1
|
Coden KM, Nguyen DKK, Moorhead R, Stix-Brunell BE, Baker JN, Parker KJ, Garner JP. Making bloodwork work: the impact of sample collection, processing, and storage on plasma glutathione measurement, and implications for translation. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:385. [PMID: 39313523 PMCID: PMC11420238 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychiatry has traditionally focused on the study of neurons and neurotransmitter physiology in the pathophysiology and treatment of psychiatric disorders. A growing literature highlights REDOX imbalance (a state in which demand for antioxidants surpasses their bioavailability) as a common pathophysiology for a diverse array of brain conditions (e.g., trichotillomania, schizophrenia, autism, Parkinson's disease). REDOX imbalance is typically measured via plasma glutathione, as glutathione is critical to the adaptive antioxidant response in the brain. Accordingly, glutathione, its precursors, and/or metabolites serve as biomarkers of disease risk, therapeutic targets, and measures of treatment response. However, as with any emerging field, there are currently several different methods for collection, processing, storage, and calculation of summary measures of plasma glutathione metabolism, within and between preclinical and clinical research. The lack of evidence-based best-practice methodology hampers reproducibility (preclinical or clinical), and translation (between preclinical and clinical work). To address this methodological need, here we used a repeated measures within-subject design to investigate how sample preparation (type of anticoagulant used during blood collection, deproteinization status, and storage temperature) affects plasma glutathione levels. Accordingly, we collected whole blood from mice (N = 13), and then, using a commercially available kit, quantified glutathione in plasma stored in four different ways. Presuming that these preparation conditions and post-processing calculations are unimportant, we would expect to see no difference in glutathione levels and summary measures from the same sample. However, we found each of these variables to significantly alter quantified glutathione levels. Accordingly, we propose a vital, gold-standard methodology for both sample collection, processing, and storage of plasma used for glutathione quantification and for summary calculations of glutathione that can be used preclinically and clinically, thus yielding more streamlined translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall M Coden
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Duyen K K Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Roberta Moorhead
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Joanna N Baker
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Witowski J, Sikorska D, Catar R. Reporting Practices for Animal Studies on Peritoneal Dialysis Conducted in 2021-2023 after the Introduction of the ARRIVE 2.0 Guidelines. Nephron Clin Pract 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38934165 DOI: 10.1159/000539892] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The first version of Animal Research: Reporting of in vivo Experiments (ARRIVE 1.0) guidelines was introduced to improve reporting of animal research but did not lead to major improvements in this respect. This applied also to animal studies on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Here, we examined the performance of the revised version of these guidelines (ARRIVE 2.0). METHODS Eighty-nine relevant articles published in 2018-2020 (ARRIVE 1.0 period) and 97 published in 2021-2023 (ARRIVE 2.0 period) were identified in PubMed® and analyzed for completeness and transparency of reporting. RESULTS In both periods, most studies were carried out in Asia, on rodents, and concerned the peritoneal pathophysiology. During ARRIVE 2.0, more studies were published in higher impact factor journals with the focus on pharmacology and immunology. Compared to ARRIVE 1.0, general aspects of study design and reporting improved during ARRIVE 2.0 period in studies generated in Europe and USA but did not change significantly in Asia. Detailed analysis showed no global improvement in completeness of reporting key information included in the ARRIVE 2.0 Essential 10 checklist. Articles from both periods were deficient in sample size calculations, use of blinding, recording adverse events and drop-outs, and specification of appropriate statistical methods. The level of reporting during ARRIVE 2.0 did not correspond to the journal impact factor and the presence of recommendations for the use of ARRIVE 2.0 in their instructions to authors. CONCLUSION So far, ARRIVE 2.0 has not produced significant improvements in the reporting of animal studies in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Witowski
- Department Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dorota Sikorska
- Department Rheumatology, Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Byrd KA, Theil JH, Geronimo JT, Ahloy-Dallaire J, Gutierrez MF, Hui EI, Felt TK, Coden KM, Ratuski AS, Felt SA, Chu DK, Garner JP. Pebble to the Metal: A Boulder Approach to Enrichment for Danio rerio. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298657. [PMID: 38713725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298657] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are an established and widely used animal model, yet there is limited understanding of their welfare needs. Despite an increasing number of studies on zebrafish enrichment, in-tank environmental enrichment remains unpopular among researchers. This is due to perceived concerns over health/hygiene when it comes to introducing enrichment into the tank, although actual evidence for this is sparse. To accommodate this belief, regardless of veracity, we tested the potential benefits of enrichments presented outside the tank. Thus, we investigated the preferences and physiological stress of zebrafish with pictures of pebbles placed underneath the tank. We hypothesized that zebrafish would show a preference for enriched environments and have lower stress levels than barren housed zebrafish. In our first experiment, we housed zebrafish in a standard rack system and recorded their preference for visual access to a pebble picture, with two positive controls: visual access to conspecifics, and group housing. Using a crossover repeated-measures factorial design, we tested if the preference for visual access to pebbles was as strong as the preference for social contact. Zebrafish showed a strong preference for visual access to pebbles, equivalent to that for conspecifics. Then, in a second experiment, tank water cortisol was measured to assess chronic stress levels of zebrafish housed with or without a pebble picture under their tank, with group housing as a positive control. Cortisol levels were significantly reduced in zebrafish housed with pebble pictures, as were cortisol levels in group housed zebrafish. In fact, single housed zebrafish with pebble pictures showed the same cortisol levels as group housed zebrafish without pebble pictures. Thus, the use of an under-tank pebble picture was as beneficial as being group housed, effectively compensating for the stress of single housing. Pebble picture enrichment had an additive effect with group housing, where group housed zebrafish with pebble pictures had the lowest cortisol levels of any treatment group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyna A Byrd
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Jacob H Theil
- Campus Veterinary Services, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Jerome T Geronimo
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | - Michael F Gutierrez
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Emily I Hui
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Teagan K Felt
- Department of Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Kendall M Coden
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna S Ratuski
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen A Felt
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - David K Chu
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kahrass H, Pietschmann I, Mertz M. Why Do I Choose an Animal Model or an Alternative Method in Basic and Preclinical Biomedical Research? A Spectrum of Ethically Relevant Reasons and Their Evaluation. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:651. [PMID: 38396619 PMCID: PMC10886339 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research model selection decisions in basic and preclinical biomedical research have not yet been the subject of an ethical investigation. Therefore, this paper aims, (1) to identify a spectrum of reasons for choosing between animal and alternative research models (e.g., based on in vitro or in silico models) and (2) provides an ethical analysis of the selected reasons. METHODS In total, 13 researchers were interviewed; the interviews were analyzed qualitatively. The ethical analysis was based on the principlism approach and a value judgement model. RESULTS This paper presents 66 reasons underlying the choice of researchers using animal (27 reasons) or alternative models (39). Most of the reasons were assigned to the work environment (29) and scientific standards (22). Other reasons were assigned to personal attitudes (11) and animal welfare (4). Qualitative relevant normative differences are presented in the ethical analysis. Even if few reasons can be rejected outright from an ethical point of view, there are good reasons to give some more weight than others. CONCLUSIONS The spectrum of reasons and their ethical assessment provide a framework for reflection for researchers who may have to choose between animal models and (investing in) alternatives. This can help to reflect on and ethically justify decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Kahrass
- Institute for Ethics, History and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ines Pietschmann
- Department for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Goettingen University Medical Center, 37073 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Marcel Mertz
- Institute for Ethics, History and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mensah-Kane P, Davis DL, Shi HS, Trinh OT, Vann PH, Dory L, Sumien N. Hyperbaric oxygen alleviates selective domains of cognitive and motor deficits in female 5xFAD mice. GeroScience 2024; 46:517-530. [PMID: 38153668 PMCID: PMC10828284 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-01047-2] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been limited to managing of symptoms or anti-amyloid therapy with limited results and uncertainty. Seeking out new therapies that can reverse the effects of this devastating disease is important. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy could be such a candidate as it has been shown to improve brain function in certain neurological conditions. Furthermore, the role sex plays in the vulnerability/resilience to AD remains equivocal. An understanding of what makes one sex more vulnerable to AD could unveil new pathways for therapy development. In this study, we investigated the effects of HBO on cognitive, motor, and affective function in a mouse model of AD (5xFAD) and assessed protein oxidation in peripheral tissues as a safety indicator. The motor and cognitive abilities of 5xFAD mice were significantly impaired. HBO therapy improved cognitive flexibility and associative learning of 5xFAD females but not males, but HBO had no effect other aspects of cognition. HBO also reversed AD-related declines in balance but had no impact on gait and anxiety-like behavior. HBO did not affect body weights or oxidative stress in peripheral tissues. Our study provides further support for HBO therapy as a potential treatment for AD and emphasizes the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in therapeutic development. Further investigations into the underlying mechanisms of HBO's sex-specific responses are warranted, as well as optimizing treatment protocols for maximum benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paapa Mensah-Kane
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Helen S Shi
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oanh T Trinh
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Ladislav Dory
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
von Kortzfleisch VT, Richter SH. Systematic heterogenization revisited: Increasing variation in animal experiments to improve reproducibility? J Neurosci Methods 2024; 401:109992. [PMID: 37884081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.109992] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Life sciences are currently facing a reproducibility crisis. Originally, the crisis was born out of single alarming failures to reproduce findings at different times and locations. Nowadays, systematic studies indicate that the prevalence of irreproducible research does in fact exceed 50%. Viewed from a rather cynical perspective, Fett's law of the lab "Never replicate a successful experiment" has thus taken on a completely new meaning. In this respect, animal research has come under particular scrutiny, as the stakes are high in terms of both research ethics and societal impact. To counteract this, it is essential to identify sources of poor reproducibility as well as to iron out these failures. We here review the current debate, briefly discuss potential reasons, and summarize steps that have already been undertaken to improve reproducibility in animal research. By the example of classical behavioural phenotyping studies, we particularly highlight the role strict standardization plays in exacerbating the crisis, and review the concept of systematic heterogenization as an alternative strategy to deal with variation in animal studies. Briefly, we argue that systematic variation rather than strict homogenization of experimental conditions benefits the robustness of research findings, and hence their reproducibility. To this end, we will present concrete examples for systematically heterogenized experiments and provide a practical guide on how to apply systematic heterogenization in experimental practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - S Helene Richter
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Badestraße 13, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu C, Leighow SM, McIlroy K, Lu M, Dennis KA, Abello K, Brown DJ, Moore CJ, Shah A, Inam H, Rivera VM, Pritchard JR. Excessive concentrations of kinase inhibitors in translational studies impede effective drug repurposing. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101227. [PMID: 37852183 PMCID: PMC10591048 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101227] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Drug repositioning seeks to leverage existing clinical knowledge to identify alternative clinical settings for approved drugs. However, repositioning efforts fail to demonstrate improved success rates in late-stage clinical trials. Focusing on 11 approved kinase inhibitors that have been evaluated in 139 repositioning hypotheses, we use data mining to characterize the state of clinical repurposing. Then, using a simple experimental correction with human serum proteins in in vitro pharmacodynamic assays, we develop a measurement of a drug's effective exposure. We show that this metric is remarkably predictive of clinical activity for a panel of five kinase inhibitors across 23 drug variant targets in leukemia. We then validate our model's performance in six other kinase inhibitors for two types of solid tumors: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Our approach presents a straightforward strategy to use existing clinical information and experimental systems to decrease the clinical failure rate in drug repurposing studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Scott M Leighow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Kyle McIlroy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mengrou Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kady A Dennis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kerry Abello
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Donovan J Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Connor J Moore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anushka Shah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Haider Inam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | - Justin R Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; The Huck Institute for the Life Sciences, Center for Resistance Evolution, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nunamaker EA, Turner PV. Unmasking the Adverse Impacts of Sex Bias on Science and Research Animal Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2792. [PMID: 37685056 PMCID: PMC10486396 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172792] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex bias in biomedical and natural science research has been prevalent for decades. In many cases, the female estrous cycle was thought to be too complex an issue to model for, and it was thought to be simpler to only use males in studies. At times, particularly when studying efficacy and safety of new therapeutics, this sex bias has resulted in over- and under-medication with associated deleterious side effects in women. Many sex differences have been recognized that are unrelated to hormonal variation occurring during the estrous cycle. Sex bias also creates animal welfare challenges related to animal over-production and wastage, insufficient consideration of welfare (and scientific) impact related to differential housing of male vs female animals within research facilities, and a lack of understanding regarding differential requirements for pain recognition and alleviation in male versus female animals. Although many funding and government agencies require both sexes to be studied in biomedical research, many disparities remain in practice. This requires further enforcement of expectations by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee when reviewing protocols, research groups when writing grants, planning studies, and conducting research, and scientific journals and reviewers to ensure that sex bias policies are enforced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA;
| | - Patricia V. Turner
- Global Animal Welfare and Training, Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA 01887, USA;
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fedi A, Vitale C, Fato M, Scaglione S. A Human Ovarian Tumor & Liver Organ-on-Chip for Simultaneous and More Predictive Toxo-Efficacy Assays. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:270. [PMID: 36829764 PMCID: PMC9952600 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In oncology, the poor success rate of clinical trials is becoming increasingly evident due to the weak predictability of preclinical assays, which either do not recapitulate the complexity of human tissues (i.e., in vitro tests) or reveal species-specific outcomes (i.e., animal testing). Therefore, the development of novel approaches is fundamental for better evaluating novel anti-cancer treatments. Here, a multicompartmental organ-on-chip (OOC) platform was adopted to fluidically connect 3D ovarian cancer tissues to hepatic cellular models and resemble the systemic cisplatin administration for contemporarily investigating drug efficacy and hepatotoxic effects in a physiological context. Computational fluid dynamics was performed to impose capillary-like blood flows and predict cisplatin diffusion. After a cisplatin concentration screening using 2D/3D tissue models, cytotoxicity assays were conducted in the multicompartmental OOC and compared with static co-cultures and dynamic single-organ models. A linear decay of SKOV-3 ovarian cancer and HepG2 liver cell viability was observed with increasing cisplatin concentration. Furthermore, 3D ovarian cancer models showed higher drug resistance than the 2D model in static conditions. Most importantly, when compared to clinical therapy, the experimental approach combining 3D culture, fluid-dynamic conditions, and multi-organ connection displayed the most predictive toxicity and efficacy results, demonstrating that OOC-based approaches are reliable 3Rs alternatives in preclinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Fedi
- Department of Computer Science, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Electronic, Computer and Telecommunications (IEIIT), 16149 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Electronic, Computer and Telecommunications (IEIIT), 16149 Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Fato
- Department of Computer Science, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Scaglione
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Electronic, Computer and Telecommunications (IEIIT), 16149 Genoa, Italy
- React4life S.p.A via Fiasella 1, 16121 Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosso M, Wirz R, Loretan AV, Sutter NA, Pereira da Cunha CT, Jaric I, Würbel H, Voelkl B. Reliability of common mouse behavioural tests of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of anxiolytics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104928. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
11
|
Farré R, Almendros I, Martínez-García MÁ, Gozal D. Experimental Models to Study End-Organ Morbidity in Sleep Apnea: Lessons Learned and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214430. [PMID: 36430904 PMCID: PMC9696027 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep apnea (SA) is a very prevalent sleep breathing disorder mainly characterized by intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation, with ensuing systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune deregulation. These perturbations promote the risk of end-organ morbidity, such that SA patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular, neurocognitive, metabolic and malignant disorders. Investigating the potential mechanisms underlying SA-induced end-organ dysfunction requires the use of comprehensive experimental models at the cell, animal and human levels. This review is primarily focused on the experimental models employed to date in the study of the consequences of SA and tackles 3 different approaches. First, cell culture systems whereby controlled patterns of intermittent hypoxia cycling fast enough to mimic the rates of episodic hypoxemia experienced by patients with SA. Second, animal models consisting of implementing realistic upper airway obstruction patterns, intermittent hypoxia, or sleep fragmentation such as to reproduce the noxious events characterizing SA. Finally, human SA models, which consist either in subjecting healthy volunteers to intermittent hypoxia or sleep fragmentation, or alternatively applying oxygen supplementation or temporary nasal pressure therapy withdrawal to SA patients. The advantages, limitations, and potential improvements of these models along with some of their pertinent findings are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Farré
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 1964603 Madrid, Spain
- Institut Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (D.G.)
| | - Isaac Almendros
- Unitat de Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 1964603 Madrid, Spain
- Institut Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel-Ángel Martínez-García
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 1964603 Madrid, Spain
- Pneumology Department, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health and Child Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (D.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Neuhaus CP. Threats to Benefits: Assessing Knowledge Production in Nonhuman Models of Human Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Hastings Cent Rep 2022; 52 Suppl 2:S34-S40. [PMID: 36484505 PMCID: PMC9747248 DOI: 10.1002/hast.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports and papers on chimeric research highlight the promise of chimeric models of human neuropsychiatric disorders to ameliorate human suffering due to autism spectrum disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. These calls, however, typically do not acknowledge, much less address, criticisms of model creation and validation, or concerns about scientific conduct more generally. The ethical justification for the use of nonhuman animals in research depends on the production of benefits to humans based on such research. But the assessment and production of benefits are highly uncertain and rife with both practical and conceptual challenges. This essay provides a general framework for classifying the benefits of biomedical research and then focuses on two factors that directly impact-and threaten-the production of knowledge in research that models neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nunamaker EA, Reynolds PS. 'Invisible actors'-How poor methodology reporting compromises mouse models of oncology: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274738. [PMID: 36264974 PMCID: PMC9584398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory mouse is a key player in preclinical oncology research. However, emphasis of techniques reporting at the expense of critical animal-related detail compromises research integrity, animal welfare, and, ultimately, the translation potential of mouse-based oncology models. To evaluate current reporting practices, we performed a cross-sectional survey of 400 preclinical oncology studies using mouse solid-tumour models. Articles published in 2020 were selected from 20 journals that specifically endorsed the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) preclinical reporting guidelines. We assessed reporting compliance for 22 items in five domains: ethical oversight assurance, animal signalment, husbandry, welfare, and euthanasia. Data were analysed using hierarchical generalised random-intercept models, clustered on journal. Overall, reporting of animal-related items was poor. Median compliance over all categories was 23%. There was little or no association between extent of reporting compliance and journal or journal impact factor. Age, sex, and source were reported most frequently, but verifiable strain information was reported for <10% of studies. Animal husbandry, housing environment, and welfare items were reported by <5% of studies. Fewer than one in four studies reported analgesia use, humane endpoints, or an identifiable method of euthanasia. Of concern was the poor documentation of ethical oversight information. Fewer than one in four provided verifiable approval information, and almost one in ten reported no information, or information that was demonstrably false. Mice are the "invisible actors" in preclinical oncology research. In spite of widespread endorsement of reporting guidelines, adherence to reporting guidelines on the part of authors is poor and journals fail to enforce guideline reporting standards. In particular, the inadequate reporting of key animal-related items severely restricts the utility and translation potential of mouse models, and results in research waste. Both investigators and journals have the ethical responsibility to ensure animals are not wasted in uninformative research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nunamaker
- Animal Care Services, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Penny S. Reynolds
- Department of Anesthesiology, Statistics in Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Core, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mice in translational neuroscience: What R we doing? Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102330. [PMID: 35872220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Animal models play a pivotal role in translational neuroscience but recurrent problems in data collection, analyses, and interpretation, lack of biomarkers, and a tendency to over-reliance on mice have marred neuroscience progress, leading to one of the highest attrition rates in drug translation. Global initiatives to improve reproducibility and model selection are being implemented. Notwithstanding, mice are still the preferred animal species to model human brain disorders even when the translation has been shown to be limited. Non-human primates are better positioned to provide relevant translational information because of their higher brain complexity and homology to humans. Among others, lack of resources and formal training, strict legislation, and ethical issues may impede broad access to large animals. We propose that instead of increasingly restrictive legislation, more resources for training, education, husbandry, and data sharing are urgently needed. The creation of multidisciplinary teams, in which veterinarians need to play a key role, would be critical to improve translational efficiency. Furthermore, it is not usually acknowledged by researchers and regulators the value of comparative studies in lower species, that are instrumental in toxicology, target identification, and mechanistic studies. Overall, we highlight here the need for a conceptual shift in neuroscience research and policies to reach the patients.
Collapse
|
15
|
Parker KJ. Leveraging a translational research approach to drive diagnostic and treatment advances for autism. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2650-2658. [PMID: 35365807 PMCID: PMC9167797 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and poorly understood neurodevelopmental disorder. There are currently no laboratory-based diagnostic tests to detect ASD, nor are there any disease-modifying medications that effectively treat ASD's core behavioral symptoms. Scientific progress has been impeded, in part, by overreliance on model organisms that fundamentally lack the sophisticated social and cognitive abilities essential for modeling ASD. We therefore saw significant value in studying naturally low-social rhesus monkeys to model human social impairment, taking advantage of a large outdoor-housed colony for behavioral screening and biomarker identification. Careful development and validation of our animal model, combined with a strong commitment to evaluating the translational utility of our preclinical findings directly in patients with ASD, yielded a robust neurochemical marker (cerebrospinal fluid vasopressin concentration) of trans-primate social impairment and a first-in-class medication (intranasal vasopressin) shown in a small phase 2a pilot trial to improve social abilities in children with ASD. This translational research approach stands to advance our understanding of ASD in a manner not readily achievable with existing animal models, and can be adapted to investigate a variety of other human brain disorders which currently lack valid preclinical options, thereby streamlining translation and amplifying clinical impact more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Black V, Fenton A, Ormandy EH. Protecting Canada’s Lab Animals: The Need for Legislation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060770. [PMID: 35327166 PMCID: PMC8944469 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this paper we argue that the current oversight system for animal-based science in Canada needs major reform to keep pace with progressive legislation in other nations and to prioritize the replacement of animals as best scientific practice. Abstract Canada’s current non-legislated oversight system for animal-based science not only fails to adequately incentivize the replacement of sentient animals as best scientific practice in any meaningful way, but also fails to adequately protect those animals bred, harmed, and killed in the name of science. In this paper, we outline the various shortcomings of the Canadian Council on Animal Care, and we highlight the need for Canada to move towards national legislation akin to that seen in other jurisdictions like the U.K. We conclude that while legislation alone cannot ensure the replacement of sentient animals in science, it appears to be a precondition for significant progress in animal protection and for the development and adoption of non-animal methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaughan Black
- Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, 6061 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Andrew Fenton
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dalhousie University, Marion McCain Building, 6135 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada;
| | - Elisabeth H. Ormandy
- Canadian Society for Humane Science, 300-225 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N3, Canada
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dirnagl U, Duda GN, Grainger DW, Reinke P, Roubenoff R. Reproducibility, relevance and reliability as barriers to efficient and credible biomedical technology translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114118. [PMID: 35066104 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Biomedical research accuracy and relevance for improving healthcare are increasingly identified as costly problems. Basic research data quality, reporting and methodology, and reproducibility are common factors implicated in this challenge. Preclinical models of disease and therapy, largely conducted in rodents, have known deficiencies in replicating most human conditions. Their translation to human results is acknowledged to be poor for decades. Clinical data quality and quantity is also recognized as deficient; gold standard randomized clinical trials are expensive. Few solid conclusions from clinical studies are replicable and many remain unpublished. The translational pathway from fundamental biomedical research through to innovative solutions handed to clinical practitioners is therefore highly inefficient and costly in terms of wasted resources, early claims from fundamental discoveries never witnessed in humans, and few new, improved solutions available clinically for myriad diseases. Improving this biomedical research strategy and resourcing for reliability, translational relevance, reproducibility and clinical impact requires careful analysis and consistent enforcement at both funding and peer review levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Dirnagl
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; QUEST Center for Responsible Research, Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Georg N Duda
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Julius Wolff Institute for Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - David W Grainger
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA.
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronenn Roubenoff
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Basel, Massachusetts, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Walker RL, Saylor KW, Waltz M, Fisher JA. Translational science: a survey of US biomedical researchers' perspectives and practices. Lab Anim (NY) 2021; 51:22-35. [PMID: 34949847 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-021-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This national survey aimed to identify how biomedical researchers using vertebrate animals viewed issues of significance for translational science, including oversight and public engagement, and to analyze how researcher characteristics and animal model choice correlate with those views. Responses from 1,187 researchers showed awareness of, and concerns about, problems of translation, reproducibility and rigor. Surveyed scientists were nevertheless optimistic about the value of animal studies, were favorable about research oversight and reported openness with non-scientists in discussing their animal work. Differences in survey responses among researchers also point to diverse perspectives within the animal research community on these matters. Most significant was variability associated with the primary type of animal that surveyed scientists used in their work. Other significant divergence in opinion appeared on the basis of professional role factors, including the type of degree held, workplace setting, type of funding, experience on an institutional animal care and use committee and personal demographic characteristics of age and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Walker
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Department of Philosophy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Katherine W Saylor
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Waltz
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jill A Fisher
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Loss CM, Melleu FF, Domingues K, Lino-de-Oliveira C, Viola GG. Combining Animal Welfare With Experimental Rigor to Improve Reproducibility in Behavioral Neuroscience. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:763428. [PMID: 34916915 PMCID: PMC8671008 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.763428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cássio Morais Loss
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/CAPES/FAPESP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Karolina Domingues
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cilene Lino-de-Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas do Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Perše M. Cisplatin Mouse Models: Treatment, Toxicity and Translatability. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101406. [PMID: 34680523 PMCID: PMC8533586 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drugs in the treatment of a wide range of pediatric and adult malignances. However, it has various side effects which limit its use. Cisplatin mouse models are widely used in studies investigating cisplatin therapeutic and toxic effects. However, despite numerous promising results, no significant improvement in treatment outcome has been achieved in humans. There are many drawbacks in the currently used cisplatin protocols in mice. In the paper, the most characterized cisplatin protocols are summarized together with weaknesses that need to be improved in future studies, including hydration and supportive care. As demonstrated, mice respond to cisplatin treatment in similar ways to humans. The paper thus aims to illustrate the complexity of cisplatin side effects (nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity and myelotoxicity) and the interconnectedness and interdependence of pathomechanisms among tissues and organs in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The paper offers knowledge that can help design future studies more efficiently and interpret study outcomes more critically. If we want to understand molecular mechanisms and find therapeutic agents that would have a potential benefit in clinics, we need to change our approach and start to treat animals as patients and not as tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Perše
- Medical Experimental Centre, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Davies G. Locating the 'culture wars' in laboratory animal research: national constitutions and global competition. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2021; 89:177-187. [PMID: 34455260 PMCID: PMC8513693 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increasingly global scope of biomedical research and testing using animals is generating disagreement over the best way to regulate laboratory animal science and care. Despite many common aims, the practices through which political and epistemic authority are allocated in the regulations around animal research varies internationally, coming together in what can be identified as different national constitutions. Tensions between these periodically erupt within the laboratory animal research community as a 'cultural war' between those favouring centralised control and those advocating local flexibility. Drawing on long-term engagement with key events and actors in these policy debates, I propose these national differences in the constitution of animal research can be understood through the intersection of two key variables: i) the location of institutional responsibility to permit research projects and ii) the distribution of epistemic authority to shape research practices. These variables are used to explain the development of different policy frameworks in the UK, Europe, and the USA, and identify where there is convergence and divergence in practice. Concluding, I suggest the way these approaches are combined and enacted in different countries reflects different national civic epistemologies, which are coming into conflict in the increasingly global networks of laboratory animal science.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail Davies
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4RJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Shaffer C. Long-awaited NIH working group report on animal research rigor: 'a good start'. Lab Anim (NY) 2021; 50:226-227. [PMID: 34282352 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-021-00827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
24
|
Swiegers J, Bhagwandin A, Maseko BC, Sherwood CC, Hård T, Bertelsen MF, Spocter MA, Molnár Z, Manger PR. The distribution, number, and certain neurochemical identities of infracortical white matter neurons in the brains of a southern lesser galago, a black-capped squirrel monkey, and a crested macaque. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3676-3708. [PMID: 34259349 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, we examined the number, distribution, and aspects of the neurochemical identities of infracortical white matter neurons, also termed white matter interstitial cells (WMICs), in the brains of a southern lesser galago (Galago moholi), a black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis), and a crested macaque (Macaca nigra). Staining for neuronal nuclear marker (NeuN) revealed WMICs throughout the infracortical white matter, these cells being most dense close to inner cortical border, decreasing in density with depth in the white matter. Stereological analysis of NeuN-immunopositive cells revealed estimates of approximately 1.1, 10.8, and 37.7 million WMICs within the infracortical white matter of the galago, squirrel monkey, and crested macaque, respectively. The total numbers of WMICs form a distinct negative allometric relationship with brain mass and white matter volume when examined in a larger sample of primates where similar measures have been obtained. In all three primates studied, the highest densities of WMICs were in the white matter of the frontal lobe, with the occipital lobe having the lowest. Immunostaining revealed significant subpopulations of WMICs containing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and calretinin, with very few WMICs containing parvalbumin, and none containing calbindin. The nNOS and calretinin immunopositive WMICs represent approximately 21% of the total WMIC population; however, variances in the proportions of these neurochemical phenotypes were noted. Our results indicate that both the squirrel monkey and crested macaque might be informative animal models for the study of WMICs in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Swiegers
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adhil Bhagwandin
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Busisiwe C Maseko
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology, Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Mads F Bertelsen
- Centre for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Muhammad A Spocter
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
| | - Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul R Manger
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Eggel M, Würbel H. Internal consistency and compatibility of the 3Rs and 3Vs principles for project evaluation of animal research. Lab Anim 2021; 55:233-243. [PMID: 33215575 PMCID: PMC8182293 DOI: 10.1177/0023677220968583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Using animals for research raises ethical concerns that are addressed in project evaluation by weighing expected harm to animals against expected benefit to society. A harm-benefit analysis (HBA) relies on two preconditions: (a) the study protocol is scientifically suitable and (b) the use of (sentient) animals and harm imposed on them are necessary for achieving the study's aims. The 3Rs (Replace, Reduce and Refine) provide a guiding principle for evaluating whether the use of animals, their number and the harm imposed on them are necessary. A similar guiding principle for evaluating whether a study protocol is scientifically suitable has recently been proposed: the 3Vs principle referring to the three main aspects of scientific validity in animal research (construct, internal and external validity). Here, we analyse the internal consistency and compatibility of these two principles, address conflicts within and between the 3Rs and 3Vs principles and discuss their implications for project evaluation. We show that a few conflicts and trade-offs exist, but that these can be resolved either by appropriate study designs or by ethical deliberation in the HBA. In combination, the 3Vs, 3Rs and the HBA thus offer a coherent framework for a logically structured evaluation procedure to decide about the legitimacy of animal research projects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Eggel
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics and History of
Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Animal Welfare Division, Veterinary Public Health
Institute University of Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Moré AOO, Harris RE, Napadow V, Taylor-Swanson L, Wayne PM, Witt CM, Lao L. Acupuncture Research in Animal Models: Rationale, Needling Methods and the Urgent Need for a Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture-Standards for Reporting Interventions in Acupuncture Using Animal Models Adaptation. J Altern Complement Med 2021; 27:193-197. [PMID: 33750213 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2021.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ari Ojeda Ocampo Moré
- Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture Service, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Richard E Harris
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Anesthesiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Division of Rheumatology, Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Center for Integrative Pain Neuroimaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Peter M Wayne
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lixing Lao
- Virginia University of Integrative Medicine, Fairfax, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Captivity-Induced Depression in Animals. Trends Cogn Sci 2021; 25:539-541. [PMID: 33867270 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Concern over the welfare of captive animals is growing. Captivity is often associated with frequent exposure to stressors, which may be the source of persistent negative affective states. We argue that captivity may lead to depressive-like states and call for more research on this topic.
Collapse
|
28
|
Myers AK, Talbot CF, Del Rosso LA, Maness AC, Simmons SMV, Garner JP, Capitanio JP, Parker KJ. Assessment of medical morbidities in a rhesus monkey model of naturally occurring low sociality. Autism Res 2021; 14:1332-1346. [PMID: 33847078 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit a variety of medical morbidities at significantly higher rates than the general population. Using an established monkey model of naturally occurring low sociality, we investigated whether low-social monkeys show an increased burden of medical morbidities compared to their high-social counterparts. We systematically reviewed the medical records of N = 152 (n = 73 low-social; n = 79 high-social) rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to assess the number of traumatic injury, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory events, as well as the presence of rare medical conditions. Subjects' nonsocial scores, determined by the frequency they were observed in a nonsocial state (i.e., alone), and macaque Social Responsiveness Scale-Revised (mSRS-R) scores were also used to test whether individual differences in social functioning were related to medical morbidity burden. Medical morbidity type significantly differed by group, such that low-social monkeys incurred higher rates of traumatic injury compared to high-social monkeys. Nonsocial scores and mSRS-R scores also significantly and positively predicted traumatic injury rates, indicating that monkeys with the greatest social impairment were most impacted on this health measure. These findings from low-social monkeys are consistent with well-documented evidence that people with ASD incur a greater number of traumatic injuries and receive more peer bullying than their neurotypical peers, and add to growing evidence for the face validity of this primate model. LAY SUMMARY: People with autism exhibit multiple medical problems at higher rates than the general population. We conducted a comprehensive medical record review of monkeys that naturally exhibit differences in sociality and found that low-social monkeys are more susceptible to traumatic injuries than high-social monkeys. These results are consistent with reports that people with autism also incur greater traumatic injury and peer bullying and add to growing evidence for the validity of this monkey model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam K Myers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Catherine F Talbot
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Laura A Del Rosso
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alyssa C Maness
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sierra M V Simmons
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Within preclinical research, attention has focused on experimental design and how current practices can lead to poor reproducibility. There are numerous decision points when designing experiments. Ethically, when working with animals we need to conduct a harm-benefit analysis to ensure the animal use is justified for the scientific gain. Experiments should be robust, not use more or fewer animals than necessary, and truly add to the knowledge base of science. Using case studies to explore these decision points, we consider how individual experiments can be designed in several different ways. We use the Experimental Design Assistant (EDA) graphical summary of each experiment to visualise the design differences and then consider the strengths and weaknesses of each design. Through this format, we explore key and topical experimental design issues such as pseudo-replication, blocking, covariates, sex bias, inference space, standardisation fallacy and factorial designs. There are numerous articles discussing these critical issues in the literature, but here we bring together these topics and explore them using real-world examples allowing the implications of the choice of design to be considered. Fundamentally, there is no perfect experiment; choices must be made which will have an impact on the conclusions that can be drawn. We need to understand the limitations of an experiment's design and when we report the experiments, we need to share the caveats that inherently exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Karp
- Data Sciences and Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca R&D Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Derek Fry
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Franco NH, Miranda SB, Kovács N, Nagy A, Thiện BQ, Reis F, Varga O. Assessing Scientific Soundness and Translational Value of Animal Studies on DPP4 Inhibitors for Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:155. [PMID: 33669354 PMCID: PMC7920304 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a wide range of animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) used in research; we have limited evidence on their translation value. This paper provides a) a comparison of preclinical animal and clinical results on the effect of five dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors by comparing the pharmaceutical caused glucose changes, and b) an evaluation of methodological and reporting standards in T2DM preclinical animal studies. DPP4 inhibitors play an important role in the clinical management of T2DM: if metformin alone is not sufficient enough to control the blood sugar levels, DPP4 inhibitors are often used as second-line therapy; additionally, DPP-4 inhibitors are also used in triple therapies with metformin and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors or with metformin and insulin. In our analysis of 124 preclinical studies and 47 clinical trials, (1) we found no evidence of species differences in glucose change response to DPP4 inhibitors, which may suggest that, for this drug class, studies in mice and rats may be equally predictive of how well a drug will work in humans; and (2) there is good reporting of group size, sex, age, euthanasia method and self-reported compliance with animal welfare regulations in animal studies but poor reporting of justification of group size, along with a strong bias towards the use of male animals and young animals. Instead of the common non-transparent model selection, we call for a reflective and evidenced-based assessment of predictive validity of the animal models currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Henrique Franco
- Laboratory Animal Science Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (N.H.F.); (S.B.M.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sonia Batista Miranda
- Laboratory Animal Science Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (N.H.F.); (S.B.M.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nóra Kovács
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Attila Nagy
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Bùi Quốc Thiện
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Flávio Reis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Orsolya Varga
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Office for Research Groups Attached to Universities and Other Institutions, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Yarborough M. Using the concept of "deserved trust" to strengthen the value and integrity of biomedical research. Account Res 2020; 28:456-469. [PMID: 33233949 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2020.1855427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
It is commonplace for science leaders and others to claim that the future of biomedical research rests in large part upon the public's trust. If true, it behooves the biomedical research community to understand how it avoids taking chances with that trust. This commentary, which builds upon comments of noted trust scholar Russell Hardin about how best to enjoy trust, assumes that the key to being trusted is deserving to be trusted. Thus, it proposes using "deserved trust" to identify ways that the public's trust in biomedical research could be better supported. Employing deserved trust to support the public's trust leads us to consider what it is that the biomedical research community should be trusted to do, examine the evidence about the effectiveness of current safeguards meant to assure that those things routinely get done, and identify new ways to equip individual researchers, research teams, and research institutions to assure that the public's trust in their research is deserved rather than misplaced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Yarborough
- Bioethics Program, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Turner PV. Moving Beyond the Absence of Pain and Distress: Focusing on Positive Animal Welfare. ILAR J 2020; 60:366-372. [PMID: 33119093 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years, researchers, veterinarians, animal ethics committees, and regulators have focused on minimizing pain and distress as a primary goal of refinement when working with animals in science. More recent publications as well as a shift in animal ethics and public opinion have emphasized promotion of positive affective states, culminating in the concept of positive animal welfare. Robust measures are required to know when positive animal welfare states are occurring, and a number of measures are proposed and discussed. Regardless of whether there are newer methods available that focus exclusively on measuring positive affective states, consistent consideration of research animal behavioral programs, refinement, and adopting periodic stand-alone animal welfare assessments for all species involved will help to push the care and practices of research animals towards an increased focus on positive animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Turner
- Charles River Laboratories Inc, Global Animal Welfare & Training, Charles River, Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Stanford SC. Some Reasons Why Preclinical Studies of Psychiatric Disorders Fail to Translate: What Can Be Rescued from the Misunderstanding and Misuse of Animal 'Models'? Altern Lab Anim 2020; 48:106-115. [PMID: 32777937 DOI: 10.1177/0261192920939876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The repeated failure of animal models to yield findings that translate into humans is a serious threat to the credibility of preclinical biomedical research. The use of animals in research that lacks translational validity is unacceptable in any ethical environment, and so this problem needs urgent attention. To reproduce any human illness in animals is a serious challenge, but this is especially the case for psychiatric disorders. Yet, many authors do not hesitate to describe their findings as a 'model' of such a disorder. More cautious scientists describe the behavioural phenotype as 'disorder-like', without specifying the way(s) in which the abnormal behaviour could be regarded as being analogous to any of the diagnostic features of the disorder in question. By way of discussing these problems, this article focuses on common, but flawed, assumptions that pervade preclinical research of depression and antidepressants. Particular attention is given to the difference between putative 'models' of this illness and predictive screens for candidate drug treatments, which is evidently widely misunderstood. However, the problems highlighted in this article are generic and afflict research of all psychiatric disorders. This dire situation will be resolved only when funders and journal editors take action to ensure that researchers interpret their findings in a less ambitious, but more realistic, evidence-based way that would parallel changes in research of the cause(s), diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric problems in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Clare Stanford
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, 4919University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Talbot CF, Garner JP, Maness AC, McCowan B, Capitanio JP, Parker KJ. A Psychometrically Robust Screening Tool To Rapidly Identify Socially Impaired Monkeys In The General Population. Autism Res 2020; 13:1465-1475. [PMID: 32677285 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Naturally low-social rhesus macaques exhibit social impairments with direct relevance to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To more efficiently identify low-social individuals in a large colony, we exploited, refined, and psychometrically assessed the macaque Social Responsiveness Scale (mSRS), an instrument previously derived from the human ASD screening tool. We performed quantitative social behavior assessments and mSRS ratings on a total of N = 349 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in large, outdoor corrals. In one cohort (N = 116), we conducted inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities, and in a second cohort (N = 233), we evaluated the convergent construct and predictive validity of the mSRS-Revised (mSRS-R). Only 17 of the original 36 items demonstrated inter-rater and test-retest reliability, resulting in the 17-item mSRS-R. The mSRS-R showed strong validity: mSRS-R scores robustly predicted monkeys' social behavior frequencies in home corrals. Monkeys that scored 1.5 standard deviations from the mean on nonsocial behavior likewise exhibited significantly more autistic-like traits, and mSRS-R scores predicted individuals' social classification (low-social vs. high-social) with 96% accuracy (likelihood ratio chi-square = 25.07; P < 0.0001). These findings indicate that the mSRS-R is a reliable, valid, and sensitive measure of social functioning, and like the human SRS, can be used as a high-throughput screening tool to identify socially impaired individuals in the general population. LAY SUMMARY: Variation in autistic traits can be measured in humans using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Here, we revised this scale for rhesus macaques (i.e., the mSRS-R), and showed that macaques exhibit individual differences in mSRS-R scores, and at the behavioral extremes, low-social vs. high-social monkeys exhibit more autistic-like traits. These results suggest that the mSRS-R can be used as a screening tool to rapidly and accurately identify low-social monkeys in the general population. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1465-1475. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Talbot
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Alyssa C Maness
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Brenda McCowan
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Fernández B, Soto-Navarrete MT, López-García A, López-Unzu MÁ, Durán AC, Fernández MC. Bicuspid Aortic Valve in 2 Model Species and Review of the Literature. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:321-331. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985819900018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common human congenital cardiac malformation. Although the etiology is unknown for most patients, formation of the 2 main BAV anatomic types (A and B) has been shown to rely on distinct morphogenetic mechanisms. Animal models of BAV include 2 spontaneous hamster strains and 27 genetically modified mouse strains. To assess the value of these models for extrapolation to humans, we examined the aortic valve anatomy of 4340 hamsters and 1823 mice from 8 and 7 unmodified strains, respectively. In addition, we reviewed the literature describing BAV in nonhuman mammals. The incidences of BAV types A and B were 2.3% and 0.03% in control hamsters and 0% and 0.3% in control mice, respectively. Hamsters from the spontaneous model had BAV type A only, whereas mice from 2 of 27 genetically modified strains had BAV type A, 23 of 27 had BAV type B, and 2 of 27 had both BAV types. In both species, BAV incidence was dependent on genetic background. Unlike mice, hamsters had a wide spectrum of aortic valve morphologies. We showed interspecific differences in the occurrence of BAV between humans, hamsters, and mice that should be considered when studying aortic valve disease using animal models. Our results suggest that genetic modifiers play a significant role in both the morphology and incidence of BAV. We propose that mutations causing anomalies in specific cardiac morphogenetic processes or cell lineages may lead to BAV types A, B, or both, depending on additional genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borja Fernández
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
- CIBERCV Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Málaga, Spain
| | - María Teresa Soto-Navarrete
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-García
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel López-Unzu
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Carmen Durán
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - M. Carmen Fernández
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Miller LC, Shaikh SJ, Jeong DC, Wang L, Gillig TK, Godoy CG, Appleby PR, Corsbie-Massay CL, Marsella S, Christensen JL, Read SJ. Causal Inference in Generalizable Environments: Systematic Representative Design. PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY 2020; 30:173-202. [PMID: 33093760 PMCID: PMC7577318 DOI: 10.1080/1047840x.2019.1693866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Causal inference and generalizability both matter. Historically, systematic designs emphasize causal inference, while representative designs focus on generalizability. Here, we suggest a transformative synthesis - Systematic Representative Design (SRD) - concurrently enhancing both causal inference and "built-in" generalizability by leveraging today's intelligent agent, virtual environments, and other technologies. In SRD, a "default control group" (DCG) can be created in a virtual environment by representatively sampling from real-world situations. Experimental groups can be built with systematic manipulations onto the DCG base. Applying systematic design features (e.g., random assignment to DCG versus experimental groups) in SRD affords valid causal inferences. After explicating the proposed SRD synthesis, we delineate how the approach concurrently advances generalizability and robustness, cause-effect inference and precision science, a computationally-enabled cumulative psychological science supporting both "bigger theory" and concrete implementations grappling with tough questions (e.g., what is context?) and affording rapidly-scalable interventions for real-world problems.
Collapse
|
37
|
Sorkin BC, Kuszak AJ, Bloss G, Fukagawa NK, Hoffman FA, Jafari M, Barrett B, Brown PN, Bushman FD, Casper S, Chilton FH, Coffey CS, Ferruzzi MG, Hopp DC, Kiely M, Lakens D, MacMillan JB, Meltzer DO, Pahor M, Paul J, Pritchett-Corning K, Quinney SK, Rehermann B, Setchell KD, Sipes NS, Stephens JM, Taylor DL, Tiriac H, Walters MA, Xi D, Zappalá G, Pauli GF. Improving natural product research translation: From source to clinical trial. FASEB J 2020; 34:41-65. [PMID: 31914647 PMCID: PMC7470648 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902143r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
While great interest in health effects of natural product (NP) including dietary supplements and foods persists, promising preclinical NP research is not consistently translating into actionable clinical trial (CT) outcomes. Generally considered the gold standard for assessing safety and efficacy, CTs, especially phase III CTs, are costly and require rigorous planning to optimize the value of the information obtained. More effective bridging from NP research to CT was the goal of a September, 2018 transdisciplinary workshop. Participants emphasized that replicability and likelihood of successful translation depend on rigor in experimental design, interpretation, and reporting across the continuum of NP research. Discussions spanned good practices for NP characterization and quality control; use and interpretation of models (computational through in vivo) with strong clinical predictive validity; controls for experimental artefacts, especially for in vitro interrogation of bioactivity and mechanisms of action; rigorous assessment and interpretation of prior research; transparency in all reporting; and prioritization of research questions. Natural product clinical trials prioritized based on rigorous, convergent supporting data and current public health needs are most likely to be informative and ultimately affect public health. Thoughtful, coordinated implementation of these practices should enhance the knowledge gained from future NP research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara C. Sorkin
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Adam J. Kuszak
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Gregory Bloss
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, US
| | | | | | | | | | - Paula N. Brown
- British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Steven Casper
- Office of Dietary Supplement Programs, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hyattsville, MD, US
| | - Floyd H. Chilton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and the BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, US
| | | | - Mario G. Ferruzzi
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, US
| | - D. Craig Hopp
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, US
| | - Mairead Kiely
- Cork Centre for Vitamin D and Nutrition Research, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Daniel Lakens
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey Paul
- Drexel Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Evanston, IL, US
| | | | | | - Barbara Rehermann
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, US
| | | | - Nisha S. Sipes
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, US
| | | | | | - Hervé Tiriac
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, US]
| | - Michael A. Walters
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, US
| | - Dan Xi
- Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Shady Grove, MD, US
| | | | - Guido F. Pauli
- CENAPT and PCRPS, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, US
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
|
39
|
Gaskill BN, Garner JP. Power to the People: Power, Negative Results and Sample Size. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019; 59:9-16. [PMID: 31852563 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The practical application of statistical power is becoming an increasingly important part of experimental design, data analysis, and reporting. Power is essential to estimating sample size as part of planning studies and obtaining ethical approval for them. Furthermore, power is essential for publishing and interpreting negative results. In this manuscript, we review what power is, how it can be calculated, and reporting recommendations if a null result is found. Power can be thought of as reflecting the signal to noise ratio of an experiment. The conventional wisdom that statistical power is driven by sample size (which increases the signal in the data), while true, is a misleading oversimplification. Relatively little discussion covers the use of experimental designs which control and reduce noise. Even small improvements in experimental design can achieve high power at much lower sample sizes than (for instance) a simple t test. Failure to report experimental design or the proposed statistical test on animal care and use protocols creates a dilemma for IACUCs, because it is unknown whether sample size has been correctly calculated. Traditional power calculations, which are primarily provided for animal number justifications, are only available for simple, yet low powered, experimental designs, such as paired t tests. Thus, in most controlled experimental studies, the only analyses for which power can be calculated are those that inheriently have low statistical power; these analyses should not be used because they require more animals than necessary. We provide suggestions for more powerful experimental designs (such as randomized block and factorial designs) that increase power, and we describe methods to easily calculate sample size for these designs that are suitable for IACUC number justifications. Finally we also provide recommendations for reporting negative results, so that readers and reviewers can determine whether an experiment had sufficient power. The use of more sophisticated designs in animal experiments will inevitably improve power, reproducibility, and reduce animal use.
Collapse
|
40
|
Vardigans C, Malloy M, Meynell L. Breaking barriers to ethical research: An analysis of the effectiveness of nonhuman animal research approval in Canada. Account Res 2019; 26:473-497. [PMID: 31718286 DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2019.1684906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In Canada, all institutions that conduct publicly funded, animal-based research are expected to comply with the standards of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). The CCAC promotes the use of animal alternatives, and uses the "3Rs" principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement as a guiding ethical framework. To ensure these standards are strictly enforced, internal ethics committees at each institution are tasked with creating "Animal Use Protocol" (AUP) forms to be filled out by researchers and evaluated by the committees.In this paper, we assess AUP forms from Canada's top research universities to identify the extent to which they conform to, or advance, the 3Rs framework. Our results show various deficiencies that call into question the quality of information elicited by these forms. To remedy this, we recommend that the CCAC assume responsibility for creating a standardized 3Rs section to be used on all AUP forms. In addition, proposal forms and experimental results for all research at CCAC-certified institutions should be digitized and uploaded into a national database. We argue that this would offer higher quality information for researchers at the experimental design stage, while strengthening the CCAC's mandate to be accountable to the Canadian public.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Letitia Meynell
- Department of Philosophy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Barbee RW, Turner PV. Incorporating Laboratory Animal Science into Responsible Biomedical Research. ILAR J 2019; 60:9-16. [DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Biomedical research has made great strides in the past century leading to rapid advances in human life expectancy, all derived from improved understanding, prevention, and treatment of many diseases and conditions. Research involving laboratory animals has played a significant role in this medical progress. However, there continues to be controversy surrounding the use of animals in research, and animal models have been questioned regarding their relevance to human conditions. While research fraud and questionable research practices could potentially contribute to this problem, we argue that a relative ignorance of laboratory animal science has contributed to the “uncontrolled vivarium experiment” that runs parallel to the more controlled scientific experiment. Several variables are discussed, including husbandry, animal environment, social housing, and more, that can contribute to this uncontrolled experiment, and that can simultaneously decrease quality of life for rodent test subjects when ignored. An argument is put forward that laboratory animal veterinarians and scientists can and should play an important role in better controlling such variables. Similarly, the laboratory animal veterinarian and scientist should play an important role in responsible science by addressing complex interdisciplinary challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wayne Barbee
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Office of Research and Innovation
| | - Patricia V Turner
- Charles River Laboratories Inc., Global Animal Welfare & Training, University of Guelph Pathobiology
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Parker KJ, Garner JP, Oztan O, Tarara ER, Li J, Sclafani V, Del Rosso LA, Chun K, Berquist SW, Chez MG, Partap S, Hardan AY, Sherr EH, Capitanio JP. Arginine vasopressin in cerebrospinal fluid is a marker of sociality in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/439/eaam9100. [PMID: 29720452 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam9100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by core social impairments. ASD remains poorly understood because of the difficulty in studying disease biology directly in patients and the reliance on mouse models that lack clinically relevant, complex social cognition abilities. We use ethological observations in rhesus macaques to identify male monkeys with naturally occurring low sociality. These monkeys showed differences in specific neuropeptide and kinase signaling pathways compared to socially competent male monkeys. Using a discovery and replication design, we identified arginine vasopressin (AVP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a key marker of group differences in monkey sociality; we replicated these findings in an independent monkey cohort. We also confirmed in an additional monkey cohort that AVP concentration in CSF is a stable trait-like measure. Next, we showed in a small pediatric cohort that CSF AVP concentrations were lower in male children with ASD compared to age-matched male children without ASD (but with other medical conditions). We demonstrated that CSF AVP concentration was sufficient to accurately distinguish ASD cases from medical controls. These data suggest that AVP and its signaling pathway warrant consideration in future research studies investigating new targets for diagnostics and drug development in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. .,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Joseph P Garner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ozge Oztan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Erna R Tarara
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Valentina Sclafani
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Laura A Del Rosso
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Katie Chun
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sean W Berquist
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael G Chez
- Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA
| | - Sonia Partap
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - John P Capitanio
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bolker JA. Selection of Models: Evolution and the Choice of Species for Translational Research. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2019; 93:82-91. [PMID: 31416088 DOI: 10.1159/000500317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary thinking can inform the choice and assessment of model species in neuroscience, particularly when such models are intended to generate knowledge that will translate to humans. Avoiding errors that arise from oversimplified notions of phylogeny or genotype-phenotype mapping is one contribution; evolutionary biology also offers positive guidance. The challenge of finding adequate non-human models for translational research is particularly acute in neuroscience: neurobiological and behavioral phenotypes are complex and plastic, and many traits important in humans are absent, radically different, or difficult to assess in other species. Evolutionary perspectives help to articulate and address these challenges. Darwin's description of "descent with modification" points to two aspects of evolution that can help us assess the matching between a prospective model species and its intended target. One is trees that represent the structure of phylogenetic relationships; the other is phenotypic traits, i.e. the unique characteristics of each species' evolved biology and natural history. Mapping traits onto a phylogeny is the first step toward analyzing the source of similarities between a target and a potential model. Whether similar traits arise from shared ancestry or from adaptive convergence has important implications for what kinds of inferences can be justified, and for the likely translatability of findings. Evolution offers both a rich source of possible models, and guidance for choosing the best ones for a given purpose. Considering model choice from an evolutionary angle not only helps to answer the question "What species might be a good model for studying x?" but also suggests additional questions we should be asking to assess the utility of both potential and current models. Recognizing the diverse ways model organisms can function expands our search image as we seek species to study that can both extend general knowledge, and generate translatable insights relevant to human neurobiology and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Bolker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Castillo X, Castro-Obregón S, Gutiérrez-Becker B, Gutiérrez-Ospina G, Karalis N, Khalil AA, Lopez-Noguerola JS, Rodríguez LL, Martínez-Martínez E, Perez-Cruz C, Pérez-Velázquez J, Piña AL, Rubio K, García HPS, Syeda T, Vanoye-Carlo A, Villringer A, Winek K, Zille M. Re-thinking the Etiological Framework of Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:728. [PMID: 31396030 PMCID: PMC6667555 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. The disease-related socioeconomic burden is expected to increase with the steadily increasing life expectancy. In spite of decades of clinical and basic research, most strategies designed to manage degenerative brain diseases are palliative. This is not surprising as neurodegeneration progresses "silently" for decades before symptoms are noticed. Importantly, conceptual models with heuristic value used to study neurodegeneration have been constructed retrospectively, based on signs and symptoms already present in affected patients; a circumstance that may confound causes and consequences. Hence, innovative, paradigm-shifting views of the etiology of these diseases are necessary to enable their timely prevention and treatment. Here, we outline four alternative views, not mutually exclusive, on different etiological paths toward neurodegeneration. First, we propose neurodegeneration as being a secondary outcome of a primary cardiovascular cause with vascular pathology disrupting the vital homeostatic interactions between the vasculature and the brain, resulting in cognitive impairment, dementia, and cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Second, we suggest that the persistence of senescent cells in neuronal circuits may favor, together with systemic metabolic diseases, neurodegeneration to occur. Third, we argue that neurodegeneration may start in response to altered body and brain trophic interactions established via the hardwire that connects peripheral targets with central neuronal structures or by means of extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication. Lastly, we elaborate on how lifespan body dysbiosis may be linked to the origin of neurodegeneration. We highlight the existence of bacterial products that modulate the gut-brain axis causing neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction. As a concluding section, we end by recommending research avenues to investigate these etiological paths in the future. We think that this requires an integrated, interdisciplinary conceptual research approach based on the investigation of the multimodal aspects of physiology and pathophysiology. It involves utilizing proper conceptual models, experimental animal units, and identifying currently unused opportunities derived from human data. Overall, the proposed etiological paths and experimental recommendations will be important guidelines for future cross-discipline research to overcome the translational roadblock and to develop causative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Castillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, United States
| | - Susana Castro-Obregón
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamin Gutiérrez-Becker
- Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging KJP, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriel Gutiérrez-Ospina
- Laboratorio de Biología de Sistemas, Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Coordinación de Psicobiología y Neurociencias, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nikolaos Karalis
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed A. Khalil
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Liliana Lozano Rodríguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Martínez-Martínez
- Cell Communication & Extracellular Vesicles Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Perez-Cruz
- National Polytechnic Institute, Center of Research in Advanced Studies, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Judith Pérez-Velázquez
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Mecánica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Mathematische Modellierung Biologischer Systeme, Fakultät für Mathematik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Luisa Piña
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karla Rubio
- Lung Cancer Epigenetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Tauqeerunnisa Syeda
- National Polytechnic Institute, Center of Research in Advanced Studies, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - America Vanoye-Carlo
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arno Villringer
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Winek
- The Shimon Peres Postdoctoral Fellow at the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marietta Zille
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Lübeck, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Leenaars CHC, Kouwenaar C, Stafleu FR, Bleich A, Ritskes-Hoitinga M, De Vries RBM, Meijboom FLB. Animal to human translation: a systematic scoping review of reported concordance rates. J Transl Med 2019; 17:223. [PMID: 31307492 PMCID: PMC6631915 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1976-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug development is currently hampered by high attrition rates; many developed treatments fail during clinical testing. Part of the attrition may be due to low animal-to-human translational success rates; so-called “translational failure”. As far as we know, no systematic overview of published translational success rates exists. Systematic scoping review The following research question was examined: “What is the observed range of the animal-to-human translational success (and failure) rates within the currently available empirical evidence?”. We searched PubMed and Embase on 16 October 2017. We included reviews and all other types of “umbrella”-studies of meta-data quantitatively comparing the translational results of studies including at least two species with one being human. We supplemented our database searches with additional strategies. All abstracts and full-text papers were screened by two independent reviewers. Our scoping review comprises 121 references, with various units of measurement: compound or intervention (k = 104), study/experiment (k = 10), and symptom or event (k = 7). Diagnostic statistics corresponded with binary and continuous definitions of successful translation. Binary definitions comprise percentages below twofold error, percentages accurately predicted, and predictive values. Quantitative definitions comprise correlation/regression (r2) and meta-analyses (percentage overlap of 95% confidence intervals). Translational success rates ranged from 0 to 100%. Conclusion The wide range of translational success rates observed in our study might indicate that translational success is unpredictable; i.e. it might be unclear upfront if the results of primary animal studies will contribute to translational knowledge. However, the risk of bias of the included studies was high, and much of the included evidence is old, while newer models have become available. Therefore, the reliability of the cumulative evidence from current papers on this topic is insufficient. Further in-depth “umbrella”-studies of translational success rates are still warranted. These are needed to evaluate the probabilistic evidence for predictivity of animal studies for the human situation more reliably, and to determine which factors affect this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathalijn H C Leenaars
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. .,Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence (section HTA), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Carien Kouwenaar
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans R Stafleu
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - André Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence (section HTA), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob B M De Vries
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence (section HTA), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Franck L B Meijboom
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Noninvasive imaging has played an increasing role in the process of cardiovascular drug development. This review focuses specifically on the use of molecular imaging, which has been increasingly applied to improve and accelerate certain preclinical steps in drug development, including the identification of appropriate therapeutic targets, evaluation of on-target and off-target effects of candidate therapies, assessment of dose response, and the evaluation of drug or biological biodistribution and pharmacodynamics. Unlike the case in cancer medicine, in cardiovascular medicine, molecular imaging has not been used as a primary surrogate clinical end point for drug approval. However, molecular imaging has been applied in early clinical trials, particularly in phase 0 studies, to demonstrate proof-of-concept or to explain variation in treatment effect. Many of these applications where molecular imaging has been used in drug development have involved the retasking of technologies that were originally intended as clinical diagnostics. With greater experience and recognition of the rich information provided by in vivo molecular imaging, it is anticipated that it will increasingly be used to address the enormous time and costs associated with bringing a new drug to clinical launch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Lindner
- From the Knight Cardiovascular Institute (J.R.L.), Oregon National Primate Research Center (J.R.L.), and Center for Radiologic Research (J.L.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland.
| | - Jeanne Link
- From the Knight Cardiovascular Institute (J.R.L.), Oregon National Primate Research Center (J.R.L.), and Center for Radiologic Research (J.L.), Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Åhlgren J, Voikar V. Experiments done in Black-6 mice: what does it mean? Lab Anim (NY) 2019; 48:171-180. [DOI: 10.1038/s41684-019-0288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
48
|
Havenith MN, Zijderveld PM, van Heukelum S, Abghari S, Tiesinga P, Glennon JC. The Virtual-Environment-Foraging Task enables rapid training and single-trial metrics of rule acquisition and reversal in head-fixed mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4790. [PMID: 30886236 PMCID: PMC6423024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41250-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioural flexibility is an essential survival skill, yet our understanding of its neuronal substrates is still limited. While mouse research offers unique tools to dissect the neuronal circuits involved, the measurement of flexible behaviour in mice often suffers from long training times, poor experimental control, and temporally imprecise binary (hit/miss) performance readouts. Here we present a virtual-environment task for mice that tackles these limitations. It offers fast training of vision-based rule reversals (~100 trials per reversal) with full stimulus control and continuous behavioural readouts. By generating multiple non-binary performance metrics per trial, it provides single-trial estimates not only of response accuracy and speed, but also of underlying processes like choice certainty and alertness (discussed in detail in a companion paper). Based on these metrics, we show that mice can predict new task rules long before they are able to execute them, and that this delay varies across animals. We also provide and validate single-trial estimates of whether an error was committed with or without awareness of the task rule. By tracking in unprecedented detail the cognitive dynamics underlying flexible behaviour, this task enables new investigations into the neuronal interactions that shape behavioural flexibility moment by moment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martha N Havenith
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Peter M Zijderveld
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabrina van Heukelum
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Shaghayegh Abghari
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Tiesinga
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Kapittelweg, 29 6525EN, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lundberg S, Högman C, Roman E. Adolescent Exploratory Strategies and Behavioral Types in the Multivariate Concentric Square Field TM Test. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:41. [PMID: 30886574 PMCID: PMC6409336 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is an important developmental phase with extensive changes in behavior due to remodeling of the brain and hormonal systems. Validation of animal behavioral tests in this age group is therefore of importance as differences to adult behavior are often not clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate adolescent behavior in the multivariate concentric square fieldTM (MCSF) test and its relationship to other common behavioral tests as well as to a literature dataset of adult animals. Sixty adolescent male Wistar rats were tested in the MCSF and one of four reference tests; the elevated plus maze, the open field with or without start box, or the social play behavior test. Additionally, 12 animals were tested twice in the MCSF. When analyzing the first encounter with the MCSF test, a distinct grouping of the individuals into three behavioral types was observed. Approximately 20% of the animals had high levels of activity and an additional 20% had high levels of shelter seeking-behavior, these groups composed the outlying behavioral types named Explorers and Shelter seekers, respectively, which were distinct from the Main type of animals. When tested in the MCSF for a second time, the adolescent animals showed a recollection of the arena as they changed their behavior in relation to the first encounter. When comparing the MCSF performance to the reference tests, a relationship was found between the MCSF and the other behavioral test entailing forced exploration, while no relationship was found between the MCSF and social play. The adolescent behavioral profile was characterized by decreased risk assessment and a different activity profile than adults. In conclusion, the MCSF test is useful for profiling adolescent rats but the behavioral interpretation differs from that of adults due to differences in behavioral manifestation during adolescence and the presence of natural subgroups. Adolescent exploration shows a relationship across tests, but the MCSF gives more information than any of the other behavioral tests based on forced exploration. Further studies into the neurobiology behind the behavioral types and how different manipulations affect the distribution into the behavioral types are of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stina Lundberg
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Högman
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Roman
- Neuropharmacology, Addiction and Behavior, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Animal Models of (or for) Aggression Reward, Addiction, and Relapse: Behavior and Circuits. J Neurosci 2019; 39:3996-4008. [PMID: 30833504 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0151-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate and pathological aggression plays a leading role in the suffering and death of millions of people, and further places an untenable strain on the caregivers and families of those afflicted. In some cases, such as addictive drugs, aggression can be highly rewarding (appetitive) and continually pursued despite short- and long-term negative consequences. Similarly, recidivism (relapse) rates for repeat violent offenders are as high as relapse rates for drug addicts. Appetitive aggression and relapse to aggression seeking can be modeled in mice studies using conditioned place preference and self-administration procedures followed by a period of abstinence and subsequent tests for relapse to aggression preference and aggression seeking. These procedures allow for the study of the mechanisms that control the appetitive versus the consummatory (attack) phases of aggressive behavior. In this review, we first discuss the behavioral procedures developed to probe appetitive aggression in mouse models, spanning from Pavlovian to operant tasks, and we also describe the recently proposed phenomenon of "aggression addiction." Next, we discuss the pharmacological and circuit mechanisms of aggression conditioned place preference and aggression self-administration, seeking, and relapse, highlighting mechanistic congruence and divergence between appetitive and consummatory phases of aggression. We conclude by discussing clinical implications of the studies reviewed.
Collapse
|