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Vieira L, Souza T, Farias D. The First Steps on AOPs' Concepts, Development, and Applications in Teratology. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2753:151-157. [PMID: 38285337 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3625-1_6] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
An Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) is an analytical model that describes, through a graphical representation, a linear sequence of biologically connected events at different levels of biological organization, causally leading to an adverse effect on human health or the environment. In general, AOPs are constructed based on five central principles: systematic development and review, chemical-agnostic, modular, networks, and living documents. Furthermore, AOPs have the potential to be used, for example, to investigate certain molecular targets; relate the regulation of specific genes or proteins among AOPs; extrapolate biological processes, pathways, or diseases from one species to another; and even predict adverse effects in particular populations. AOPs also emerge as an alternative to animal experimentation in studies of developmental malformations. It's even possible now to develop a quantitative AOP to predict teratogenic effects for some substances. However, the construction of high-quality AOPs requires standardization in the way these models are developed and reviewed, ensuring an adequate degree of flexibility and guaranteeing efficiency. The development of AOPs should strictly be based on the guidance documents developed by the OECD. Nevertheless, an important step for those developing AOPs is the choice of an apical endpoint or an initiating molecular event in order to initiate the construction of the pathway. Another crucial step is a systematic literature review based on the random combination of the blocks of information. With these two fundamental steps completed, it only remains to follow the guidance documents on Developing and Assessing Adverse Outcome Pathways and AOP Developers' Handbook supplement provided by the OECD to organize and construct an AOP. This modern approach will bring radical changes in the field of toxicity testing, regarding the prediction of apical toxic effects using molecular-level effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Vieira
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Souza
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Davi Farias
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.
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Thrikawala S, Mesmar F, Bhattacharya B, Muhsen M, Mukhopadhyay S, Flores S, Upadhyay S, Vergara L, Gustafsson JÅ, Williams C, Bondesson M. Triazole fungicides induce adipogenesis and repress osteoblastogenesis in zebrafish. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:119-130. [PMID: 36951524 PMCID: PMC10230286 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad031] [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: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Triazoles are a major group of azole fungicides commonly used in agriculture, and veterinary and human medicine. Maternal exposure to certain triazole antifungal medication causes congenital malformations, including skeletal malformations. We hypothesized that triazoles used as pesticides in agriculture also pose a risk of causing skeletal malformations in developing embryos. In this study, teratogenic effects of three commonly used triazoles, cyproconazole, paclobutrazol, and triadimenol, were investigated in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Exposure to the triazole fungicides caused bone and cartilage malformations in developing zebrafish larvae. Data from whole-embryo transcriptomics with cyproconazole suggested that exposure to this compound induces adipogenesis while repressing skeletal development. Confirming this finding, the expression of selected bone and cartilage marker genes were significantly downregulated with triazoles exposure as determined by quantitative PCR. The expression of selected adipogenic genes was upregulated by the triazoles. Furthermore, exposure to each of the three triazoles induced adipogenesis and lipid droplet formation in vitro in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte cells. In vivo in zebrafish larvae, cyproconazole exposure caused lipid accumulation. These results suggest that exposure to triazoles promotes adipogenesis at the expense of skeletal development, and thus they expand the chemical group of bona fide bone to fat switchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savini Thrikawala
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Fahmi Mesmar
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Beas Bhattacharya
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Maram Muhsen
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Srijita Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Flores
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Leoncio Vergara
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jan-Åke Gustafsson
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health (CBH), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria Bondesson
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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Chhipi-Shrestha G, Rodriguez M, Behmel S, Pulicharla R, Proulx F, Hewage K, Sadiq R. Probabilistic framework for assessing ecological risk of Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Application to a Canadian lake system. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:131910. [PMID: 34454220 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131910] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in natural water pose risks to ecosystems. The concentration of CECs varies spatially and temporally, and their estimated ecotoxicities differ widely by toxicological studies. This study extensively reviewed literature on ecological risk assessment and proposed a probabilistic framework for assessing ecological risk and its uncertainties (aleatory and epistemic). The framework integrated Adverse Outcome Pathway in risk assessment and was applied to a Canadian lake system for seven CECs: salicylic acid, acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, drospirenone, and sulfamethoxazole. Altogether 264 water samples were collected and analyzed from 15 sites May 2016 to September 2017. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish were also sampled and analyzed. The results show ecological risk estimates (Risk Quotient, RQ) varied considerably indicating a range of uncertainty. Based on the conservative estimate, the central tendency estimate of the ecological risk of mixture compounds was medium (RQ = 0.6) including drospirenone. However, the reasonably maximum estimate of the risk was high (RQ = 1.4) for mixture compounds including drospirenone. The high risk is primarily due to drospirenone as its individual risk was high (RQ = 1.1) to fish. The specific site and time of high drospirenone exposure was identified for implementing control measures. Classification of ecotoxicity values based on environmental parameters such as climate and water quality, can reduce uncertainty in the risk estimate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyan Chhipi-Shrestha
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada; École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada.
| | - Manuel Rodriguez
- École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada.
| | - Sonja Behmel
- École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada.
| | - Rama Pulicharla
- École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada.
| | - Francois Proulx
- École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1K 7P4, Canada.
| | - Kasun Hewage
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Rehan Sadiq
- School of Engineering, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Ave, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada.
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An adverse outcome pathway on the disruption of retinoic acid metabolism leading to developmental craniofacial defects. Toxicology 2021; 458:152843. [PMID: 34186166 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adverse outcome pathway (AOP) is a conceptual framework that links a molecular initiating event (MIE) via intermediate key events (KEs) with adverse effects (adverse outcomes, AO) relevant for risk assessment, through defined KE relationships (KERs). The aim of the present work is to describe a linear AOP, supported by experimental data, for skeletal craniofacial defects as the AO. This AO was selected in view of its relative high incidence in humans and the suspected relation to chemical exposure. We focused on inhibition of CYP26, a retinoic acid (RA) metabolizing enzyme, as MIE, based on robust previously published data. Conazoles were selected as representative stressors. Intermediate KEs are RA disbalance, aberrant HOX gene expression, disrupted specification, migration, and differentiation of neural crest cells, and branchial arch dysmorphology. We described the biological basis of the postulated events and conducted weight of evidence (WoE) assessments. The biological plausibility and the overall empirical evidence were assessed as high and moderate, respectively, the latter taking into consideration the moderate evidence for concordance of dose-response and temporal relationships. Finally, the essentiality assessment of the KEs, considered as high, supported the robustness of the presented AOP. This AOP, which appears of relevance to humans, thus contributes to mechanistic underpinning of selected test methods, thereby supporting their application in integrated new approach test methodologies and strategies and application in a regulatory context.
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Multistate models of developmental toxicity: Application to valproic acid-induced malformations in the zebrafish embryo. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 414:115424. [PMID: 33524444 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
For the determination of acute toxicity of chemicals in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos, the OECD test guideline 236, relative to the Fish Embryo Toxicity Test (FET), stipulates a dose-response analysis of four lethal core endpoints and a quantitative characterization of abnormalities including their time-dependency. Routinely, the data are analyzed at the different observation times separately. However, observations at a given time strongly depend on the previous effects and should be analyzed jointly with them. To solve this problem, we developed multistate models for occurrence of developmental malformations and live events in zebrafish embryos exposed to eight concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) the first five days of life. Observations were recorded daily per embryo. We statistically infer on model structure and parameters using a numerical Bayesian framework. Hatching probability rate changed with time and we compared five forms of its time-dependence; a constant rate, a piecewise constant rate with a fixed hatching time at 48 h post fertilization, a piecewise constant rate with a variable hatching time, as well as a Hill and Gaussian form. A piecewise constant function of time adequately described the hatching data. The other transition rates were conditioned on the embryo body concentration of VPA, obtained using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model. VPA impacted mostly the malformation probability rate in hatched and non-hatched embryos. Malformation reversion probability rates were lowered by VPA. Direct mortality was low at the concentrations tested, but increased linearly with internal concentration. The model makes full use of data and gives a finer grain analysis of the teratogenic effects of VPA in zebrafish than the OECD-prescribed approach. We discuss the use of the model for obtaining toxicological reference values suitable for inter-species extrapolation. A general result is that complex multistate models can be efficiently evaluated numerically.
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Moe SJ, Wolf R, Xie L, Landis WG, Kotamäki N, Tollefsen KE. Quantification of an Adverse Outcome Pathway Network by Bayesian Regression and Bayesian Network Modeling. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:147-164. [PMID: 32965776 PMCID: PMC7820971 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework has gained international recognition as a systematic approach linking mechanistic processes to toxicity endpoints. Nevertheless, successful implementation into risk assessments is still limited by the lack of quantitative AOP models (qAOPs) and assessment of uncertainties. The few published qAOP models so far are typically based on data-demanding systems biology models. Here, we propose a less data-demanding approach for quantification of AOPs and AOP networks, based on regression modeling and Bayesian networks (BNs). We demonstrate this approach with the proposed AOP #245, "Uncoupling of photophosphorylation leading to reduced ATP production associated growth inhibition," using a small experimental data set from exposure of Lemna minor to the pesticide 3,5-dichlorophenol. The AOP-BN reflects the network structure of AOP #245 containing 2 molecular initiating events (MIEs), 3 key events (KEs), and 1 adverse outcome (AO). First, for each dose-response and response-response (KE) relationship, we quantify the causal relationship by Bayesian regression modeling. The regression models correspond to dose-response functions commonly applied in ecotoxicology. Secondly, we apply the fitted regression models with associated uncertainty to simulate 10 000 response values along the predictor gradient. Thirdly, we use the simulated values to parameterize the conditional probability tables of the BN model. The quantified AOP-BN model can be run in several directions: 1) prognostic inference, run forward from the stressor node to predict the AO level; 2) diagnostic inference, run backward from the AO node; and 3) omnidirectionally, run from the intermediate MIEs and/or KEs. Internal validation shows that the AOP-BN can obtain a high accuracy rate, when run is from intermediate nodes and when a low resolution is acceptable for the AO. Although the performance of this AOP-BN is limited by the small data set, our study demonstrates a proof-of-concept: the combined use of Bayesian regression modeling and Bayesian network modeling for quantifying AOPs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:147-164. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raoul Wolf
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)OsloNorway
| | - Li Xie
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)OsloNorway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), ÅsNorway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), ÅsNorway
| | - Wayne G Landis
- Institute of Environmental Toxicology, Huxley College of the EnvironmentWestern Washington UniversityBellinghamWashingtonUSA
| | | | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)OsloNorway
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), ÅsNorway
- Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), ÅsNorway
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Prediction and Characterization of CYP3A4-mediated Metabolisms of Azole Fungicides: an Application of the Fused-grid Template* system. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2020; 8:34-51. [PMID: 32626635 PMCID: PMC7329915 DOI: 10.14252/foodsafetyfscj.d-20-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human CYP3A4 is involved in metabolisms of diverse hydrophobic chemicals. Using the data of therapeutic azole fungicides known to interact with CYP3A4, applicability of CYP3A4 Template system was first confirmed to reconstitute faithfully the interaction on Template. More than twenty numbers of pesticide azoles were then applied to the Template system. All the azole stereo-isomers applied, except for talarozole, interacted through nitrogen atoms of triazole or imidazole parts and sat stably for inhibitions through fulfilling three-essential interactions. For their CYP3A4-mediated oxidations, clear distinctions were suggested among the enantiomers and diastereomers of azole pesticides on Templates. Thus, the stereoisomers would have their-own regio- and stereo-selective profiles of the metabolisms. A combined metabolic profile of each azole obtained with CYP3A4 Template system, however, resembled with the reported profile of the in vivo metabolism in rats. These results suggest the major roles of CYP3A forms on the metabolisms of most of azole pesticides in both rats and humans. Free triazole is a metabolite of azole fungicides having a methylene-spacer between triazole and the rest of the main structures in experimental animals and humans. During the simulation experiments, a placement for the oxidation of a methylene spacer between the triazole and main carbon-skeleton was found to be available throughout the azole fungicides tested on Template. The occurrence of this reaction to lead to triazole-release is thus discussed in relation to the possible involvement of CYP3A forms.
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Spinu N, Cronin MTD, Enoch SJ, Madden JC, Worth AP. Quantitative adverse outcome pathway (qAOP) models for toxicity prediction. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1497-1510. [PMID: 32424443 PMCID: PMC7261727 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02774-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The quantitative adverse outcome pathway (qAOP) concept is gaining interest due to its potential regulatory applications in chemical risk assessment. Even though an increasing number of qAOP models are being proposed as computational predictive tools, there is no framework to guide their development and assessment. As such, the objectives of this review were to: (i) analyse the definitions of qAOPs published in the scientific literature, (ii) define a set of common features of existing qAOP models derived from the published definitions, and (iii) identify and assess the existing published qAOP models and associated software tools. As a result, five probabilistic qAOPs and ten mechanistic qAOPs were evaluated against the common features. The review offers an overview of how the qAOP concept has advanced and how it can aid toxicity assessment in the future. Further efforts are required to achieve validation, harmonisation and regulatory acceptance of qAOP models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Spinu
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mark T D Cronin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Steven J Enoch
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Judith C Madden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Andrew P Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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Metruccio F, Palazzolo L, Di Renzo F, Battistoni M, Menegola E, Eberini I, Moretto A. Development of an adverse outcome pathway for cranio-facial malformations: A contribution from in silico simulations and in vitro data. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 140:111303. [PMID: 32251704 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mixtures of substances sharing the same molecular initiating event (MIE) are supposed to induce additive effects. The proposed MIE for azole fungicides is CYP26 inhibition with retinoic acid (RA) local increase, triggering key events leading to craniofacial defects. Valproic acid (VPA) is supposed to imbalance RA-regulated gene expression trough histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibition. The aim was to evaluate effects of molecules sharing the same MIE (azoles) and of such having (hypothetically) different MIEs but which are eventually involved in the same adverse outcome pathway (AOP). An in silico approach (molecular docking) investigated the suggested MIEs. Teratogenicity was evaluated in vitro (WEC). Abnormalities were modelled by PROAST software. The common target was the branchial apparatus. In silico results confirmed azole-related CYP26 inhibition and a weak general VPA inhibition on the tested HDACs. Unexpectedly, VPA showed also a weak, but not marginal, capability to enter the CYP 26A1 and CYP 26C1 catalytic sites, suggesting a possible role of VPA in decreasing RA catabolism, acting as an additional MIE. Our findings suggest a new more complex picture. Consequently two different AOPs, leading to the same AO, can be described. VPA MIEs (HDAC and CYP26 inhibition) impinge on the two converging AOPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Palazzolo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", via GB Grassi 74- 20159, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca Di Renzo
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26- 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maria Battistoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", via GB Grassi 74- 20159, Milan, Italy.
| | - Elena Menegola
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, via Celoria 26- 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Ivano Eberini
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences & DSRC, via Balzaretti 9- 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Moretto
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", via GB Grassi 74- 20159, Milan, Italy.
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Vinken M, Kramer N, Allen TEH, Hoffmans Y, Thatcher N, Levorato S, Traussnig H, Schulte S, Boobis A, Thiel A, Rietjens IMCM. The use of adverse outcome pathways in the safety evaluation of food additives. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:959-966. [PMID: 32065296 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, adverse outcome pathways have been introduced in the fields of toxicology and risk assessment of chemicals as pragmatic tools with broad application potential. While their use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors has been well documented, their application in the food area remains largely unexplored. In this respect, an expert group of the International Life Sciences Institute Europe has recently explored the use of adverse outcome pathways in the safety evaluation of food additives. A key activity was the organization of a workshop, gathering delegates from the regulatory, industrial and academic areas, to discuss the potentials and challenges related to the application of adverse outcome pathways in the safety assessment of food additives. The present paper describes the outcome of this workshop followed by a number of critical considerations and perspectives defined by the International Life Sciences Institute Europe expert group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Nynke Kramer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80177, 3508 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Timothy E H Allen
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yvette Hoffmans
- Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Thatcher
- Mondelēz International, Bournville Place, Bournville Ln, Birmingham, B30 2LU, UK
| | - Sara Levorato
- Unilever, Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Sharnbrook, Bedford, MK441LQ, UK
| | - Heinz Traussnig
- Mayr-Melnhof Karton Gesellschaft m.b.H., Frohnleiten Mill, Wannersdorf 80, 8130, Frohnleiten, Austria
| | - Stefan Schulte
- Department of Product Safety, BASF SE, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Alan Boobis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Anette Thiel
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Wurmisweg 576, 4303, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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