncertainties in hazard assessment. Modernizing wildlife ERAs will likely entail combinations of laboratory- and field-derived data at multiple levels of biological organization, knowledge collection solutions (e.g., systematic review, adverse outcome pathway frameworks), and inferential methods that facilitate integrations and risk estimations focused on species, populations, interspecific extrapolations, and ecosystem services modeling, with less dependence on whole-animal data and simple hazard ratios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:725-748. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barnett A Rattner
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Val R Beasley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Karen M Eisenreich
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret L Eng
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Mason D King
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Jason M O'Brien
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
van den Brink NW, Elliott JE, Power B, Kilgour C, Johnson MS. Integrating emerging science to improve estimates of risk to wildlife from chemical exposure: What are the challenges? INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:645-657. [PMID: 38411383 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Many jurisdictions require ecological risk assessments for terrestrial wildlife (i.e., terrestrial vertebrates) to assess potential adverse effects from exposure to anthropogenic chemicals. This occurs, for example, at contaminated sites and when new pesticides are proposed, and it occurs for chemicals that are in production and/or proposed for wide-scale use. However, guidance to evaluate such risks has not changed markedly in decades, despite the availability of new scientific tools to do so. In 2019, the Wildlife Toxicology World Interest Group of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) initiated a virtual workshop that included a special session coincident with the annual SETAC North America meeting and which focused on the prospect of improving risk assessments for wildlife and improving their use in implementing chemical regulations. Work groups continued the work and investigated the utility of integrating emerging science and novel methods for improving problem formulation (WG1), exposure (WG2), toxicology (WG3), and risk characterization (WG4). Here we provide a summary of that workshop and the follow-up work, the regulations that drive risk assessment, and the key focus areas identified to advance the ability to predict risks of chemicals to wildlife. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:645-657. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nico W van den Brink
- Sub-Department of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beth Power
- Azimuth Consulting Group Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Clare Kilgour
- Azimuth Consulting Group Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark S Johnson
- US Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bean TG, Beasley VR, Berny P, Eisenreich KM, Elliott JE, Eng ML, Fuchsman PC, Johnson MS, King MD, Mateo R, Meyer CB, Salice CJ, Rattner BA. Toxicological effects assessment for wildlife in the 21st century: Review of current methods and recommendations for a path forward. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:699-724. [PMID: 37259706 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4795] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Model species (e.g., granivorous gamebirds, waterfowl, passerines, domesticated rodents) have been used for decades in guideline laboratory tests to generate survival, growth, and reproductive data for prospective ecological risk assessments (ERAs) for birds and mammals, while officially adopted risk assessment schemes for amphibians and reptiles do not exist. There are recognized shortcomings of current in vivo methods as well as uncertainty around the extent to which species with different life histories (e.g., terrestrial amphibians, reptiles, bats) than these commonly used models are protected by existing ERA frameworks. Approaches other than validating additional animal models for testing are being developed, but the incorporation of such new approach methodologies (NAMs) into risk assessment frameworks will require robust validations against in vivo responses. This takes time, and the ability to extrapolate findings from nonanimal studies to organism- and population-level effects in terrestrial wildlife remains weak. Failure to adequately anticipate and predict hazards could have economic and potentially even legal consequences for regulators and product registrants. In order to be able to use fewer animals or replace them altogether in the long term, vertebrate use and whole organism data will be needed to provide data for NAM validation in the short term. Therefore, it is worth investing resources for potential updates to existing standard test guidelines used in the laboratory as well as addressing the need for clear guidance on the conduct of field studies. Herein, we review the potential for improving standard in vivo test methods and for advancing the use of field studies in wildlife risk assessment, as these tools will be needed in the foreseeable future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:699-724. © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Val R Beasley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Karen M Eisenreich
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margaret L Eng
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Mark S Johnson
- US Defense Centers for Public Health-Aberdeen, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, USA
| | - Mason D King
- Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | | | | | - Barnett A Rattner
- US Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Foley B, Hopperstad K, Gamble J, Lynn SG, Thomas RS, Deisenroth C. Technical evaluation and standardization of the human thyroid microtissue assay. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:89-107. [PMID: 38310358 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae014] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The success and sustainability of U.S. EPA efforts to reduce, refine, and replace in vivo animal testing depends on the ability to translate toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic data from in vitro and in silico new approach methods (NAMs) to human-relevant exposures and health outcomes. Organotypic culture models employing primary human cells enable consideration of human health effects and inter-individual variability but present significant challenges for test method standardization, transferability, and validation. Increasing confidence in the information provided by these in vitro NAMs requires setting appropriate performance standards and benchmarks, defined by the context of use, to consider human biology and mechanistic relevance without animal data. The human thyroid microtissue (hTMT) assay utilizes primary human thyrocytes to reproduce structural and functional features of the thyroid gland that enable testing for potential thyroid-disrupting chemicals. As a variable-donor assay platform, conventional principles for assay performance standardization need to be balanced with the ability to predict a range of human responses. The objectives of this study were to (1) define the technical parameters for optimal donor procurement, primary thyrocyte qualification, and performance in the hTMT assay, and (2) set benchmark ranges for reference chemical responses. Thyrocytes derived from a cohort of 32 demographically diverse euthyroid donors were characterized across a battery of endpoints to evaluate morphological and functional variability. Reference chemical responses were profiled to evaluate the range and chemical-specific variability of donor-dependent effects within the cohort. The data-informed minimum acceptance criteria for donor qualification and set benchmark parameters for method transfer proficiency testing and validation of assay performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Briana Foley
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Kristen Hopperstad
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - John Gamble
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA
| | - Scott G Lynn
- Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia 20460, USA
| | - Russell S Thomas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Chad Deisenroth
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sewell F, Alexander-White C, Brescia S, Currie RA, Roberts R, Roper C, Vickers C, Westmoreland C, Kimber I. New approach methodologies (NAMs): identifying and overcoming hurdles to accelerated adoption. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae044. [PMID: 38533179 PMCID: PMC10964841 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae044] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New approach methodologies (NAMs) can deliver improved chemical safety assessment through the provision of more protective and/or relevant models that have a reduced reliance on animals. Despite the widely acknowledged benefits offered by NAMs, there continue to be barriers that prevent or limit their application for decision-making in chemical safety assessment. These include barriers related to real and perceived scientific, technical, legislative and economic issues, as well as cultural and societal obstacles that may relate to inertia, familiarity, and comfort with established methods, and perceptions around regulatory expectations and acceptance. This article focuses on chemical safety science, exposure, hazard, and risk assessment, and explores the nature of these barriers and how they can be overcome to drive the wider exploitation and acceptance of NAMs. Short-, mid- and longer-term goals are outlined that embrace the opportunities provided by NAMs to deliver improved protection of human health and environmental security as part of a new paradigm that incorporates exposure science and a culture that promotes the use of protective toxicological risk assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sewell
- UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susy Brescia
- UK Chemicals Regulation Division, Health and Safety Executive, Redgrave Court, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Currie
- Jealotts Hill International Research Centre, Syngenta, Bracknell, RG42 6EX, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Roberts
- University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- ApconiX, BioHub at Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Clive Roper
- Roper Toxicology Consulting Limited, 6 St Colme Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6AD, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Vickers
- UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Westmoreland
- Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Kimber
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Osborne OJ, Boobis A, Botham P, Price SC, Kuhnle GC, Mulholland C, Potter C, Gott D. The new normal chemical landscape: the future of risk assessment toward optimum consumer safety. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae016. [PMID: 38450177 PMCID: PMC10913381 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae016] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The further optimization of consumer safety through risk assessment of chemicals present in food will require adaptability and flexibility to utilize the accelerating developments in safety science and technology. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are gaining traction as a systematic approach to support informed decision making in chemical risk assessment. The vision is to be able to predict risk more accurately, rapidly and efficiently. The opportunity exists now to use these approaches which requires a strategy to translate the science into future regulatory implementation. Here we discuss new insights obtained from three recent workshops on how to translate the science into future regulatory implementation. To assist the UK in this endeavor, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the scientific advisory committee on chemical toxicity (COT) have been developing a roadmap. In addition, we discuss how these new insights fit into the bigger picture of the new chemical landscape for better consumer safety and the importance of international harmonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Osborne
- Chemical Risk Assessment Team, Science, Evidence and Research Division, Food Standards Agency, Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EX, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Boobis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Phil Botham
- Syngenta, Global Product Safety, Jealott’s Hill, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 6EY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gunter C Kuhnle
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, United Kingdom
| | - Cath Mulholland
- Chemical Risk Assessment Team, Science, Evidence and Research Division, Food Standards Agency, Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EX, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Potter
- Chemical Risk Assessment Team, Science, Evidence and Research Division, Food Standards Agency, Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EX, United Kingdom
| | - David Gott
- Chemical Risk Assessment Team, Science, Evidence and Research Division, Food Standards Agency, Petty France, Westminster, London SW1H 9EX, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kavanagh O, Krebs CE. Mitigating animal methods bias to reduce animal use and improve biomedical translation. Sci Prog 2024; 107:368504241253693. [PMID: 38752259 PMCID: PMC11102665 DOI: 10.1177/00368504241253693] [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] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Nonanimal biomedical research methods have advanced rapidly over the last decade making them the first-choice model for many researchers due to improved translatability and avoidance of ethical concerns. Yet confidence in novel nonanimal methods is still being established and they remain a small portion of nonclinical biomedical research, which can lead peer reviewers to evaluate animal-free studies or grant proposals in a biased manner. This "animal methods bias" is the preference for animal-based research methods where they are not necessary or where nonanimal-based methods are suitable. It affects the fair consideration of animal-free biomedical research, hampering the uptake and dissemination of these approaches by putting pressure on researchers to conduct animal experiments and potentially perpetuating the use of poorly translatable model systems. An international team of researchers and advocates called the Coalition to Illuminate and Address Animal Methods Bias (COLAAB) aims to provide concrete evidence of the existence and consequences of this bias and to develop and implement solutions towards overcoming it. The COLAAB recently developed the first of several mitigation tools: the Author Guide for Addressing Animal Methods Bias in Publishing, which is described herein along with broader implications and future directions of this work.
Collapse
|
18
|
Huntsman MC, Kurashima CK, Marikawa Y. Validation of a mouse 3D gastruloid-based embryotoxicity assay in reference to the ICH S5(R3) guideline chemical exposure list. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108558. [PMID: 38367697 PMCID: PMC11016378 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108558] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
There is growing interest in establishing alternative methods in place of conventional animal tests to assess the developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) of chemicals. Gastruloids are 3D aggregates of pluripotent stem cells that spontaneously exhibit axial elongation morphogenesis similar to gastrulation. They have been explored as in vitro embryogenesis models for developmental and toxicological studies. Here, a mouse gastruloid-based assay was validated for DART assessment in accordance with the ICH S5(R3) guideline, which provides the plasma concentration data of various reference drugs in rodents, specifically Cmax and AUC for NOAEL and LOAEL. First, adverse effect concentrations of the reference drugs and their known metabolites on gastruloid development were determined based on morphological impact, namely reduced growth or aberrant elongation. Then, the NOAEL to LOAEL concentration range obtained from the gastruloid assay was compared with that in rodents to examine similarities in sensitivity between the in vitro and in vivo assays for each chemical. For 18 out of the 24 reference drugs that have both NOAEL and LOAEL information in rodents, the sensitivity of the gastruloid assay was comparable to the in vivo assay within an 8-fold concentration margin. For 7 out of the 8 additional reference drugs that have only NOAEL or LOAEL information in rodents, the gastruloid assay was in line with the in vivo data. Altogether, these results support the effectiveness of the gastruloid assay, which may be exploited as a non-animal alternative method for DART assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Carrell Huntsman
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Courtney Kehaulani Kurashima
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
| | - Yusuke Marikawa
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bakan B, Kalčec N, Liu S, Ilić K, Qi Y, Capjak I, Božičević L, Peranić N, Vrček IV. Science-based evidence on pathways and effects of human exposure to micro- and nanoplastics. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2024; 75:1-14. [PMID: 38548377 PMCID: PMC10978163 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2024-75-3807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Human exposure to plastic particles has raised great concern among all relevant stakeholders involved in the protection of human health due to the contamination of the food chain, surface waters, and even drinking water as well as due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. Now more than ever, it is critical that we understand the biological fate of plastics and their interaction with different biological systems. Because of the ubiquity of plastic materials in the environment and their toxic potential, it is imperative to gain reliable, regulatory-relevant, science-based data on the effects of plastic micro- and nanoparticles (PMNPs) on human health in order to implement reliable risk assessment and management strategies in the circular economy of plastics. This review presents current knowledge of human-relevant PMNP exposure doses, pathways, and toxic effects. It addresses difficulties in properly assessing plastic exposure and current knowledge gaps and proposes steps that can be taken to underpin health risk perception, assessment, and mitigation through rigorous science-based evidence. Based on the existing scientific data on PMNP adverse health effects, this review brings recommendations on the development of PMNP-specific adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) following the AOP Users' Handbook of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Buket Bakan
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
- Atatürk University Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Nikolina Kalčec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sijin Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Krunoslav Ilić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yu Qi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ivona Capjak
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Božičević
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Peranić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
van der Zalm AJ, Daniel AB, Raabe HA, Choksi N, Flint Silva T, Breeden-Alemi J, O'Dell L, Kleinstreuer NC, Lowit AB, Allen DG, Clippinger AJ. Defined approaches to classify agrochemical formulations into EPA hazard categories developed using EpiOcular TM reconstructed human corneal epithelium and bovine corneal opacity and permeability assays. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2024; 43:58-68. [PMID: 37905558 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2023.2275029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Many sectors have seen complete replacement of the in vivo rabbit eye test with reproducible and relevant in vitro and ex vivo methods to assess the eye corrosion/irritation potential of chemicals. However, the in vivo rabbit eye test remains the standard test used for agrochemical formulations in some countries. Therefore, two defined approaches (DAs) for assessing conventional agrochemical formulations were developed, using the EpiOcularTM Eye Irritation Test (EIT) [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guideline (TG) 492] and the Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (OECD TG 437; BCOP) test with histopathology. Presented here are the results from testing 29 agrochemical formulations, which were evaluated against the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) pesticide classification system, and assessed using orthogonal validation, rather than direct concordance analysis with the historical in vivo rabbit eye data. Scientific confidence was established by evaluating the methods and testing results using an established framework that considers fitness for purpose, human biological relevance, technical characterisation, data integrity and transparency, and independent review. The in vitro and ex vivo methods used in the DAs were demonstrated to be as or more fit for purpose, reliable and relevant than the in vivo rabbit eye test. Overall, there is high scientific confidence in the use of these DAs for assessing the eye corrosion/irritation potential of agrochemical formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hans A Raabe
- Institute for In Vitro Sciences, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Tara Flint Silva
- US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julie Breeden-Alemi
- US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lindsay O'Dell
- US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole C Kleinstreuer
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NC, USA
| | - Anna B Lowit
- US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lu EH, Ford LC, Chen Z, Burnett SD, Rusyn I, Chiu WA. Evaluating scientific confidence in the concordance of in vitro and in vivo protective points of departure. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 148:105596. [PMID: 38447894 PMCID: PMC11193089 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105596] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
To fulfil the promise of reducing reliance on mammalian in vivo laboratory animal studies, new approach methods (NAMs) need to provide a confident basis for regulatory decision-making. However, previous attempts to develop in vitro NAMs-based points of departure (PODs) have yielded mixed results, with PODs from U.S. EPA's ToxCast, for instance, appearing more conservative (protective) but poorly correlated with traditional in vivo studies. Here, we aimed to address this discordance by reducing the heterogeneity of in vivo PODs, accounting for species differences, and enhancing the biological relevance of in vitro PODs. However, we only found improved in vitro-to-in vivo concordance when combining the use of Bayesian model averaging-based benchmark dose modeling for in vivo PODs, allometric scaling for interspecies adjustments, and human-relevant in vitro assays with multiple induced pluripotent stem cell-derived models. Moreover, the available sample size was only 15 chemicals, and the resulting level of concordance was only fair, with correlation coefficients <0.5 and prediction intervals spanning several orders of magnitude. Overall, while this study suggests several ways to enhance concordance and thereby increase scientific confidence in vitro NAMs-based PODs, it also highlights challenges in their predictive accuracy and precision for use in regulatory decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- En-Hsuan Lu
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Lucie C Ford
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Zunwei Chen
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Sarah D Burnett
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology and Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ito S, Mukherjee S, Erami K, Muratani S, Mori A, Ichikawa S, White W, Yoshino K, Fallacara D. Proof of concept for quantitative adverse outcome pathway modeling of chronic toxicity in repeated exposure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4741. [PMID: 38413641 PMCID: PMC10899215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) is a useful tool to glean mode of action (MOE) of a chemical. However, in order to use it for the purpose of risk assessment, an AOP needs to be quantified using in vitro or in vivo data. Majority of quantitative AOPs developed so far, were for single exposure to progressively higher doses. Limited attempts were made to include time in the modeling. Here as a proof-of concept, we developed a hypothetical AOP, and quantified it using a virtual dataset for six repeated exposures using a Bayesian Network Analysis (BN) framework. The virtual data was generated using realistic assumptions. Effects of each exposure were analyzed separately using a static BN model and analyzed in combination using a dynamic BN (DBN) model. Our work shows that the DBN model can be used to calculate the probability of adverse outcome when other upstream KEs were observed earlier. These probabilities can help in identification of early indicators of AO. In addition, we also developed a data driven AOP pruning technique using a lasso-based subset selection, and show that the causal structure of AOP is itself dynamic and changes over time. This proof-of-concept study revealed the possibility for expanding the applicability of the AOP framework to incorporate biological dynamism in toxicity appearance by repeated insults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeaki Ito
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan.
| | | | - Kazuo Erami
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan
| | - Shugo Muratani
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan
| | - Akina Mori
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan
| | - Sakuya Ichikawa
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan
| | | | - Kei Yoshino
- Scientific Product Assessment Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 6-2, Umegaoka, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 227-8512, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Henke AN, Chilukuri S, Langan LM, Brooks BW. Reporting and reproducibility: Proteomics of fish models in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168455. [PMID: 37979845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168455] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology research efforts are employing proteomics with fish models as New Approach Methodologies, along with in silico, in vitro and other omics techniques to elucidate hazards of toxicants and toxins. We performed a critical review of toxicology studies with fish models using proteomics and reported fundamental parameters across experimental design, sample preparation, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics of fish, which represent alternative vertebrate models in environmental toxicology, and routinely studied animals in ecotoxicology. We observed inconsistencies in reporting and methodologies among experimental designs, sample preparations, data acquisitions and bioinformatics, which can affect reproducibility of experimental results. We identified a distinct need to develop reporting guidelines for proteomics use in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology, increased QA/QC throughout studies, and method optimization with an emphasis on reducing inconsistencies among studies. Several recommendations are offered as logical steps to advance development and application of this emerging research area to understand chemical hazards to public health and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail N Henke
- Department of Biology, Baylor University Waco, TX, USA; Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Laura M Langan
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University Waco, TX, USA; Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University Waco, TX, USA; Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), Baylor University Waco, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schumann P, Rivetti C, Houghton J, Campos B, Hodges G, LaLone C. Combination of computational new approach methodologies for enhancing evidence of biological pathway conservation across species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168573. [PMID: 37981146 PMCID: PMC10926110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The ability to predict which chemicals are of concern for environmental safety is dependent, in part, on the ability to extrapolate chemical effects across many species. This work investigated the complementary use of two computational new approach methodologies to support cross-species predictions of chemical susceptibility: the US Environmental Protection Agency Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility (SeqAPASS) tool and Unilever's recently developed Genes to Pathways - Species Conservation Analysis (G2P-SCAN) tool. These stand-alone tools rely on existing biological knowledge to help understand chemical susceptibility and biological pathway conservation across species. The utility and challenges of these combined computational approaches were demonstrated using case examples focused on chemical interactions with peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha (GABRA1). Overall, the biological pathway information enhanced the weight of evidence to support cross-species susceptibility predictions. Through comparisons of relevant molecular and functional data gleaned from adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) to mapped biological pathways, it was possible to gain a toxicological context for various chemical-protein interactions. The information gained through this computational approach could ultimately inform chemical safety assessments by enhancing cross-species predictions of chemical susceptibility. It could also help fulfill a core objective of the AOP framework by potentially expanding the biologically plausible taxonomic domain of applicability of relevant AOPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schumann
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Claudia Rivetti
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Jade Houghton
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Bruno Campos
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Geoff Hodges
- Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Carlie LaLone
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kaplan BLF, Hoberman AM, Slikker W, Smith MA, Corsini E, Knudsen TB, Marty MS, Sobrian SK, Fitzpatrick SC, Ratner MH, Mendrick DL. Protecting Human and Animal Health: The Road from Animal Models to New Approach Methods. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:251-266. [PMID: 38351072 PMCID: PMC10877708 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals and animal models have been invaluable for our current understanding of human and animal biology, including physiology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and disease pathology. However, there are increasing concerns with continued use of animals in basic biomedical, pharmacological, and regulatory research to provide safety assessments for drugs and chemicals. There are concerns that animals do not provide sufficient information on toxicity and/or efficacy to protect the target population, so scientists are utilizing the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement (the 3Rs) and increasing the development and application of new approach methods (NAMs). NAMs are any technology, methodology, approach, or assay used to understand the effects and mechanisms of drugs or chemicals, with specific focus on applying the 3Rs. Although progress has been made in several areas with NAMs, complete replacement of animal models with NAMs is not yet attainable. The road to NAMs requires additional development, increased use, and, for regulatory decision making, usually formal validation. Moreover, it is likely that replacement of animal models with NAMs will require multiple assays to ensure sufficient biologic coverage. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a balanced view of the current state of the use of animal models and NAMs as approaches to development, safety, efficacy, and toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals. Animals do not provide all needed information nor do NAMs, but each can elucidate key pieces of the puzzle of human and animal biology and contribute to the goal of protecting human and animal health. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Data from traditional animal studies have predominantly been used to inform human health safety and efficacy. Although it is unlikely that all animal studies will be able to be replaced, with the continued advancement in new approach methods (NAMs), it is possible that sometime in the future, NAMs will likely be an important component by which the discovery, efficacy, and toxicity testing of drugs and chemicals is conducted and regulatory decisions are made.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Alan M Hoberman
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - William Slikker
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Mary Alice Smith
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Thomas B Knudsen
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - M Sue Marty
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Sonya K Sobrian
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Suzanne C Fitzpatrick
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Marcia H Ratner
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| | - Donna L Mendrick
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi (B.L.F.K.); Charles River Laboratories, Inc., Horsham, Pennsylvania (A.M.H.); Retired, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas (W.S.); University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia (M.A.S.); Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, 'Rodolfo Paoletti' Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (E.C.); US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (T.B.K.); Dow, Inc., Midland, Michigan (M.S.M.); Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC (S.K.S.); Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland (S.C.F.); Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts (M.H.R.); and National Center for Toxicological Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland (D.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pettit SD. A (not) new Rx: Quality Improvement for NAM. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 147:105558. [PMID: 38145839 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are a rapidly growing set of tools/methods for use food, drug, consumer product, or chemical safety assessment paradigms. The massive growth in NAMs tech development, publication, and legislation has been paralleled by a growing sense of frustration. The challenge of realizing the systems-level changes needed to catalyze the broad-scale adoption and use of NAMs is substantial. This Commentary asserts that these challenges may be less unique than perceived to date, and points to specific opportunities to learn from decades of experience (both positive and negative) from the Quality Improvement (QI) movement in the public health and healthcare arenas. Specific recommendations to inform and guide NAMs development are offered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syril D Pettit
- Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, Washington, DC, 20005, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bhuller Y, Karmaus A, Kleinstreuer N, Seidle T, Schlatter H, Wade M, Chandrasekera PC. Examining animal testing for risk assessment: A WC-12 workshop report. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 147:105564. [PMID: 38182013 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
In toxicology and regulatory testing, the use of animal methods has been both a cornerstone and a subject of intense debate. To continue this discourse a panel and audience representing scientists from various sectors and countries convened at a workshop held during the 12th World Congress on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences (WC-12). The ensuing discussion focused on the scientific and ethical considerations surrounding the necessity and responsibility of defending the creation of new animal data in regulatory testing. The primary aim was to foster an open dialogue between the panel members and the audience while encouraging diverse perspectives on the responsibilities and obligations of various stakeholders (including industry, regulatory bodies, technology developers, research scientists, and animal welfare NGOs) in defending the development and subsequent utilization of new animal data. This workshop summary report captures the key elements from this critical dialogue and collective introspection. It describes the intersection of scientific progress and ethical responsibility as all sectors seek to accelerate the pace of 21st century predictive toxicology and new approach methodologies (NAMs) for the protection of human health and the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicole Kleinstreuer
- NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), Durham, NC, USA
| | - Troy Seidle
- Humane Society International, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Page K, Westerink W, Sullivan K, McDonald T, Roper C. Assessment of the utility of the novel Phenion® full thickness human skin model for detecting the skin irritation potential of antimicrobial cleaning products. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 94:105726. [PMID: 37931828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The skin is a potential route of exposure to antimicrobial cleaning products (ACP). Skin irritation, reversible damage to the skin, is an endpoint for protecting consumers and operators accidently exposed to these complex mixtures. To assess skin irritation of 24 ACP formulations, a new protocol was developed and adapted from OECD Test Guideline No. 439 with EpiDerm™ (epidermis model) replaced by Phenion® FT (full thickness tissue, including epidermis and dermis) as the test system. A full thickness tissue was utilized to provide a more human in vivo-like model. Formulations were applied to Phenion® FT and cell viability measured by MTT reduction after a 15-min exposure and 42 h post exposure period. A prediction model was applied, and results compared with in vivo rabbit skin irritation data. Concordance between in vivo and in vitro was demonstrated to be suitable (i.e., sensitivity 78%, specificity 83%, and accuracy 79%) using this modified OECD Test Guideline No. 439 method with a 70% cell viability selected as the most reasonable cut off for discriminating non-irritants (EPA Class IV). These results were considered suitable to develop a draft IATA i.e., with any ACP formulation identified as EPA Category IV in this test. The method will be further refined to distinguish irritant categories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Page
- Clorox Services Company, 121 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
| | - Walter Westerink
- Charles River Laboratories, Hambakenwetering 7, 's, Hertogenbosch 5231 DD, The Netherlands.
| | - Kristie Sullivan
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 5100 Wisconsin Ave NW Ste 400, Washington 20016, USA.
| | - Thomas McDonald
- Clorox Services Company, 121 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, USA.
| | - Clive Roper
- Roper Toxicology Consulting Limited, 6 St Colme Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ciura K, Moschini E, Stępnik M, Serchi T, Gutleb A, Jarzyńska K, Jagiello K, Puzyn T. Toward Nano-Specific In Silico NAMs: How to Adjust Nano-QSAR to the Recent Advancements of Nanotoxicology? SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2305581. [PMID: 37775952 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) causes humans to become increasingly exposed to them. Therefore, a better understanding of the health impact of ENMs is highly demanded. Considering the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) principle, in vitro and computational methods are excellent alternatives for testing on animals. Among computational methods, nano-quantitative structure-activity relationship (nano-QSAR), which links the physicochemical and structural properties of EMNs with biological activities, is one of the leading method. The nature of toxicological experiments has evolved over the last decades; currently, one experiment can provide thousands of measurements of the organism's functioning at the molecular level. At the same time, the capacity of the in vitro systems to mimic the human organism is also improving significantly. Hence, the authors would like to discuss whether the nano-QSAR approach follows modern toxicological studies and takes full advantage of the opportunities offered by modern toxicological platforms. Challenges and possibilities for improving data integration are underlined narratively, including the need for a consensus built between the in vitro and the QSAR domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krzesimir Ciura
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, Al. Gen. Hallera 107, Gdańsk, 80-416, Poland
- QSAR Lab Ltd., Trzy Lipy 3 St., Gdańsk, 80-172, Poland
| | - Elisa Moschini
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, des Hauts-Fourneaux, Esch/Alzette, 4362, Luxembourg
| | | | - Tommaso Serchi
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, des Hauts-Fourneaux, Esch/Alzette, 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Arno Gutleb
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, des Hauts-Fourneaux, Esch/Alzette, 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Kamila Jarzyńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdańsk, 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Jagiello
- QSAR Lab Ltd., Trzy Lipy 3 St., Gdańsk, 80-172, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdańsk, 80-308, Poland
| | - Tomasz Puzyn
- QSAR Lab Ltd., Trzy Lipy 3 St., Gdańsk, 80-172, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, Gdańsk, 80-308, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hamm JT, Hsieh JH, Roberts GK, Collins B, Gorospe J, Sparrow B, Walker NJ, Truong L, Tanguay RL, Dyballa S, Miñana R, Schiavone V, Terriente J, Weiner A, Muriana A, Quevedo C, Ryan KR. Interlaboratory Study on Zebrafish in Toxicology: Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology's (SEAZIT's) Evaluation of Developmental Toxicity. TOXICS 2024; 12:93. [PMID: 38276729 PMCID: PMC10820928 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic zebrafish represent a useful test system to screen substances for their ability to perturb development. The exposure scenarios, endpoints captured, and data analysis vary among the laboratories who conduct screening. A lack of harmonization impedes the comparison of the substance potency and toxicity outcomes across laboratories and may hinder the broader adoption of this model for regulatory use. The Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) initiative was developed to investigate the sources of variability in toxicity testing. This initiative involved an interlaboratory study to determine whether experimental parameters altered the developmental toxicity of a set of 42 substances (3 tested in duplicate) in three diverse laboratories. An initial dose-range-finding study using in-house protocols was followed by a definitive study using four experimental conditions: chorion-on and chorion-off using both static and static renewal exposures. We observed reasonable agreement across the three laboratories as 33 of 42 test substances (78.6%) had the same activity call. However, the differences in potency seen using variable in-house protocols emphasizes the importance of harmonization of the exposure variables under evaluation in the second phase of this study. The outcome of the Def will facilitate future practical discussions on harmonization within the zebrafish research community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon T. Hamm
- Inotiv, P.O. Box 13501, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jui-Hua Hsieh
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Georgia K. Roberts
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bradley Collins
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jenni Gorospe
- Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
| | | | - Nigel J. Walker
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, The Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Robyn L. Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, The Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | | | - Rafael Miñana
- ZeClinics SL., 08980 Barcelona, Spain
- CTI Laboratory Services Spain SL., 48160 Bilbao, Spain
| | | | | | - Andrea Weiner
- BBD BioPhenix SL. (Biobide), 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | | | - Celia Quevedo
- BBD BioPhenix SL. (Biobide), 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Kristen R. Ryan
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Viganò EL, Ballabio D, Roncaglioni A. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Methods to Evaluate Cardiotoxicity following the Adverse Outcome Pathway Frameworks. TOXICS 2024; 12:87. [PMID: 38276722 PMCID: PMC10820364 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality. The potential cardiotoxic effects of chemicals from different classes, such as environmental contaminants, pesticides, and drugs can significantly contribute to effects on health. The same chemical can induce cardiotoxicity in different ways, following various Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). In addition, the potential synergistic effects between chemicals further complicate the issue. In silico methods have become essential for tackling the problem from different perspectives, reducing the need for traditional in vivo testing, and saving valuable resources in terms of time and money. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are among today's advanced approaches for evaluating chemical hazards. They can serve, for instance, as a first-tier component of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA). This study employed ML and AI to assess interactions between chemicals and specific biological targets within the AOP networks for cardiotoxicity, starting with molecular initiating events (MIEs) and progressing through key events (KEs). We explored methods to encode chemical information in a suitable way for ML and AI. We started with commonly used approaches in Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) methods, such as molecular descriptors and different types of fingerprint. We then increased the complexity of encoders, incorporating graph-based methods, auto-encoders, and character embeddings employed in neural language processing. We also developed a multimodal neural network architecture, capable of considering the complementary nature of different chemical representations simultaneously. The potential of this approach, compared to more conventional architectures designed to handle a single encoder, becomes apparent when the amount of data increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Luca Viganò
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCSS, 20156 Milan, Italy;
| | - Davide Ballabio
- Milano Chemometrics and QSAR Research Group, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCSS, 20156 Milan, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Parvatam S, Pamies D, Pistollato F, Beken S, Mariappan I, Roth A, Piergiovanni M, G C Maisonneuve B, Ewart L, Majumder A, Dandekar P, Date R, Mahadik K, Thiyagarajan S, Coecke S. Taking the leap toward human-specific nonanimal methodologies: The need for harmonizing global policies for microphysiological systems. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:37-40. [PMID: 38134927 PMCID: PMC10828677 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With a recent amendment, India joined other countries that have removed the legislative barrier toward the use of human-relevant methods in drug development. Here, global stakeholders weigh in on the urgent need to globally harmonize the guidelines toward the standardization of microphysiological systems. We discuss a possible framework for establishing scientific confidence and regulatory approval of these methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Pamies
- SCAHT - Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology. University of Basel. Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sonja Beken
- Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Lorna Ewart
- Emulate Inc, 27 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kasturi Mahadik
- Centre for Predictive Human Model Systems, Atal Incubation Centre-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (AIC-CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Emberley-Korkmaz S, Mittal K, Temlock N, Head J, Basu N. Cytotoxicity of 19 Pesticides in Rainbow Trout Gill, Liver, and Intestinal Cell Lines. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 38116990 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The rainbow trout gill cell line (RTgill-W1), via test guideline 249 of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, has been established as a promising New Approach Methodology, although to advance confidence in the method more case studies are needed that: 1) expand our understanding of applicability domains (chemicals with diverse properties); 2) increase methodological throughput (96-well format); and 3) demonstrate biological relevance (in vitro to in vivo comparisons; gill vs. other cells). Accordingly, the objective of our study was to characterize the cytotoxicity of 19 pesticides against RTgill-W1 cells, and also liver (RTL-W1) and gut epithelial (RTgutGC) cell lines, and then to compare the in vitro and in vivo data. Of the 19 pesticides tested, 11, 9, and 8 were cytotoxic to the RTgill-W1, RTL-W1, and RTgutGC cells, respectively. Six pesticides (carbaryl, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, dimethenamid-P, metolachlor, and S-metolachlor) were cytotoxic to all three cell lines. Aminomethylphosphonic acid, chlorantraniliprole, dicamba, diquat, imazethapyr, and permethrin exhibited cell-line-specific toxicity. No cytotoxic responses were observed for three herbicides (atrazine, glyphosate, and metribuzin) and four insecticides (clothianidin, diazinon, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam). When cytotoxicity was measured, there was a strong correlation (rs = 0.9, p < 0.0001) between in vitro median effect concentration (EC50) values (based on predicted concentrations using the In Vitro Mass Balance Model Equilibrium Partitioning (IV-MBM EQP) Ver. 2.1) derived from RTgill-W1 and RTL-W1 cells with in vivo median lethal concentration (LC50) values from 96-h acute toxicity studies with trout. In all 28 cases, the in vitro EC50 was within 18-fold of the in vivo LC50. These data help increase our understanding of the ecotoxicological domains of applicability for in vitro studies using cultured rainbow trout cells, while also demonstrating that these assays performed well in a 96-well format and have promise to yield data of biological relevance. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-13. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Emberley-Korkmaz
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Krittika Mittal
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Na'im Temlock
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica Head
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Diniz RR, Domingos TFS, Pinto GR, Cabral LM, de Pádula M, de Souza AMT. Use of in silico and in vitro methods as a potential new approach methodologies (NAMs) for (photo)mutagenicity and phototoxicity risk assessment of agrochemicals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:167320. [PMID: 37748613 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167320] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of agrochemicals raises concerns about environmental, animal, and mainly human toxicology. The development of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for toxicological risk assessment including new in vitro tests and in silico protocols is encouraged. Although agrochemical mutagenicity testing is well established, a complementary alternative approach may contribute to increasing reliability, with the consequent reduction of false-positive results that lead to unnecessary use of animals in follow-up in vivo testing. Additionally, it is unreasonable to underestimate the phototoxic effects of an accidental dermal exposure to agrochemicals during agricultural work or domestic application in the absence of adequate personal protection equipment, especially in terms of photomutagenicity. In this scenario, we addressed the integration of in vitro and in silico techniques as NAMs to assess the mutagenic and phototoxic potential of agrochemicals. In the present study we used the yno1 S. cerevisiae strain as a biomodel for in vitro assessment of agrochemical mutagenicity, both in the absence and in the presence of simulated sunlight. In parallel, in silico predictions were performed using a combination of expert rule-based and statistical-based models to assess gene mutations and phototoxicity. None of the tested agrochemicals showed mutagenic potential in the two proposed approaches. The Gly and 2,4D herbicides were photomutagenic in the in vitro yeast test despite the negative in silico prediction of phototoxicity. Herein, we demonstrated a novel experimental approach combining both in silico and in vitro experiments to address the complementary investigation of the phototoxicity and (photo)mutagenicity of agrochemicals. These findings shed light on the importance of investigating and reconsidering the photosafety assessment of these products, using not only photocytotoxicity assays but also photomutagenicity assays, which should be encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raiane R Diniz
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular & QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Microbiologia e Avaliação Genotóxica (LAMIAG), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel R Pinto
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Microbiologia e Avaliação Genotóxica (LAMIAG), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucio M Cabral
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Tecnologia Industrial Farmacêutica (LabTIF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo de Pádula
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Microbiologia e Avaliação Genotóxica (LAMIAG), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M T de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular & QSAR (ModMolQSAR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Govey-Scotland J, Johnstone L, Myant C, Friddin MS. Towards skin-on-a-chip for screening the dermal absorption of cosmetics. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:5068-5080. [PMID: 37938128 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00691c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there have been increasing global efforts to limit or ban the use of animals for testing cosmetic products. This ambition has been at the heart of international endeavours to develop new in vitro and animal-free approaches for assessing the safety of cosmetics. While several of these new approach methodologies (NAMs) have been approved for assessing different toxicological endpoints in the UK and across the EU, there remains an absence of animal-free methods for screening for dermal absorption; a measure that assesses the degree to which chemical substances can become systemically available through contact with human skin. Here, we identify some of the major technical barriers that have impacted regulatory recognition of an in vitro skin model for this purpose and propose how these could be overcome on-chip using artificial cells engineered from the bottom-up. As part of our future perspective, we suggest how this could be realised using a digital biomanufacturing pipeline that connects the design, microfluidic generation and 3D printing of artificial cells into user-crafted synthetic tissues. We highlight milestone achievements towards this goal, identify future challenges, and suggest how the ability to engineer animal-free skin models could have significant long-term consequences for dermal absorption screening, as well as for other applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Govey-Scotland
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
- Institute for Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Liam Johnstone
- Office for Product Safety and Standards, 1 Victoria Street, SW1H 0ET, London, UK
| | - Connor Myant
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
| | - Mark S Friddin
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
- Institute for Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
- fabriCELL, Imperial College London and Kings College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Pitzer EM, Shafer TJ, Herr DW. Identification of neurotoxicology (NT)/developmental neurotoxicology (DNT) adverse outcome pathways and key event linkages with in vitro DNT screening assays. Neurotoxicology 2023; 99:184-194. [PMID: 37866692 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to assess compounds reliably and quickly for neurotoxicity (NT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) enable the mapping of molecular events to an apical endpoint in a chemical agnostic manner and have begun to be applied in NT and DNT testing frameworks. We assessed the status of NT/DNT AOPs in the AOP-Wiki (ca. 2/1/23; https://aopwiki.org/), to characterize the state of AOP development, identify strengths and knowledge gaps, elucidate areas for improvement, and describe areas for future focus. AOPs in the Wiki database were assessed for inclusion of NT/DNT molecular events and endpoints, AOP development and endorsement, as well as the linkages of key neurodevelopmental processes with in vitro new approach methods (NAMs). This review found that 41 AOPs have been proposed detailing NT/DNT, of which eight were endorsed by working parties in OECD. Further, this review determined that learning and memory is included as an adverse outcome in eight NT/DNT AOPS, often without distinction regarding the varying forms of learning and memory, regional specification, temporal dynamics, or acquisition mechanisms involved. There is also an overlap with key events (KEs) and in vitro NAMs, which synaptogenesis appeared as a common process. Overall, progress on NT/DNT AOPs could be expanded, adding in modes of action that are missing, improvement in defining apical endpoints, as well as utilizing NAMs further to develop AOPs and identify gaps in current knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Pitzer
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - David W Herr
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
del Giudice G, Migliaccio G, D’Alessandro N, Saarimäki LA, Torres Maia M, Annala ME, Leppänen J, Mӧbus L, Pavel A, Vaani M, Vallius A, Ylä‐Outinen L, Greco D, Serra A. Advancing chemical safety assessment through an omics-based characterization of the test system-chemical interaction. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1294780. [PMID: 38026842 PMCID: PMC10673692 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1294780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing chemical safety is essential to evaluate the potential risks of chemical exposure to human health and the environment. Traditional methods relying on animal testing are being replaced by 3R (reduction, refinement, and replacement) principle-based alternatives, mainly depending on in vitro test methods and the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework. However, these approaches often focus on the properties of the compound, missing the broader chemical-biological interaction perspective. Currently, the lack of comprehensive molecular characterization of the in vitro test system results in limited real-world representation and contextualization of the toxicological effect under study. Leveraging omics data strengthens the understanding of the responses of different biological systems, emphasizing holistic chemical-biological interactions when developing in vitro methods. Here, we discuss the relevance of meticulous test system characterization on two safety assessment relevant scenarios and how omics-based, data-driven approaches can improve the future generation of alternative methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giusy del Giudice
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giorgia Migliaccio
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nicoletta D’Alessandro
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Aliisa Saarimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marcella Torres Maia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maria Emilia Annala
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jenni Leppänen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lena Mӧbus
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Alisa Pavel
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maaret Vaani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Vallius
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Laura Ylä‐Outinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Dario Greco
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Angela Serra
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Hub for Development and Validation of Integrated Approaches (FHAIVE), Tampere, Finland
- BioMediTech Unit, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Tampere Institute for Advanced Study, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Friedman KP, Foster MJ, Pham LL, Feshuk M, Watford SM, Wambaugh JF, Judson RS, Setzer RW, Thomas RS. Reproducibility of organ-level effects in repeat dose animal studies. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 28:1-17. [PMID: 37990691 PMCID: PMC10659077 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2023.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
This work estimates benchmarks for new approach method (NAM) performance in predicting organ-level effects in repeat dose studies of adult animals based on variability in replicate animal studies. Treatment-related effect values from the Toxicity Reference database (v2.1) for weight, gross, or histopathological changes in the adrenal gland, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, and thyroid were used. Rates of chemical concordance among organ-level findings in replicate studies, defined by repeated chemical only, chemical and species, or chemical and study type, were calculated. Concordance was 39 - 88%, depending on organ, and was highest within species. Variance in treatment-related effect values, including lowest effect level (LEL) values and benchmark dose (BMD) values when available, was calculated by organ. Multilinear regression modeling, using study descriptors of organ-level effect values as covariates, was used to estimate total variance, mean square error (MSE), and root residual mean square error (RMSE). MSE values, interpreted as estimates of unexplained variance, suggest study descriptors accounted for 52-69% of total variance in organ-level LELs. RMSE ranged from 0.41 - 0.68 log10-mg/kg/day. Differences between organ-level effects from chronic (CHR) and subchronic (SUB) dosing regimens were also quantified. Odds ratios indicated CHR organ effects were unlikely if the SUB study was negative. Mean differences of CHR - SUB organ-level LELs ranged from -0.38 to -0.19 log10 mg/kg/day; the magnitudes of these mean differences were less than RMSE for replicate studies. Finally, in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) was employed to compare bioactive concentrations from in vitro NAMs for kidney and liver to LELs. The observed mean difference between LELs and mean IVIVE dose predictions approached 0.5 log10-mg/kg/day, but differences by chemical ranged widely. Overall, variability in repeat dose organ-level effects suggests expectations for quantitative accuracy of NAM prediction of LELs should be at least ± 1 log10-mg/kg/day, with qualitative accuracy not exceeding 70%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - Miran J. Foster
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Ly Ly Pham
- Currently at Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA; previously with Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, ORAU Way, Oak Ridge, TN 37380
| | - Madison Feshuk
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - Sean M. Watford
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - John F. Wambaugh
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - Richard S. Judson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - R. Woodrow Setzer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
- Emeritus contributor
| | - Russell S. Thomas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kumbale CM, Zhang Q, Voit EO. Hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and dioxin-induced dysregulation: A multiscale computational approach. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 181:114086. [PMID: 37820785 PMCID: PMC10841405 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114086] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Humans are constantly exposed to lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that accumulate in fatty foods. Among the numerous POPs, dioxins, in particular 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), can impact several organ systems. While the hazard is clearly recognized, it is still difficult to develop a comprehensive understanding of the overall health impacts of dioxins. As chemical toxicity testing is steadily adopting new approach methodologies (NAMs), it becomes imperative to develop computational models that can bridge the data gaps between in vitro testing and in vivo outcomes. As an effort to address this challenge, we propose a multiscale computational approach using a "template-and-anchor" (T&A) structure. A template is a high-level umbrella model that permits the integration of information from various, detailed anchor models. In the present study, we use this T&A approach to describe the effect of TCDD on cholesterol dynamics. Specifically, we represent hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis as an anchor model that is perturbed by TCDD, leading to steatosis, along with alterations of plasma cholesterol. In the future, incorporating pertinent information from all anchor models into the template model will allow the characterization of the global effects of dioxin, which can subsequently be translated into overall - and ultimately personalized - human health risk assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla M Kumbale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Eberhard O Voit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cronin MTD, Ball N, Beken S, Bender H, Bercaru O, Caneva L, Corvaro M, Currie RA, Dawson JL, Desert P, Escher SE, Franco A, Irizar A, Mehta JM, Rogiers V, Tremblay RT, Westmoreland C, Maxwell G. Exposure considerations in human safety assessment: Report from an EPAA Partners' Forum. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 144:105483. [PMID: 37640101 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Understanding and estimating the exposure to a substance is one of the fundamental requirements for safe manufacture and use. Many approaches are taken to determine exposure to substances, mainly driven by potential use and regulatory need. There are many opportunities to improve and optimise the use of exposure information for chemical safety. The European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) therefore convened a Partners' Forum (PF) to explore exposure considerations in human safety assessment of industrial products to agree key conclusions for the regulatory acceptance of exposure assessment approaches and priority areas for further research investment. The PF recognised the widescale use of exposure information across industrial sectors with the possibilities of creating synergies between different sectors. Further, the PF acknowledged that the EPAA could make a significant contribution to promote the use of exposure data in human safety assessment, with an aim to address specific regulatory needs. To achieve this, research needs, as well as synergies and areas for potential collaboration across sectors, were identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark T D Cronin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicholas Ball
- Dow Europe GmbH, Bachtobelstrasse, 8810, Horgen, Switzerland.
| | - Sonja Beken
- Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP), Avenue Galilée 5/03, 1210, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | - Ofelia Bercaru
- European Chemicals Agency, Telakkakatu 6, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Laura Caneva
- Zoetis Belgium, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Mercuriusstraat 20, B-1930, Zaventem, Belgium.
| | | | - Richard A Currie
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell, RG42 6EY, UK.
| | - Jeffrey L Dawson
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, 20004, USA.
| | - Paul Desert
- Sanofi, 1541 avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Sylvia E Escher
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM), Hannover, Germany.
| | - Antonio Franco
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| | - Amaia Irizar
- The International Fragrance Association (IFRA), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | | | - Vera Rogiers
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Raphaël T Tremblay
- Procter & Gamble Services Company, Temselaan 100, 1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium.
| | - Carl Westmoreland
- Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Gavin Maxwell
- Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC), Unilever, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK44 1LQ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Krebs CE, Camp C, Constantino H, Courtot L, Kavanagh O, McCarthy J, Ort M, Sarasija S, Trunnell ER. Author Guide for Addressing Animal Methods Bias in Publishing. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303226. [PMID: 37649154 PMCID: PMC10602554 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition that animal methods bias, a preference for animal-based methods where they are not necessary or where nonanimal-based methods may already be suitable, can impact the likelihood or timeliness of a manuscript being accepted for publication. Following April 2022 workshop about animal methods bias in scientific publishing, a coalition of scientists and advocates formed a Coalition to Illuminate and Address Animal Methods Bias (COLAAB). The COLAAB has developed this guide to be used by authors who use nonanimal methods to avoid and respond to animal methods bias from manuscript reviewers. It contains information that researchers may use during 1) study design, including how to find and select appropriate nonanimal methods and preregister a research plan, 2) manuscript preparation and submission, including tips for discussing methods and choosing journals and reviewers that may be more receptive to nonanimal methods, and 3) the peer review process, providing suggested language and literature to aid authors in responding to biased reviews. The author's guide for addressing animal methods bias in publishing is a living resource also available online at animalmethodsbias.org, which aims to help ensure fair dissemination of research that uses nonanimal methods and prevent unnecessary experiments on animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catharine E. Krebs
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine5100 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400WashingtonDC20016‐4131USA
| | - Celean Camp
- Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical ExperimentsCawley House, 149–155 Canal StreetNottinghamNG1 7HRUK
| | - Helder Constantino
- Humane Society International EuropeAvenue des Arts 50Brussels1000Belgium
| | - Lilas Courtot
- Animal Free Research UK27 Old Gloucester StreetLondonWC1N 3AXUK
| | - Owen Kavanagh
- York St. John UniversityLord Mayor's WalkYorkYO31 7EXUK
| | - Janine McCarthy
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine5100 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 400WashingtonDC20016‐4131USA
| | - Melanie‐Jasmin Ort
- Institute for Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
- BIH Center for Regenerative TherapiesBerlin Institute of Health at CharitéUniversitätsmedizin BerlinCampus Virchow‐Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 113353BerlinGermany
| | - Shaarika Sarasija
- Humane Society International Canada372 St. Catherine St. West Suite 319MontrealQCH3B 1A2Canada
| | - Emily R. Trunnell
- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals501 Front St.NorfolkVA23510USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sharma M, Stucki AO, Verstraelen S, Stedeford TJ, Jacobs A, Maes F, Poelmans D, Van Laer J, Remy S, Frijns E, Allen DG, Clippinger AJ. Human cell-based in vitro systems to assess respiratory toxicity: a case study using silanes. Toxicol Sci 2023; 195:213-230. [PMID: 37498623 PMCID: PMC10535780 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad074] [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] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhalation is a major route by which human exposure to substances can occur. Resources have therefore been dedicated to optimize human-relevant in vitro approaches that can accurately and efficiently predict the toxicity of inhaled chemicals for robust risk assessment and management. In this study-the IN vitro Systems to PredIct REspiratory toxicity Initiative-2 cell-based systems were used to predict the ability of chemicals to cause portal-of-entry effects on the human respiratory tract. A human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) and a reconstructed human tissue model (MucilAir, Epithelix) were exposed to triethoxysilane (TES) and trimethoxysilane (TMS) as vapor (mixed with N2 gas) at the air-liquid interface. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and secretion of inflammatory markers were assessed in both cell systems and, for MucilAir tissues, morphology, barrier integrity, cilia beating frequency, and recovery after 7 days were also examined. The results show that both cell systems provide valuable information; the BEAS-2B cells were more sensitive in terms of cell viability and inflammatory markers, whereas MucilAir tissues allowed for the assessment of additional cellular effects and time points. As a proof of concept, the data were also used to calculate human equivalent concentrations. As expected, based on chemical properties and existing data, the silanes demonstrated toxicity in both systems with TMS being generally more toxic than TES. Overall, the results demonstrate that these in vitro test systems can provide valuable information relevant to predicting the likelihood of toxicity following inhalation exposure to chemicals in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monita Sharma
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., 70499 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Andreas O Stucki
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., 70499 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sandra Verstraelen
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | | | - An Jacobs
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Frederick Maes
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - David Poelmans
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Laer
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Remy
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Evelien Frijns
- Sustainable HEALTH Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), BE-2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - David G Allen
- Inotiv, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27560, USA
| | - Amy J Clippinger
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., 70499 Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Carlin M, Garrido M, Sosa S, Tubaro A, Prato M, Pelin M. In vitro assessment of skin irritation and corrosion properties of graphene-related materials on a 3D epidermis. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:14423-14438. [PMID: 37623815 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr03081d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of graphene-related materials (GRMs) in many technological applications, ranging from electronics to biomedicine, needs a careful evaluation of their impact on human health. Skin contact can be considered one of the most relevant exposure routes to GRMs. Hence, this study is focused on two main adverse outcomes at the skin level, irritation and corrosion, assessed following two specific Test Guidelines (TGs) defined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (439 and 431, respectively) that use an in vitro 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model. After the evaluation of their suitability to test a large panel of powdered GRMs, it was found that the latter were not irritants or corrosive. Only GRMs prepared with irritant surfactants, not sufficiently removed, reduced RhE viability at levels lower than those predicting skin irritation (≤50%, after 42 min exposure followed by 42 h recovery), but not at levels lower than those predicting corrosion (<50%, after 3 min exposure or <15% after 1 h exposure). As an additional readout, a hierarchical clustering analysis on a panel of inflammatory mediators (interleukins: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18; tumor necrosis factor-α and prostaglandin E2) released by RhE exposed to these materials supported the lack of irritant and pro-inflammatory properties. Overall, these results demonstrate that both TGs are useful in assessing GRMs for their irritant or corrosion potential, and that the tested materials did not cause these adverse effects at the skin level. Only GRMs prepared using toxic surfactants, not adequately removed, turned out to be skin irritants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Carlin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Marina Garrido
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- IMDEA Nanociencia, C/Faraday 9, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvio Sosa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Aurelia Tubaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Prato
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials (CIC biomaGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastián, 20014, Spain
- Basque Foundation for Science (IKERBASQUE), Bilbao, 48013, Spain
| | - Marco Pelin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Shin HK, Huang R, Chen M. In silico modeling-based new alternative methods to predict drug and herb-induced liver injury: A review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 179:113948. [PMID: 37460037 PMCID: PMC10640386 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
New approach methods (NAMs) have been developed to predict a wide range of toxicities through innovative technologies. Liver injury is one of the most extensively studied endpoints due to its severity and frequency, occurring among populations that consume drugs or dietary supplements. In this review, we focus on recent developments of in silico modeling for liver injury prediction using deep learning and in vitro data based on adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Despite these models being mainly developed using datasets generated from drug-like molecules, they were also applied to the prediction of hepatotoxicity caused by herbal products. As deep learning has achieved great success in many different fields, advanced machine learning algorithms have been actively applied to improve the accuracy of in silico models. Additionally, the development of liver AOPs, combined with big data in toxicology, has been valuable in developing in silico models with enhanced predictive performance and interpretability. Specifically, one approach involves developing structure-based models for predicting molecular initiating events of liver AOPs, while others use in vitro data with structure information as model inputs for making predictions. Even though liver injury remains a difficult endpoint to predict, advancements in machine learning algorithms and the expansion of in vitro databases with relevant biological knowledge have made a huge impact on improving in silico modeling for drug-induced liver injury prediction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kil Shin
- Department of Predictive Toxicology, Korea Institute of Toxicology (KIT), 34114, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ruili Huang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, 20850, USA.
| | - Minjun Chen
- Division of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 3900 NCTR Rd., Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Doak SH, Andreoli C, Burgum MJ, Chaudhry Q, Bleeker EAJ, Bossa C, Domenech J, Drobne D, Fessard V, Jeliazkova N, Longhin E, Rundén-Pran E, Stępnik M, El Yamani N, Catalán J, Dusinska M. Current status and future challenges of genotoxicity OECD Test Guidelines for nanomaterials: a workshop report. Mutagenesis 2023; 38:183-191. [PMID: 37234002 PMCID: PMC10448853 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gead017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Genotoxicity testing for nanomaterials remains challenging as standard testing approaches require some adaptation, and further development of nano-specific OECD Test Guidelines (TGs) and Guidance Documents (GDs) are needed. However, the field of genotoxicology continues to progress and new approach methodologies (NAMs) are being developed that could provide relevant information on the range of mechanisms of genotoxic action that may be imparted by nanomaterials. There is a recognition of the need for implementation of new and/or adapted OECD TGs, new OECD GDs, and utilization of NAMs within a genotoxicity testing framework for nanomaterials. As such, the requirements to apply new experimental approaches and data for genotoxicity assessment of nanomaterials in a regulatory context is neither clear, nor used in practice. Thus, an international workshop with representatives from regulatory agencies, industry, government, and academic scientists was convened to discuss these issues. The expert discussion highlighted the current deficiencies that exist in standard testing approaches within exposure regimes, insufficient physicochemical characterization, lack of demonstration of cell or tissue uptake and internalization, and limitations in the coverage of genotoxic modes of action. Regarding the latter aspect, a consensus was reached on the importance of using NAMs to support the genotoxicity assessment of nanomaterials. Also highlighted was the need for close engagement between scientists and regulators to (i) provide clarity on the regulatory needs, (ii) improve the acceptance and use of NAM-generated data, and (iii) define how NAMs may be used as part of weight of evidence approaches for use in regulatory risk assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shareen H Doak
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singelton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Andreoli
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael J Burgum
- Institute of Life Science, Swansea University Medical School, Singelton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Qasim Chaudhry
- University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A J Bleeker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bossa
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Josefa Domenech
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Damjana Drobne
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, Vecan pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Valérie Fessard
- ANSES French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Fougères Laboratory, Toxicology of Contaminants Unit, 10b rue Claude Bourgelat, Fougères 35306, France
| | | | - Eleonora Longhin
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller 2002, Norway
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller 2002, Norway
| | | | - Naouale El Yamani
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller 2002, Norway
| | - Julia Catalán
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Box 40, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology, and Genetics, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Dusinska
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller 2002, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Buckley TJ, Egeghy PP, Isaacs K, Richard AM, Ring C, Sayre RR, Sobus JR, Thomas RS, Ulrich EM, Wambaugh JF, Williams AJ. Cutting-edge computational chemical exposure research at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108097. [PMID: 37478680 PMCID: PMC10588682 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure science is evolving from its traditional "after the fact" and "one chemical at a time" approach to forecasting chemical exposures rapidly enough to keep pace with the constantly expanding landscape of chemicals and exposures. In this article, we provide an overview of the approaches, accomplishments, and plans for advancing computational exposure science within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development (EPA/ORD). First, to characterize the universe of chemicals in commerce and the environment, a carefully curated, web-accessible chemical resource has been created. This DSSTox database unambiguously identifies >1.2 million unique substances reflecting potential environmental and human exposures and includes computationally accessible links to each compound's corresponding data resources. Next, EPA is developing, applying, and evaluating predictive exposure models. These models increasingly rely on data, computational tools like quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models, and machine learning/artificial intelligence to provide timely and efficient prediction of chemical exposure (and associated uncertainty) for thousands of chemicals at a time. Integral to this modeling effort, EPA is developing data resources across the exposure continuum that includes application of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) non-targeted analysis (NTA) methods providing measurement capability at scale with the number of chemicals in commerce. These research efforts are integrated and well-tailored to support population exposure assessment to prioritize chemicals for exposure as a critical input to risk management. In addition, the exposure forecasts will allow a wide variety of stakeholders to explore sustainable initiatives like green chemistry to achieve economic, social, and environmental prosperity and protection of future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Buckley
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States.
| | - Peter P Egeghy
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Kristin Isaacs
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Ann M Richard
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Caroline Ring
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Risa R Sayre
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Jon R Sobus
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Russell S Thomas
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Elin M Ulrich
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - John F Wambaugh
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| | - Antony J Williams
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure (CCTE), 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Berggren E, Worth AP. Towards a future regulatory framework for chemicals in the European Union - Chemicals 2.0. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023:105431. [PMID: 37315707 PMCID: PMC10390824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105431] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The body of EU chemicals legislation has evolved since the 1960s, producing the largest knowledge base on chemicals worldwide. Like any evolving system, however, it has become increasingly diverse and complex, resulting in inefficiencies and potential inconsistencies. In the light of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, it is therefore timely and reasonable to consider how aspects of the system could be simplified and streamlined, without losing the hard-earned benefits to human health and the environment. In this commentary, we propose a conceptual framework that could be the basis of Chemicals 2.0 - a future safety assessment and management approach that is based on the application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), mechanistic reasoning and cost-benefit considerations. Chemicals 2.0 is designed to be a more efficient and more effective approach for assessing chemicals, and to comply with the EU goal to completely replace animal testing, in line with Directive 2010/63/EU. We propose five design criteria for Chemicals 2.0 to define what the future system should achieve. The approach is centered on a classification matrix in which NAMs for toxicodynamics and toxicokinetics are used to classify chemicals according to their level of concern. An important principle is the need to ensure an equivalent, or higher, protection level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew P Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Reardon AJF, Farmahin R, Williams A, Meier MJ, Addicks GC, Yauk CL, Matteo G, Atlas E, Harrill J, Everett LJ, Shah I, Judson R, Ramaiahgari S, Ferguson SS, Barton-Maclaren TS. From vision toward best practices: Evaluating in vitro transcriptomic points of departure for application in risk assessment using a uniform workflow. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1194895. [PMID: 37288009 PMCID: PMC10242042 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1194895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing number of chemicals in the current consumer and industrial markets presents a major challenge for regulatory programs faced with the need to assess the potential risks they pose to human and ecological health. The increasing demand for hazard and risk assessment of chemicals currently exceeds the capacity to produce the toxicity data necessary for regulatory decision making, and the applied data is commonly generated using traditional approaches with animal models that have limited context in terms of human relevance. This scenario provides the opportunity to implement novel, more efficient strategies for risk assessment purposes. This study aims to increase confidence in the implementation of new approach methods in a risk assessment context by using a parallel analysis to identify data gaps in current experimental designs, reveal the limitations of common approaches deriving transcriptomic points of departure, and demonstrate the strengths in using high-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) to derive practical endpoints. A uniform workflow was applied across six curated gene expression datasets from concentration-response studies containing 117 diverse chemicals, three cell types, and a range of exposure durations, to determine tPODs based on gene expression profiles. After benchmark concentration modeling, a range of approaches was used to determine consistent and reliable tPODs. High-throughput toxicokinetics were employed to translate in vitro tPODs (µM) to human-relevant administered equivalent doses (AEDs, mg/kg-bw/day). The tPODs from most chemicals had AEDs that were lower (i.e., more conservative) than apical PODs in the US EPA CompTox chemical dashboard, suggesting in vitro tPODs would be protective of potential effects on human health. An assessment of multiple data points for single chemicals revealed that longer exposure duration and varied cell culture systems (e.g., 3D vs. 2D) lead to a decreased tPOD value that indicated increased chemical potency. Seven chemicals were flagged as outliers when comparing the ratio of tPOD to traditional POD, thus indicating they require further assessment to better understand their hazard potential. Our findings build confidence in the use of tPODs but also reveal data gaps that must be addressed prior to their adoption to support risk assessment applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. F. Reardon
- Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Reza Farmahin
- Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Williams
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J. Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory C. Addicks
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Carole L. Yauk
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Geronimo Matteo
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ella Atlas
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Logan J. Everett
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Imran Shah
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Richard Judson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sreenivasa Ramaiahgari
- Division of Translational Toxicology, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stephen S. Ferguson
- Division of Translational Toxicology, Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tara S. Barton-Maclaren
- Existing Substances Risk Assessment Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hopperstad K, Deisenroth C. Development of a bioprinter-based method for incorporating metabolic competence into high-throughput in vitro assays. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1196245. [PMID: 37215384 PMCID: PMC10192685 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1196245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The acceptance and use of in vitro data for hazard identification, prioritization, and risk evaluation is partly limited by uncertainties associated with xenobiotic metabolism. The lack of biotransformation capabilities of many in vitro systems may under- or overestimate the hazard of compounds that are metabolized to more or less active metabolites in vivo. One approach to retrofitting existing bioassays with metabolic competence is the lid-based Alginate Immobilization of Metabolic Enzymes (AIME) method, which adds hepatic metabolism to conventional high-throughput screening platforms. Here, limitations of the lid-based AIME method were addressed by incorporating bioprinting, which involved depositing S9-encapsulated microspheres into standard 384-well plates with requisite cofactors for phase I and II hepatic metabolism. Objectives of this study included: 1) compare the lid-based and AIME bioprinting methods by assessing the enzymatic activity of a common cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme, 2) use biochemical assays with the bioprinting method to characterize additional measures of phase I and II metabolic activity, and 3) evaluate the bioprinting method by screening 25 chemicals of known metabolism-dependent bioactivity in the VM7Luc estrogen receptor transactivation (ERTA) assay. A comparison of the two methods revealed comparable precision and dynamic range. Activity of additional CYP enzymes and glucuronidation was observed using the AIME bioprinting method. The ERTA experiment identified 19/21 ER-active test chemicals, 14 of which were concordant with expected biotransformation effects (73.7%). Additional refinement of the AIME bioprinting method has the potential to expand high-throughput screening capabilities in a robust, accessible manner to incorporate in vitro metabolic competence.
Collapse
|
50
|
Wolf JC, Segner HE. Hazards of current concentration-setting practices in environmental toxicology studies. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:297-310. [PMID: 37439631 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2229372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The setting of concentrations for testing substances in ecotoxicological studies is often based on fractions of the concentrations that cause 50% mortality (LC50 or LD50) rather than environmentally relevant levels. This practice can result in exposures to animals at test concentrations that are magnitudes of order greater than those experienced in the environment. Often, such unrealistically high concentrations may cause non-specific biochemical or morphologic changes that primarily reflect the near-lethal health condition of the animal subjects, as opposed to effects characteristic of the particular test compound. Meanwhile, it is recognized that for many chemicals, the toxicologic mode of action (MOA) responsible for lethality may differ entirely from the MOAs that cause various sublethal effects. One argument for employing excessively high exposure concentrations in sublethal studies is to ensure the generation of positive toxicological effects, which can then be used to establish safety thresholds; however, it is possible that the pressure to produce exposure-related effects may also contribute to false positive outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to explore issues involving some current usages of acute LC50 data in ecotoxicology testing, and to propose an alternative strategy for performing this type of research moving forward. Toward those ends, a brief literature survey was conducted to gain an appreciation of methods that are currently being used to set test concentrations for sublethal definitive studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Wolf
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Sterling, VA, USA
| | - Helmut E Segner
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|