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Smirnova L, Hartung T. The Promise and Potential of Brain Organoids. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302745. [PMID: 38252094 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302745] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Brain organoids are 3D in vitro culture systems derived from human pluripotent stem cells that self-organize to model features of the (developing) human brain. This review examines the techniques behind organoid generation, their current and potential applications, and future directions for the field. Brain organoids possess complex architecture containing various neural cell types, synapses, and myelination. They have been utilized for toxicology testing, disease modeling, infection studies, personalized medicine, and gene-environment interaction studies. An emerging concept termed Organoid Intelligence (OI) combines organoids with artificial intelligence systems to generate learning and memory, with the goals of modeling cognition and enabling biological computing applications. Brain organoids allow neuroscience studies not previously achievable with traditional techniques, and have the potential to transform disease modeling, drug development, and the understanding of human brain development and disorders. The aspirational vision of OI parallels the origins of artificial intelligence, and efforts are underway to map a roadmap toward its realization. In summary, brain organoids constitute a disruptive technology that is rapidly advancing and gaining traction across multiple disciplines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, 78464, Konstanz, BW, Germany
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2
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Mathisen GH, Bearth A, Jones LB, Hoffmann S, Vist GE, Ames HM, Husøy T, Svendsen C, Tsaioun K, Ashikaga T, Bloch D, Cavoski A, Chiu WA, Davies HG, Giusti A, Hartung T, Hirabayashi Y, Hogberg HT, Joglekar R, Kojima H, Krishnan K, Kwon S, Osborne OJ, Roggen E, Rooney AA, Rousselle C, Sass JB, Sepai O, Simanainen U, Thayer KA, Tong W, Wikoff D, Wright F, Whaley P. Time for CHANGE: system-level interventions for bringing forward the date of effective use of NAMs in regulatory toxicology. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2299-2308. [PMID: 38877155 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gro H Mathisen
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Angela Bearth
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- HF Partners, Tièchestrasse 63, 8037, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lowenna B Jones
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sebastian Hoffmann
- Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration (EBTC), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Seh Consulting + Services, Paderborn, Germany
| | - Gunn E Vist
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Heather M Ames
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Husøy
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Svendsen
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katya Tsaioun
- Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration (EBTC), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Takao Ashikaga
- Division of Genome Safety Science/JaCVAM, Center for Biological Safety Research (CBSR), National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Denise Bloch
- Department of Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Holly G Davies
- Department of Health, Washington State, Tumwater, WA, USA
| | - Arianna Giusti
- Cosmetics Europe, Avenue Herrmann-Debroux 40, 1160, Auderghem, Belgium
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- CAAT Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Yoko Hirabayashi
- Center for Biological Safety Research (CBSR), National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rashmi Joglekar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Program On Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Hajime Kojima
- Division of Food Additives, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS), Kawasaki, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kannan Krishnan
- Air and Site Assessment and Climate Indicators Branch, Division of Scientific Programs, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Seok Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
| | - Olivia J Osborne
- Chemical Risk Assessment Team, Science, Evidence and Research Division, Food Standards Agency, Petty France, Westminster, London, SW1H 9EX, UK
| | - Erwin Roggen
- 3Rs Management and Consulting ApS, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrew A Rooney
- Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christophe Rousselle
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), 94701, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jennifer B Sass
- Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Kristina A Thayer
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Chemical and Pollutant Assessment Division (CPAD), U.S. EPA, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Weida Tong
- National Center for Toxicological Research of US Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | | | - Fred Wright
- Departments of Statistics and Biological Sciences and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Paul Whaley
- Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
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3
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Hristozov D, Badetti E, Bigini P, Brunelli A, Dekkers S, Diomede L, Doak SH, Fransman W, Gajewicz-Skretna A, Giubilato E, Gómez-Cuadrado L, Grafström R, Gutleb AC, Halappanavar S, Hischier R, Hunt N, Katsumiti A, Kermanizadeh A, Marcomini A, Moschini E, Oomen A, Pizzol L, Rumbo C, Schmid O, Shandilya N, Stone V, Stoycheva S, Stoeger T, Merino BS, Tran L, Tsiliki G, Vogel UB, Wohlleben W, Zabeo A. Next Generation Risk Assessment approaches for advanced nanomaterials: Current status and future perspectives. NANOIMPACT 2024; 35:100523. [PMID: 39059749 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
This manuscript discusses the challenges of applying New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for safe by design and regulatory risk assessment of advanced nanomaterials (AdNMs). The authors propose a framework for Next Generation Risk Assessment of AdNMs involving NAMs that is aligned to the conventional risk assessment paradigm. This framework is exposure-driven, endpoint-specific, makes best use of pre-existing information, and can be implemented in tiers of increasing specificity and complexity of the adopted NAMs. The tiered structure of the approach, which effectively combines the use of existing data with targeted testing will allow safety to be assessed cost-effectively and as far as possible with even more limited use of vertebrates. The regulatory readiness of state-of-the-art emerging NAMs is assessed in terms of Transparency, Reliability, Accessibility, Applicability, Relevance and Completeness, and their appropriateness for AdNMs is discussed in relation to each step of the risk assessment paradigm along with providing perspectives for future developments in the respective scientific and regulatory areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danail Hristozov
- East European Research and Innovation Enterprise (EMERGE), Otets Paisiy Str. 46, 1303 Sofa, Bulgaria.
| | - Elena Badetti
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Paolo Bigini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Brunelli
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Susan Dekkers
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Shareen H Doak
- Swansea University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Science, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Wouter Fransman
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Agnieszka Gajewicz-Skretna
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Elisa Giubilato
- GreenDecision Srl, Cannaregio 5904, 30121 Venezia, VE, Italy
| | - Laura Gómez-Cuadrado
- International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials for Advanced Industrial Technologies-ICCRAM, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, Burgos 09001, Spain
| | - Roland Grafström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 13, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Luxemburg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Sabina Halappanavar
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Building, Banting Driveway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Roland Hischier
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Neil Hunt
- Yordas Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alberto Katsumiti
- GAIKER Technology Centre, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Zamudio, Spain
| | - Ali Kermanizadeh
- University of Derby, College of Science and Engineering, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Marcomini
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, 30172 Venice, Italy
| | - Elisa Moschini
- Luxemburg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 41, rue du Brill, L-4422 Belvaux, Luxembourg; Heriot-Watt University, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), David Brewster Building, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Agnes Oomen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Pizzol
- GreenDecision Srl, Cannaregio 5904, 30121 Venezia, VE, Italy
| | - Carlos Rumbo
- International Research Center in Critical Raw Materials for Advanced Industrial Technologies-ICCRAM, Universidad de Burgos, Plaza Misael Bañuelos s/n, Burgos 09001, Spain
| | - Otmar Schmid
- Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Neeraj Shandilya
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Princetonlaan 6, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vicki Stone
- Heriot-Watt University, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), David Brewster Building, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Stella Stoycheva
- Yordas Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Stoeger
- Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Lang Tran
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Tsiliki
- Purposeful IKE, Tritis Septembriou 144, Athens 11251, Greece
| | - Ulla Birgitte Vogel
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wendel Wohlleben
- BASF SE, RGA/AP - B7, Carl-Bosch-Strasse 38, 67056 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Alex Zabeo
- GreenDecision Srl, Cannaregio 5904, 30121 Venezia, VE, Italy
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4
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Pamies D, Ekert J, Zurich MG, Frey O, Werner S, Piergiovanni M, Freedman BS, Keong Teo AK, Erfurth H, Reyes DR, Loskill P, Candarlioglu P, Suter-Dick L, Wang S, Hartung T, Coecke S, Stacey GN, Wagegg BA, Dehne EM, Pistollato F, Leist M. Recommendations on fit-for-purpose criteria to establish quality management for microphysiological systems and for monitoring their reproducibility. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:604-617. [PMID: 38670111 PMCID: PMC11103889 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.03.009] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell culture technology has evolved, moving from single-cell and monolayer methods to 3D models like reaggregates, spheroids, and organoids, improved with bioengineering like microfabrication and bioprinting. These advancements, termed microphysiological systems (MPSs), closely replicate tissue environments and human physiology, enhancing research and biomedical uses. However, MPS complexity introduces standardization challenges, impacting reproducibility and trust. We offer guidelines for quality management and control criteria specific to MPSs, facilitating reliable outcomes without stifling innovation. Our fit-for-purpose recommendations provide actionable advice for achieving consistent MPS performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jason Ekert
- Jason E Ekert: UCB Pharma, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie-Gabrielle Zurich
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sophie Werner
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland; University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Benjamin S Freedman
- Division of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, and Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Plurexa LLC, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Adrian Kee Keong Teo
- Stem Cells and Diabetes Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Proteos, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Precision Medicine Translational Research Programme (TRP), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Darwin R Reyes
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Peter Loskill
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Reutlingen, Germany; Department for Microphysiological Systems, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; 3R Center for In Vitro Models and Alternatives to Animal Testing, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Laura Suter-Dick
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland; University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Professor and Chair for Evidence-based Toxicology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; CAAT Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Glyn N Stacey
- International Stem Cell Banking Initiative, 2 High Street, Barley, Herts SG88HZ, UK; National Stem Cell Resource Centre, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Merdicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | | | | | - Marcel Leist
- CAAT Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany; In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden foundation, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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5
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Khan HA, Ghufran M, Shams S, Jamal A, Khan A, Abdullah, Awan ZA, Khan MI. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from plant Fagonia cretica and evaluating its anti-diabetic activity through indepth in-vitro and in-vivo analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1194809. [PMID: 37936909 PMCID: PMC10625996 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1194809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most widespread metabolic diseases, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is defined by high blood sugar levels brought on by decreased insulin secretion, reduced insulin action, or both. Due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials has become more and more popular. The aim of the study is to synthesize AgNPs, their characterizations and further in-vitro and in-vivo studies. Several methods were used to morphologically characterise the AgNPs. The AgNPs were crystalline, spherical, and clustered, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. AgNPs were found to contain various functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study focuses on the green-synthesis of AgNPs from Fagonia cretica (F. cretica) leaves extract to evaluate their synthesized AgNPs for in-vitro and in-vivo anti-diabetic function. For the in-vivo tests, 20 male Balb/C albino-mice were split up into four different groups. Anti-diabetic in-vivo studies showed significant weight gain and a decrease in all biochemical markers (pancreas panel, liver function panel, renal function panel, and lipid profile) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In vitro anti-diabetic investigations were also conducted on AgNPs, comprising α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibitions, and antioxidant assays. AgNPs showed antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays. The research showed that the isolated nanoparticles have powerful antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, especially against the main enzymes involved in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Ali Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mehreen Ghufran
- Department of Pathology, Medical Teaching Institution Bacha Khan Medical College (BKMC) Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sulaiman Shams
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Alam Jamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah
- Department of Environmental Science, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zuhier A. Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Artificial Intelligence for Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Schmeisser S, Miccoli A, von Bergen M, Berggren E, Braeuning A, Busch W, Desaintes C, Gourmelon A, Grafström R, Harrill J, Hartung T, Herzler M, Kass GEN, Kleinstreuer N, Leist M, Luijten M, Marx-Stoelting P, Poetz O, van Ravenzwaay B, Roggeband R, Rogiers V, Roth A, Sanders P, Thomas RS, Marie Vinggaard A, Vinken M, van de Water B, Luch A, Tralau T. New approach methodologies in human regulatory toxicology - Not if, but how and when! ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108082. [PMID: 37422975 PMCID: PMC10858683 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The predominantly animal-centric approach of chemical safety assessment has increasingly come under pressure. Society is questioning overall performance, sustainability, continued relevance for human health risk assessment and ethics of this system, demanding a change of paradigm. At the same time, the scientific toolbox used for risk assessment is continuously enriched by the development of "New Approach Methodologies" (NAMs). While this term does not define the age or the state of readiness of the innovation, it covers a wide range of methods, including quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) predictions, high-throughput screening (HTS) bioassays, omics applications, cell cultures, organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), machine learning models and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition to promising faster and more efficient toxicity testing, NAMs have the potential to fundamentally transform today's regulatory work by allowing more human-relevant decision-making in terms of both hazard and exposure assessment. Yet, several obstacles hamper a broader application of NAMs in current regulatory risk assessment. Constraints in addressing repeated-dose toxicity, with particular reference to the chronic toxicity, and hesitance from relevant stakeholders, are major challenges for the implementation of NAMs in a broader context. Moreover, issues regarding predictivity, reproducibility and quantification need to be addressed and regulatory and legislative frameworks need to be adapted to NAMs. The conceptual perspective presented here has its focus on hazard assessment and is grounded on the main findings and conclusions from a symposium and workshop held in Berlin in November 2021. It intends to provide further insights into how NAMs can be gradually integrated into chemical risk assessment aimed at protection of human health, until eventually the current paradigm is replaced by an animal-free "Next Generation Risk Assessment" (NGRA).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Miccoli
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany; National Research Council, Ancona, Italy
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; University of Leipzig, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Wibke Busch
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Desaintes
- European Commission (EC), Directorate General for Research and Innovation (RTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Gourmelon
- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Environment Directorate, Paris, France
| | | | - Joshua Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Durham, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA, CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Matthias Herzler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nicole Kleinstreuer
- NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- CAAT‑Europe and Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Oliver Poetz
- NMI Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany; SIGNATOPE GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
| | | | - Rob Roggeband
- European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), Procter and Gamble Services Company NV/SA, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adrian Roth
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Sanders
- Fougeres Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Fougères, France France
| | - Russell S Thomas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Durham, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Luch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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7
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Khan HA, Ghufran M, Shams S, Jamal A, Ayaz M, Ullah M, Khan A, Khan MI, Awan ZA. In-depth in-vitro and in-vivo anti-diabetic evaluations of Fagonia cretica mediated biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114872. [PMID: 37245338 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic moieties derived from medicinal plants as well as plants-based ecofriendly processes for producing selenium nanoparticles have shown great promise in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study was aimed to assess the anti-diabetic potentials of Fagonia cretica mediated biogenic selenium nanoparticles (FcSeNPs) using in-vitro and in-vivo approaches. The bio-synthesized FcSeNPs were characterized using various techniques including UV-VIS spectrophotometry and FTIR analysis. The in-vitro efficacy of FcSeNPs were assessed against α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzymes as well as the anti-radical studies were performed using DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging assays. For in-vivo studies, 20 Male Balb/C albino-mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 5) including normal group, disease group (Diabetic group with no treatment), control group and treatment group (Diabetic group treated with FcSeNPs). Further, biochemistry markers including pancreas, liver, kidney and lipid profile were assessed for all treatment groups. The FcSeNPs exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition against α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 62-1000 µg mL-1 concentration with IC50 values of 92 and 100 µg mL-1 respectively. In antioxidant experiments, the FcSeNPs demonstrated significant radicals scavenging effect against DPPH and ABTS radicals. In STZ-induced diabetic mice, a considerable decline in blood glucose level was observed after treatment with FcSeNPs. Anti-hyperglycemic effect of FcSeNPs treated animals were high (105 ± 3.22**) as compared to standard drug (128.6 ± 2.73** mg dL-1). Biochemical investigations revealed that all biochemical parameters for pancreas, liver function, renal function panel and lipid profile were significantly lowered in FcSeNPs treated animals. Our findings indicate a preliminary multi-target efficacy for FcSeNPs against type-2 diabetes and thus warrant further detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haider Ali Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
| | - Mehreen Ghufran
- Department of Biochemistry, Women University Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
| | - Sulaiman Shams
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
| | - Alam Jamal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Muhammad Ayaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara 18000, Pakistan.
| | - Mehran Ullah
- District Medical Officer, Sehat Sahulat Program (SSP), Mardan 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.
| | - Mohammad Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Artificial Intelligence for Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Zuhier A Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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8
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Blum J, Masjosthusmann S, Bartmann K, Bendt F, Dolde X, Dönmez A, Förster N, Holzer AK, Hübenthal U, Keßel HE, Kilic S, Klose J, Pahl M, Stürzl LC, Mangas I, Terron A, Crofton KM, Scholze M, Mosig A, Leist M, Fritsche E. Establishment of a human cell-based in vitro battery to assess developmental neurotoxicity hazard of chemicals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137035. [PMID: 36328314 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is a major safety concern for all chemicals of the human exposome. However, DNT data from animal studies are available for only a small percentage of manufactured compounds. Test methods with a higher throughput than current regulatory guideline methods, and with improved human relevance are urgently needed. We therefore explored the feasibility of DNT hazard assessment based on new approach methods (NAMs). An in vitro battery (IVB) was assembled from ten individual NAMs that had been developed during the past years to probe effects of chemicals on various fundamental neurodevelopmental processes. All assays used human neural cells at different developmental stages. This allowed us to assess disturbances of: (i) proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPC); (ii) migration of neural crest cells, radial glia cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes; (iii) differentiation of NPC into neurons and oligodendrocytes; and (iv) neurite outgrowth of peripheral and central neurons. In parallel, cytotoxicity measures were obtained. The feasibility of concentration-dependent screening and of a reliable biostatistical processing of the complex multi-dimensional data was explored with a set of 120 test compounds, containing subsets of pre-defined positive and negative DNT compounds. The battery provided alerts (hit or borderline) for 24 of 28 known toxicants (82% sensitivity), and for none of the 17 negative controls. Based on the results from this screen project, strategies were developed on how IVB data may be used in the context of risk assessment scenarios employing integrated approaches for testing and assessment (IATA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Blum
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xenia Dolde
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Arif Dönmez
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nils Förster
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Hübenthal
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hagen Eike Keßel
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sadiye Kilic
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lynn-Christin Stürzl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iris Mangas
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Terron
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Martin Scholze
- Institute of Environment Health and Societies, Brunel University London, UK
| | - Axel Mosig
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Sharef AY, Hamdi BA, Alrawi RA, Ahmad HO. Onopordum acanthium L. extract attenuates pancreatic β-Cells and cardiac inflammation in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280464. [PMID: 36696433 PMCID: PMC9876371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Methanolic extract from Onopordum acanthium L. leaves (MEOAL) has been discovered to treat diabetic complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ameliorative role of MEOAL on pancreatic islet injury and myocardial inflammation in diabetic rats. METHODS Forty male Wister albino rats were allocated into five groups of eight rats each. Group A was the negative control group. Single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (50mg/kg) were used for the four experimental groups. Group B served as the positive control group. The rats in Groups C, D, and E received glibenclamide (5mg/kg), MEOAL (200, and 400 mg/kg) respectively, for eight weeks. Group C served as the standard drug group. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) assays for antioxidant activity were conducted in MEOAL. In silico study, calculation of molecular binding energy (DG), and inhibition constant (pKi) of bioactive constituents in MEOAL were performed. RESULTS Administration of MEOAL significantly increases insulin content in β-cells with a marked enhancement of pancreatic islet structure, resulting in a significant reduction of blood glucose level and body weight loss. MEOAL treatment suppressed the increase of inflammatory cell score in myocardial tissue with an elevation of M2 -like macrophage. The phytochemical studies recorded the presence of six polyphenols, including catechin, kaempferol, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, epicatechin and gallic acid in MEOAL. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract was greater than that of standard ascorbic acid. The docking studies of the ligands Catechin, kaempferol and epicatechin with proteins showed high affinities with various targets related in β-Cells and cardiac inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The attenuation of pancreatic β-Cells damage and cardiac inflammation by MEOAL could be attributed to the presence of Catechin, kaempferol and epicatechin which have high affinities with the receptors namely pancreatic alpha-amylase, glucokinase, COX-2, and COX-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bushra Ahmed Hamdi
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- * E-mail:
| | - Rafal Abdulrazaq Alrawi
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Hiwa Omer Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
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In vitro cultivation methods for coccidian parasite research. Int J Parasitol 2022:S0020-7519(22)00153-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Caloni F, De Angelis I, Hartung T. Replacement of animal testing by integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA): a call for in vivitrosi. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1935-1950. [PMID: 35503372 PMCID: PMC9151502 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alternative methods to animal use in toxicology are evolving with new advanced tools and multilevel approaches, to answer from one side to 3Rs requirements, and on the other side offering relevant and valid tests for drugs and chemicals, considering also their combination in test strategies, for a proper risk assessment.While stand-alone methods, have demonstrated to be applicable for some specific toxicological predictions with some limitations, the new strategy for the application of New Approach Methods (NAM), to solve complex toxicological endpoints is addressed by Integrated Approaches for Testing and Assessment (IATA), aka Integrated Testing Strategies (ITS) or Defined Approaches for Testing and Assessment (DA). The central challenge of evidence integration is shared with the needs of risk assessment and systematic reviews of an evidence-based Toxicology. Increasingly, machine learning (aka Artificial Intelligence, AI) lends itself to integrate diverse evidence streams.In this article, we give an overview of the state of the art of alternative methods and IATA in toxicology for regulatory use for various hazards, outlining future orientation and perspectives. We call on leveraging the synergies of integrated approaches and evidence integration from in vivo, in vitro and in silico as true in vivitrosi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Caloni
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Isabella De Angelis
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- CAAT Europe, University of Konstanz, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
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A framework for chemical safety assessment incorporating new approach methodologies within REACH. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:743-766. [PMID: 35103819 PMCID: PMC8850243 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The long-term investment in new approach methodologies (NAMs) within the EU and other parts of the world is beginning to result in an emerging consensus of how to use information from in silico, in vitro and targeted in vivo sources to assess the safety of chemicals. However, this methodology is being adopted very slowly for regulatory purposes. Here, we have developed a framework incorporating in silico, in vitro and in vivo methods designed to meet the requirements of REACH in which both hazard and exposure can be assessed using a tiered approach. The outputs from each tier are classification categories, safe doses, and risk assessments, and progress through the tiers depends on the output from previous tiers. We have exemplified the use of the framework with three examples. The outputs were the same or more conservative than parallel assessments based on conventional studies. The framework allows a transparent and phased introduction of NAMs in chemical safety assessment and enables science-based safety decisions which provide the same level of public health protection using fewer animals, taking less time, and using less financial and expert resource. Furthermore, it would also allow new methods to be incorporated as they develop through continuous selective evolution rather than periodic revolution.
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13
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Modafferi S, Zhong X, Kleensang A, Murata Y, Fagiani F, Pamies D, Hogberg HT, Calabrese V, Lachman H, Hartung T, Smirnova L. Gene-Environment Interactions in Developmental Neurotoxicity: a Case Study of Synergy between Chlorpyrifos and CHD8 Knockout in Human BrainSpheres. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:77001. [PMID: 34259569 PMCID: PMC8278985 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major public health concern caused by complex genetic and environmental components. Mechanisms of gene-environment (G × E ) interactions and reliable biomarkers associated with ASD are mostly unknown or controversial. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients or with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-introduced mutations in candidate ASD genes provide an opportunity to study (G × E ) interactions. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to identify a potential synergy between mutation in the high-risk autism gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8) and environmental exposure to an organophosphate pesticide (chlorpyrifos; CPF) in an iPSC-derived human three-dimensional (3D) brain model. METHODS This study employed human iPSC-derived 3D brain organoids (BrainSpheres) carrying a heterozygote CRISPR/Cas9-introduced inactivating mutation in CHD8 and exposed to CPF or its oxon-metabolite (CPO). Neural differentiation, viability, oxidative stress, and neurite outgrowth were assessed, and levels of main neurotransmitters and selected metabolites were validated against human data on ASD metabolic derangements. RESULTS Expression of CHD8 protein was significantly lower in CHD8 heterozygous knockout (C H D 8 + / - ) BrainSpheres compared with C H D 8 + / + ones. Exposure to CPF/CPO treatment further reduced CHD8 protein levels, showing the potential (G × E ) interaction synergy. A novel approach for validation of the model was chosen: from the literature, we identified a panel of metabolic biomarkers in patients and assessed them by targeted metabolomics in vitro. A synergistic effect was observed on the cholinergic system, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, lactic acid, tryptophan, kynurenic acid, and α -hydroxyglutaric acid levels. Neurite outgrowth was perturbed by CPF/CPO exposure. Heterozygous knockout of CHD8 in BrainSpheres led to an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and lower levels of dopamine. DISCUSSION This study pioneered (G × E ) interaction in iPSC-derived organoids. The experimental strategy enables biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment for ASD. Our findings reflected some metabolic perturbations and disruption of neurotransmitter systems involved in ASD. The increased susceptibility of CHD 8 + / - BrainSpheres to chemical insult establishes a possibly broader role of (G × E ) interaction in ASD. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8580.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Modafferi
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Xiali Zhong
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andre Kleensang
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yohei Murata
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Research Center, Nihon Nohyaku Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Francesca Fagiani
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS) Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helena T. Hogberg
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Herbert Lachman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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The EU-ToxRisk method documentation, data processing and chemical testing pipeline for the regulatory use of new approach methods. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2435-2461. [PMID: 32632539 PMCID: PMC7367925 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02802-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hazard assessment, based on new approach methods (NAM), requires the use of batteries of assays, where individual tests may be contributed by different laboratories. A unified strategy for such collaborative testing is presented. It details all procedures required to allow test information to be usable for integrated hazard assessment, strategic project decisions and/or for regulatory purposes. The EU-ToxRisk project developed a strategy to provide regulatorily valid data, and exemplified this using a panel of > 20 assays (with > 50 individual endpoints), each exposed to 19 well-known test compounds (e.g. rotenone, colchicine, mercury, paracetamol, rifampicine, paraquat, taxol). Examples of strategy implementation are provided for all aspects required to ensure data validity: (i) documentation of test methods in a publicly accessible database; (ii) deposition of standard operating procedures (SOP) at the European Union DB-ALM repository; (iii) test readiness scoring accoding to defined criteria; (iv) disclosure of the pipeline for data processing; (v) link of uncertainty measures and metadata to the data; (vi) definition of test chemicals, their handling and their behavior in test media; (vii) specification of the test purpose and overall evaluation plans. Moreover, data generation was exemplified by providing results from 25 reporter assays. A complete evaluation of the entire test battery will be described elsewhere. A major learning from the retrospective analysis of this large testing project was the need for thorough definitions of the above strategy aspects, ideally in form of a study pre-registration, to allow adequate interpretation of the data and to ensure overall scientific/toxicological validity.
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Development of a neural rosette formation assay (RoFA) to identify neurodevelopmental toxicants and to characterize their transcriptome disturbances. Arch Toxicol 2019; 94:151-171. [PMID: 31712839 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The first in vitro tests for developmental toxicity made use of rodent cells. Newer teratology tests, e.g. developed during the ESNATS project, use human cells and measure mechanistic endpoints (such as transcriptome changes). However, the toxicological implications of mechanistic parameters are hard to judge, without functional/morphological endpoints. To address this issue, we developed a new version of the human stem cell-based test STOP-tox(UKN). For this purpose, the capacity of the cells to self-organize to neural rosettes was assessed as functional endpoint: pluripotent stem cells were allowed to differentiate into neuroepithelial cells for 6 days in the presence or absence of toxicants. Then, both transcriptome changes were measured (standard STOP-tox(UKN)) and cells were allowed to form rosettes. After optimization of staining methods, an imaging algorithm for rosette quantification was implemented and used for an automated rosette formation assay (RoFA). Neural tube toxicants (like valproic acid), which are known to disturb human development at stages when rosette-forming cells are present, were used as positive controls. Established toxicants led to distinctly different tissue organization and differentiation stages. RoFA outcome and transcript changes largely correlated concerning (1) the concentration-dependence, (2) the time dependence, and (3) the set of positive hits identified amongst 24 potential toxicants. Using such comparative data, a prediction model for the RoFA was developed. The comparative analysis was also used to identify gene dysregulations that are particularly predictive for disturbed rosette formation. This 'RoFA predictor gene set' may be used for a simplified and less costly setup of the STOP-tox(UKN) assay.
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Abstract
In Brazil, efforts towards the regulatory acceptance and implementation of innovative methods to replace experimental animal use in various fields began to gather force in 2008, with the approval of Law No. 11,794/2008 (the Arouca Law). This law represented a milestone, as it created the National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation (CONCEA) to deal with the ethical and legal issues related to the use of laboratory animals. In 2014, CONCEA put together a framework for expanding the implementation of non-animal methodologies for use in research and education. It also promoted the regulatory acceptance in Brazil of 24 test guidelines, including 15 in vitro approaches. It should be emphasised that, in Brazilian legislation, replacement is generally based on the toxicological endpoint and not on the category of product, as tends to be the case in other countries (e.g. cosmetics in the European Union). The resolution-dependent deadlines for the obligatory replacement of in vivo methods with the CONCEA-approved tests are 2019 and 2021. Brazil has advanced considerably towards the replacement of animal experimentation, and in certain aspects, this has been in a highly progressive manner. However, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially considering the current political scenario with reduced investment in research, development and innovation. The chronology of significant events following the approval of the Arouca Law, which have contributed to the promotion of the Three Rs alternatives in Brazil, will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Ivan de Ávila
- Laboratory of Education and Research in In Vitro Toxicology - Tox In, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, State of Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marize Campos Valadares
- Laboratory of Education and Research in In Vitro Toxicology - Tox In, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, State of Goiás, Brazil
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Abstract
Quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) is broadly considered a prerequisite bridge from in vitro findings to a dose paradigm. Quality and relevance of cell systems are the first prerequisite for QIVIVE. Information-rich and mechanistic endpoints (biomarkers) improve extrapolations, but a sophisticated endpoint does not make a bad cell model a good one. The next need is reverse toxicokinetics (TK), which estimates the dose necessary to reach a tissue concentration that is active in vitro. The Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) has created a roadmap for animal-free systemic toxicity testing, in which the needs and opportunities for TK are elaborated, in the context of different systemic toxicities. The report was discussed at two stakeholder forums in Brussels in 2012 and in Washington in 2013; the key recommendations are summarized herein. Contrary to common belief and the Paracelsus paradigm of everything is toxic, the majority of industrial chemicals do not exhibit toxicity. Strengthening the credibility of negative results of alternative approaches for hazard identification, therefore, avoids the need for QIVIVE. Here, especially the combination of methods in integrated testing strategies is most promising. Two further but very different approaches aim to overcome the problem of modeling in vivo complexity: The human-on-a-chip movement aims to reproduce large parts of living organism's complexity via microphysiological systems, that is, organ equivalents combined by microfluidics. At the same time, the Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century (Tox-21c) movement aims for mechanistic approaches (adverse outcome pathways as promoted by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) or pathways of toxicity in the Human Toxome Project) for high-throughput screening, biological phenotyping, and ultimately a systems toxicology approach through integration with computer modeling. These 21st century approaches also require 21st century validation, for example, by evidence-based toxicology. Ultimately, QIVIVE is a prerequisite for extrapolating Tox-21c such approaches to human risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.,University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Archibald K, Tsaioun K, Kenna JG, Pound P. Better science for safer medicines: the human imperative. J R Soc Med 2018; 111:433-438. [PMID: 30439294 PMCID: PMC6295948 DOI: 10.1177/0141076818812783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katya Tsaioun
- Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Luechtefeld T, Rowlands C, Hartung T. Big-data and machine learning to revamp computational toxicology and its use in risk assessment. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2018; 7:732-744. [PMID: 30310652 PMCID: PMC6116175 DOI: 10.1039/c8tx00051d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The creation of large toxicological databases and advances in machine-learning techniques have empowered computational approaches in toxicology. Work with these large databases based on regulatory data has allowed reproducibility assessment of animal models, which highlight weaknesses in traditional in vivo methods. This should lower the bars for the introduction of new approaches and represents a benchmark that is achievable for any alternative method validated against these methods. Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR) models for skin sensitization, eye irritation, and other human health hazards based on these big databases, however, also have made apparent some of the challenges facing computational modeling, including validation challenges, model interpretation issues, and model selection issues. A first implementation of machine learning-based predictions termed REACHacross achieved unprecedented sensitivities of >80% with specificities >70% in predicting the six most common acute and topical hazards covering about two thirds of the chemical universe. While this is awaiting formal validation, it demonstrates the new quality introduced by big data and modern data-mining technologies. The rapid increase in the diversity and number of computational models, as well as the data they are based on, create challenges and opportunities for the use of computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Luechtefeld
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , 615 N. Wolfe Street , Baltimore , MD 21205 , USA .
| | - Craig Rowlands
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) , UL Product Supply Chain Intelligence , 333 Pfingsten Road , Northbrook , IL 60062 , USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , 615 N. Wolfe Street , Baltimore , MD 21205 , USA .
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20
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Franco NH, Sandøe P, Olsson IAS. Researchers' attitudes to the 3Rs-An upturned hierarchy? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200895. [PMID: 30110335 PMCID: PMC6093608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal use in biomedical research is generally justified by its potential benefits to the health of humans, or other animals, or the environment. However, ethical acceptability also requires scientists to limit harm to animals in their research. Training in laboratory animal science (LAS) helps scientists to do this by promoting best practice and the 3Rs. This study evaluated scientists' awareness and application of the 3Rs, and their approach to other ethical issues in animal research. It was based on an online survey of participants in LAS courses held in eight venues in four European countries: Portugal (Porto, Braga), Germany (Munich, Heidelberg), Switzerland (Basel, Lausanne, Zurich), and Denmark (Copenhagen). The survey questions were designed to assess general attitudes to animal use in biomedical research, Replacement alternatives, Reduction and Refinement conflicts, and harm-benefit analysis. The survey was conducted twice: immediately before the course ('BC', N = 310) and as a follow-up six months after the course ('AC', N = 127). While courses do appear to raise awareness of the 3Rs, they had no measurable effect on the existing low level of belief that animal experimentation can be fully replaced by non-animal methods. Most researchers acknowledged ethical issues with their work and reported that they discussed these with their peers. The level of an animal's welfare, and especially the prevention of pain, was regarded as the most pressing ethical issue, and as more important than the number of animals used or the use of animals as such. Refinement was considered more feasible than Replacement, as well as more urgent, and was also favoured over Reduction. Respondents in the survey reversed the 'hierarchy' of the 3Rs proposed by their architects, Russell and Burch, prioritizing Refinement over Reduction, and Reduction over Replacement. This ordering may conflict with the expectations of the public and regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Henrique Franco
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Peter Sandøe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - I. Anna S. Olsson
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC – Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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21
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Leist M, Ghallab A, Graepel R, Marchan R, Hassan R, Bennekou SH, Limonciel A, Vinken M, Schildknecht S, Waldmann T, Danen E, van Ravenzwaay B, Kamp H, Gardner I, Godoy P, Bois FY, Braeuning A, Reif R, Oesch F, Drasdo D, Höhme S, Schwarz M, Hartung T, Braunbeck T, Beltman J, Vrieling H, Sanz F, Forsby A, Gadaleta D, Fisher C, Kelm J, Fluri D, Ecker G, Zdrazil B, Terron A, Jennings P, van der Burg B, Dooley S, Meijer AH, Willighagen E, Martens M, Evelo C, Mombelli E, Taboureau O, Mantovani A, Hardy B, Koch B, Escher S, van Thriel C, Cadenas C, Kroese D, van de Water B, Hengstler JG. Adverse outcome pathways: opportunities, limitations and open questions. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:3477-3505. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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22
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Hartung T, FitzGerald RE, Jennings P, Mirams GR, Peitsch MC, Rostami-Hodjegan A, Shah I, Wilks MF, Sturla SJ. Systems Toxicology: Real World Applications and Opportunities. Chem Res Toxicol 2017; 30:870-882. [PMID: 28362102 PMCID: PMC5396025 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.7b00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Systems Toxicology aims to change the basis of how adverse biological effects of xenobiotics are characterized from empirical end points to describing modes of action as adverse outcome pathways and perturbed networks. Toward this aim, Systems Toxicology entails the integration of in vitro and in vivo toxicity data with computational modeling. This evolving approach depends critically on data reliability and relevance, which in turn depends on the quality of experimental models and bioanalysis techniques used to generate toxicological data. Systems Toxicology involves the use of large-scale data streams ("big data"), such as those derived from omics measurements that require computational means for obtaining informative results. Thus, integrative analysis of multiple molecular measurements, particularly acquired by omics strategies, is a key approach in Systems Toxicology. In recent years, there have been significant advances centered on in vitro test systems and bioanalytical strategies, yet a frontier challenge concerns linking observed network perturbations to phenotypes, which will require understanding pathways and networks that give rise to adverse responses. This summary perspective from a 2016 Systems Toxicology meeting, an international conference held in the Alps of Switzerland, describes the limitations and opportunities of selected emerging applications in this rapidly advancing field. Systems Toxicology aims to change the basis of how adverse biological effects of xenobiotics are characterized, from empirical end points to pathways of toxicity. This requires the integration of in vitro and in vivo data with computational modeling. Test systems and bioanalytical technologies have made significant advances, but ensuring data reliability and relevance is an ongoing concern. The major challenge facing the new pathway approach is determining how to link observed network perturbations to phenotypic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hartung
- Center
for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- University
of Konstanz, CAAT-Europe, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Rex E. FitzGerald
- Swiss
Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, University
of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Jennings
- Division
of Physiology, Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gary R. Mirams
- Centre
for Mathematical Medicine & Biology, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Manuel C. Peitsch
- Department
of Research and Development, Philip Morris
International, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Amin Rostami-Hodjegan
- Centre
for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research, University
of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
- Simcyp
Limited (a Certara Company), Blades Enterprise
Centre, Sheffield S2 4SU, U.K.
| | - Imran Shah
- National
Center for Computational Toxicology, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Martin F. Wilks
- Swiss
Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, University
of Basel, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shana J. Sturla
- Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Abstract
There is no good science in bad models. Cell culture is especially prone to artifacts. A number of novel cell culture technologies have become more broadly available in the 21st century, which allow overcoming limitations of traditional culture and are more physiologically relevant. These include the use of stem-cell derived human cells, cocultures of different cell types, scaffolds and extracellular matrices, perfusion platforms (such as microfluidics), 3D culture, organ-on-chip technologies, tissue architecture, and organ functionality. The physiological relevance of such models is further enhanced by the measurement of biomarkers (e.g., key events of pathways), organ specific functionality, and more comprehensive assessment cell responses by high-content methods. These approaches are still rarely combined to create microphysiological systems. The complexity of the combination of these technologies can generate results closer to the in vivo situation but increases the number of parameters to control, bringing some new challenges. In fact, we do not argue that all cell culture needs to be that sophisticated. The efforts taken are determined by the purpose of our experiments and tests. If only a very specific molecular target to cell response is of interest, a very simple model, which reflects this, might be much more suited to allow standardization and high-throughput. However, the less defined the end point of interest and cellular response are, the better we should approximate organ- or tissue-like culture conditions to make physiological responses more probable. Besides these technologic advances, important progress in the quality assurance and reporting on cell cultures as well as the validation of cellular test systems brings the utility of cell cultures to a new level. The advancement and broader implementation of Good Cell Culture Practice (GCCP) is key here. In toxicology, this is a major prerequisite for meaningful and reliable results, ultimately supporting risk assessment and product development decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States.,CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz , 78464 Konstanz, Germany
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24
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Schmidt BZ, Lehmann M, Gutbier S, Nembo E, Noel S, Smirnova L, Forsby A, Hescheler J, Avci HX, Hartung T, Leist M, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A. In vitro acute and developmental neurotoxicity screening: an overview of cellular platforms and high-throughput technical possibilities. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1-33. [PMID: 27492622 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1805-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity are important issues of chemical hazard assessment. Since the interpretation of animal data and their extrapolation to man is challenging, and the amount of substances with information gaps exceeds present animal testing capacities, there is a big demand for in vitro tests to provide initial information and to prioritize for further evaluation. During the last decade, many in vitro tests emerged. These are based on animal cells, human tumour cell lines, primary cells, immortalized cell lines, embryonic stem cells, or induced pluripotent stem cells. They differ in their read-outs and range from simple viability assays to complex functional endpoints such as neural crest cell migration. Monitoring of toxicological effects on differentiation often requires multiomics approaches, while the acute disturbance of neuronal functions may be analysed by assessing electrophysiological features. Extrapolation from in vitro data to humans requires a deep understanding of the test system biology, of the endpoints used, and of the applicability domains of the tests. Moreover, it is important that these be combined in the right way to assess toxicity. Therefore, knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of all cellular platforms, endpoints, and analytical methods is essential when establishing in vitro test systems for different aspects of neurotoxicity. The elements of a test, and their evaluation, are discussed here in the context of comprehensive prediction of potential hazardous effects of a compound. We summarize the main cellular characteristics underlying neurotoxicity, present an overview of cellular platforms and read-out combinations assessing distinct parts of acute and developmental neurotoxicology, and highlight especially the use of stem cell-based test systems to close gaps in the available battery of tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béla Z Schmidt
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Stem Cell Biology and Embryology Unit, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Lehmann
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Gutbier
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Erastus Nembo
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabrina Noel
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lena Smirnova
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Forsby
- Swedish Toxicology Research Center (Swetox), Södertälje, Sweden.,Department of Neurochemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Institute of Neurophysiology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hasan X Avci
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary.,Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary. .,Molecular Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Szent István University, Gödöllő, 2100, Hungary.
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25
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Hoffmann S, Hartung T, Stephens M. Evidence-Based Toxicology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 856:231-241. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33826-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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26
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Pallocca G, Grinberg M, Henry M, Frickey T, Hengstler JG, Waldmann T, Sachinidis A, Rahnenführer J, Leist M. Identification of transcriptome signatures and biomarkers specific for potential developmental toxicants inhibiting human neural crest cell migration. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:159-80. [PMID: 26705709 PMCID: PMC4710658 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro test battery of the European research consortium ESNATS (‘novel stem cell-based test systems’) has been used to screen for potential human developmental toxicants. As part of this effort, the migration of neural crest (MINC) assay has been used to evaluate chemical effects on neural crest function. It identified some drug-like compounds in addition to known environmental toxicants. The hits included the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin, the chemotherapeutic arsenic trioxide, the flame-retardant PBDE-99, the pesticide triadimefon and the histone deacetylase inhibitors valproic acid and trichostatin A. Transcriptome changes triggered by these substances in human neural crest cells were recorded and analysed here to answer three questions: (1) can toxicants be individually identified based on their transcript profile; (2) how can the toxicity pattern reflected by transcript changes be compacted/dimensionality-reduced for practical regulatory use; (3) how can a reduced set of biomarkers be selected for large-scale follow-up? Transcript profiling allowed clear separation of different toxicants and the identification of toxicant types in a blinded test study. We also developed a diagrammatic system to visualize and compare toxicity patterns of a group of chemicals by giving a quantitative overview of altered superordinate biological processes (e.g. activation of KEGG pathways or overrepresentation of gene ontology terms). The transcript data were mined for potential markers of toxicity, and 39 transcripts were selected to either indicate general developmental toxicity or distinguish compounds with different modes-of-action in read-across. In summary, we found inclusion of transcriptome data to largely increase the information from the MINC phenotypic test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pallocca
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany.
| | - Marianna Grinberg
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tancred Frickey
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Konstanz, 78457, Constance, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany
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27
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Coleman RA. Human-based systems in drug and chemical safety testing--toward replacement, the 'single R'. Altern Lab Anim 2015; 42:357-66. [PMID: 25635644 DOI: 10.1177/026119291404200605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Three Rs was a concept originally conceived as a means of reducing the suffering of laboratory animals that are used largely in identifying any potential safety issues with chemicals to which humans may be exposed. However, with growing evidence of the shortcomings of laboratory animal testing to reliably predict human responsiveness to such chemicals, questions are now being asked as to whether it is appropriate to use animals as human surrogates at all. This raises the question of whether, of the original Three Rs, two--Reduction and Refinement--are potentially redundant, and whether, instead, we should concentrate on the third R: Replacement. And if this is the best way forward, it is inevitable that this R should be based firmly on human biology. The present review outlines the current state-of-the-art regarding our access to human biology through in vitro, in silico and in vivo technologies, identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, and goes on to address the prospect of achieving a single R, with some suggestions as to how to progress toward this goal.
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28
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Bal-Price A, Crofton KM, Leist M, Allen S, Arand M, Buetler T, Delrue N, FitzGerald RE, Hartung T, Heinonen T, Hogberg H, Bennekou SH, Lichtensteiger W, Oggier D, Paparella M, Axelstad M, Piersma A, Rached E, Schilter B, Schmuck G, Stoppini L, Tongiorgi E, Tiramani M, Monnet-Tschudi F, Wilks MF, Ylikomi T, Fritsche E. International STakeholder NETwork (ISTNET): creating a developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing road map for regulatory purposes. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:269-87. [PMID: 25618548 PMCID: PMC4309915 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A major problem in developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) risk assessment is the lack of toxicological hazard information for most compounds. Therefore, new approaches are being considered to provide adequate experimental data that allow regulatory decisions. This process requires a matching of regulatory needs on the one hand and the opportunities provided by new test systems and methods on the other hand. Alignment of academically and industrially driven assay development with regulatory needs in the field of DNT is a core mission of the International STakeholder NETwork (ISTNET) in DNT testing. The first meeting of ISTNET was held in Zurich on 23-24 January 2014 in order to explore the concept of adverse outcome pathway (AOP) to practical DNT testing. AOPs were considered promising tools to promote test systems development according to regulatory needs. Moreover, the AOP concept was identified as an important guiding principle to assemble predictive integrated testing strategies (ITSs) for DNT. The recommendations on a road map towards AOP-based DNT testing is considered a stepwise approach, operating initially with incomplete AOPs for compound grouping, and focussing on key events of neurodevelopment. Next steps to be considered in follow-up activities are the use of case studies to further apply the AOP concept in regulatory DNT testing, making use of AOP intersections (common key events) for economic development of screening assays, and addressing the transition from qualitative descriptions to quantitative network modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- Systems Toxicology Unit, EURL-ECVAM, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, TP 580, Via Fermi 1, 21026, Ispra, VA, Italy,
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29
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Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Progeny as an In VitroModel to Assess (Developmental) Neurotoxicity. METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527674183.ch13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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30
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Callewaert C, Buysschaert B, Vossen E, Fievez V, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Artificial sweat composition to grow and sustain a mixed human axillary microbiome. J Microbiol Methods 2014; 103:6-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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31
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Pamies D, Hartung T, Hogberg HT. Biological and medical applications of a brain-on-a-chip. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1096-1107. [PMID: 24912505 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214537738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The desire to develop and evaluate drugs as potential countermeasures for biological and chemical threats requires test systems that can also substitute for the clinical trials normally crucial for drug development. Current animal models have limited predictivity for drug efficacy in humans as the large majority of drugs fails in clinical trials. We have limited understanding of the function of the central nervous system and the complexity of the brain, especially during development and neuronal plasticity. Simple in vitro systems do not represent physiology and function of the brain. Moreover, the difficulty of studying interactions between human genetics and environmental factors leads to lack of knowledge about the events that induce neurological diseases. Microphysiological systems (MPS) promise to generate more complex in vitro human models that better simulate the organ's biology and function. MPS combine different cell types in a specific three-dimensional (3D) configuration to simulate organs with a concrete function. The final aim of these MPS is to combine different "organoids" to generate a human-on-a-chip, an approach that would allow studies of complex physiological organ interactions. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) gives a range of possibilities allowing cellular studies of individuals with different genetic backgrounds (e.g., human disease models). Application of iPSCs from different donors in MPS gives the opportunity to better understand mechanisms of the disease and can be a novel tool in drug development, toxicology, and medicine. In order to generate a brain-on-a-chip, we have established a 3D model from human iPSCs based on our experience with a 3D rat primary aggregating brain model. After four weeks of differentiation, human 3D aggregates stain positive for different neuronal markers and show higher gene expression of various neuronal differentiation markers compared to 2D cultures. Here we present the applications and challenges of this emerging technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pamies
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
| | - Helena T Hogberg
- Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; University of Konstanz, POB 600, Konstanz 78457, Germany
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32
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Rovida C, Vivier M, Garthoff B, Hescheler J. ESNATS Conference — The use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Novel Toxicity Testing Approaches. Altern Lab Anim 2014; 42:97-113. [DOI: 10.1177/026119291404200203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The main achievements and results of the ESNATS project (Embryonic Stem Cell-based Novel Alternative Testing Strategies) were presented at the final project conference that was held on 15 September 2013, the day before the traditional EUSAAT (European Society for Alternatives to Animal Testing) Congress in Linz, Austria. The ESNATS project was an FP7 European Integrated Project, running from 2008 to 2013, the aim of which was to develop a novel toxicity testing platform based on embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and in particular, human ESC (hESCs), to accelerate drug development, reduce related R&D costs, and propose a powerful alternative to animal tests in the spirit of the Three Rs principles. Altogether, ESNATS offered the first proof of concept that hESCs can be used to create robust, reproducible and ready-to use test assays for predicting human toxicity. In the end, essentially five test systems were developed to an adequate level for entering possible pre-validation procedures. These methods are based on hESCs, and can be combined to study the possible effects, on the human embryo, of exposure to a chemical during the early stages of development. In addition to the presentations by the main project partners, external speakers were invited to give lectures on relevant topics, both in the field of neurotoxicity and, more generally, on the applicability of hESCs in the development of advanced in vitro tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Rovida
- Centre for Alternatives to Animal Testing–Europe (CAAT–Europe), University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Manon Vivier
- Department of Toxicology, Pharmacognosy and Dermato-cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette, Belgium
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33
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Zimmer B, Pallocca G, Dreser N, Foerster S, Waldmann T, Westerhout J, Julien S, Krause KH, van Thriel C, Hengstler JG, Sachinidis A, Bosgra S, Leist M. Profiling of drugs and environmental chemicals for functional impairment of neural crest migration in a novel stem cell-based test battery. Arch Toxicol 2014; 88:1109-26. [PMID: 24691702 PMCID: PMC3996367 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-014-1231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity in vitro assays have hitherto been established as stand-alone systems, based on a limited number of toxicants. Within the embryonic stem cell-based novel alternative tests project, we developed a test battery framework that allows inclusion of any developmental toxicity assay and that explores the responses of such test systems to a wide range of drug-like compounds. We selected 28 compounds, including several biologics (e.g., erythropoietin), classical pharmaceuticals (e.g., roflumilast) and also six environmental toxicants. The chemical, toxicological and clinical data of this screen library were compiled. In order to determine a non-cytotoxic concentration range, cytotoxicity data were obtained for all compounds from HEK293 cells and from murine embryonic stem cells. Moreover, an estimate of relevant exposures was provided by literature data mining. To evaluate feasibility of the suggested test framework, we selected a well-characterized assay that evaluates ‘migration inhibition of neural crest cells.’ Screening at the highest non-cytotoxic concentration resulted in 11 hits (e.g., geldanamycin, abiraterone, gefitinib, chlorpromazine, cyproconazole, arsenite). These were confirmed in concentration–response studies. Subsequent pharmacokinetic modeling indicated that triadimefon exerted its effects at concentrations relevant to the in vivo situation, and also interferon-β and polybrominated diphenyl ether showed effects within the same order of magnitude of concentrations that may be reached in humans. In conclusion, the test battery framework can identify compounds that disturb processes relevant for human development and therefore may represent developmental toxicants. The open structure of the strategy allows rich information to be generated on both the underlying library, and on any contributing assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Zimmer
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York City, NY, USA
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Balmer NV, Leist M. Epigenetics and transcriptomics to detect adverse drug effects in model systems of human development. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:59-68. [PMID: 24476462 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals or drugs has been associated with functional or structural deficits and the development of diseases in later life. For example, developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is triggered by lead, and this compound may predispose to neurodegenerative diseases in later life. The molecular memory for such late consequences of early exposure is not known, but epigenetic mechanisms (modification of the chromatin structure) could take this role. Examples and underlying mechanisms have been compiled here for the field of DNT. Moreover, we addressed the question as to what readout is suitable for addressing drug memory effects. We summarize how complex developmental processes can be modelled in vitro by using the differentiation of human stem cells. Although cellular models can never replicate the final human DNT phenotype, they can model the adverse effect that a chemical has on key biological processes essential for organ formation and function. Highly information-rich transcriptomics data may inform on these changes and form the bridge from in vitro models to human prediction. We compiled data showing that transcriptome analysis can indicate toxicity patterns of drugs. A crucial question to be answered in our systems is when and how transcriptome changes indicate adversity (as opposed to transient adaptive responses), and how drug-induced changes are perpetuated over time even after washout of the drug. We present evidence for the hypothesis that changes in the histone methylation pattern could represent the persistence detector of an early insult that is transformed to an adverse effect at later time-points in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina V Balmer
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Bouhifd M, Hogberg HT, Kleensang A, Maertens A, Zhao L, Hartung T. Mapping the human toxome by systems toxicology. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:24-31. [PMID: 24443875 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxicity testing typically involves studying adverse health outcomes in animals subjected to high doses of toxicants with subsequent extrapolation to expected human responses at lower doses. The low-throughput of current toxicity testing approaches (which are largely the same for industrial chemicals, pesticides and drugs) has led to a backlog of more than 80,000 chemicals to which human beings are potentially exposed whose potential toxicity remains largely unknown. Employing new testing strategies that employ the use of predictive, high-throughput cell-based assays (of human origin) to evaluate perturbations in key pathways, referred as pathways of toxicity, and to conduct targeted testing against those pathways, we can begin to greatly accelerate our ability to test the vast 'storehouses' of chemical compounds using a rational, risk-based approach to chemical prioritization and provide test results that are more predictive of human toxicity than current methods. The NIH Transformative Research Grant project Mapping the Human Toxome by Systems Toxicology aims at developing the tools for pathway mapping, annotation and validation as well as the respective knowledge base to share this information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Bouhifd
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, CAAT, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Bouhifd M, Hartung T, Hogberg HT, Kleensang A, Zhao L. Review: toxicometabolomics. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 33:1365-83. [PMID: 23722930 PMCID: PMC3808515 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabolomics use in toxicology is rapidly increasing, particularly owing to advances in mass spectroscopy, which is widely used in the life sciences for phenotyping disease states. Toxicology has the advantage of having the disease agent, the toxicant, available for experimental induction of metabolomics changes monitored over time and dose. This review summarizes the different technologies employed and gives examples of their use in various areas of toxicology. A prominent use of metabolomics is the identification of signatures of toxicity - patterns of metabolite changes predictive of a hazard manifestation. Increasingly, such signatures indicative of a certain hazard manifestation are identified, suggesting that certain modes of action result in specific derangements of the metabolism. This might enable the deduction of underlying pathways of toxicity, which, in their entirety, form the Human Toxome, a key concept for implementing the vision of Toxicity Testing for the 21st century. This review summarizes the current state of metabolomics technologies and principles, their uses in toxicology and gives a thorough overview on metabolomics bioinformatics, pathway identification and quality assurance. In addition, this review lays out the prospects for further metabolomics application also in a regulatory context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Correspondence to: T. Hartung, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Chair for Evidence-based Toxicology, Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Scholz S, Sela E, Blaha L, Braunbeck T, Galay-Burgos M, García-Franco M, Guinea J, Klüver N, Schirmer K, Tanneberger K, Tobor-Kapłon M, Witters H, Belanger S, Benfenati E, Creton S, Cronin MT, Eggen RI, Embry M, Ekman D, Gourmelon A, Halder M, Hardy B, Hartung T, Hubesch B, Jungmann D, Lampi MA, Lee L, Léonard M, Küster E, Lillicrap A, Luckenbach T, Murk AJ, Navas JM, Peijnenburg W, Repetto G, Salinas E, Schüürmann G, Spielmann H, Tollefsen KE, Walter-Rohde S, Whale G, Wheeler JR, Winter MJ. A European perspective on alternatives to animal testing for environmental hazard identification and risk assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2013; 67:506-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Krug AK, Balmer NV, Matt F, Schönenberger F, Merhof D, Leist M. Evaluation of a human neurite growth assay as specific screen for developmental neurotoxicants. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:2215-31. [PMID: 23670202 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Organ-specific in vitro toxicity assays are often highly sensitive, but they lack specificity. We evaluated here examples of assay features that can affect test specificity, and some general procedures are suggested on how positive hits in complex biological assays may be defined. Differentiating human LUHMES cells were used as potential model for developmental neurotoxicity testing. Forty candidate toxicants were screened, and several hits were obtained and confirmed. Although the cells had a definitive neuronal phenotype, the use of a general cell death endpoint in these cultures did not allow specific identification of neurotoxicants. As alternative approach, neurite growth was measured as an organ-specific functional endpoint. We found that neurite extension of developing LUHMES was specifically inhibited by diverse compounds such as colchicine, vincristine, narciclasine, rotenone, cycloheximide, or diquat. These compounds reduced neurite growth at concentrations that did not compromise cell viability, and neurite growth was affected more potently than the integrity of developed neurites of mature neurons. A ratio of the EC50 values of neurite growth inhibition and cell death of >4 provided a robust classifier for compounds associated with a developmental neurotoxic hazard. Screening of unspecific toxicants in the test system always yielded ratios <4. The assay identified also compounds that accelerated neurite growth, such as the rho kinase pathway modifiers blebbistatin or thiazovivin. The negative effects of colchicine or rotenone were completely inhibited by a rho kinase inhibitor. In summary, we suggest that assays using functional endpoints (neurite growth) can specifically identify and characterize (developmental) neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Krug
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstr. 10, Box 657, 78457, Constance, Germany,
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Leist M, Hartung T. Inflammatory findings on species extrapolations: humans are definitely no 70-kg mice. Arch Toxicol 2013; 87:563-7. [PMID: 23503654 PMCID: PMC3604596 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-013-1038-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Modern toxicology has embraced in vitro methods, and major hopes are based on the Omics technologies and systems biology approaches they bring along (Hartung and McBride in ALTEX 28(2):83-93, 2011; Hartung et al. in ALTEX 29(2):119-28, 2012). A culture of stringent validation has been developed for such approaches (Leist et al. in ALTEX 27(4):309-317, 2010; ALTEX 29(4):373-88, 2012a; Toxicol Res 1:8-22, 2012b), while the quality and usefulness of animal experiments have been little scrutinized. A new study (Seok et al. 2013) now shows the low predictivity of animal responses in the field of inflammation. These findings corroborate earlier findings from comparisons in the fields of neurodegeneration, stroke and sepsis. The low predictivity of animal experiments in research areas allowing direct comparisons of mouse versus human data puts strong doubt on the usefulness of animal data as key technology to predict human safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Leist
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair for Evidence-Based Medicine, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns-Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
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Krug AK, Kolde R, Gaspar JA, Rempel E, Balmer NV, Meganathan K, Vojnits K, Baquié M, Waldmann T, Ensenat-Waser R, Jagtap S, Evans RM, Julien S, Peterson H, Zagoura D, Kadereit S, Gerhard D, Sotiriadou I, Heke M, Natarajan K, Henry M, Winkler J, Marchan R, Stoppini L, Bosgra S, Westerhout J, Verwei M, Vilo J, Kortenkamp A, Hescheler J, Hothorn L, Bremer S, van Thriel C, Krause KH, Hengstler JG, Rahnenführer J, Leist M, Sachinidis A. Human embryonic stem cell-derived test systems for developmental neurotoxicity: a transcriptomics approach. Arch Toxicol 2012. [PMID: 23179753 PMCID: PMC3535399 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-012-0967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) and many forms of reproductive toxicity (RT) often manifest themselves in functional deficits that are not necessarily based on cell death, but rather on minor changes relating to cell differentiation or communication. The fields of DNT/RT would greatly benefit from in vitro tests that allow the identification of toxicant-induced changes of the cellular proteostasis, or of its underlying transcriptome network. Therefore, the ‘human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived novel alternative test systems (ESNATS)’ European commission research project established RT tests based on defined differentiation protocols of hESC and their progeny. Valproic acid (VPA) and methylmercury (MeHg) were used as positive control compounds to address the following fundamental questions: (1) Does transcriptome analysis allow discrimination of the two compounds? (2) How does analysis of enriched transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and of individual probe sets (PS) distinguish between test systems? (3) Can batch effects be controlled? (4) How many DNA microarrays are needed? (5) Is the highest non-cytotoxic concentration optimal and relevant for the study of transcriptome changes? VPA triggered vast transcriptional changes, whereas MeHg altered fewer transcripts. To attenuate batch effects, analysis has been focused on the 500 PS with highest variability. The test systems differed significantly in their responses (<20 % overlap). Moreover, within one test system, little overlap between the PS changed by the two compounds has been observed. However, using TFBS enrichment, a relatively large ‘common response’ to VPA and MeHg could be distinguished from ‘compound-specific’ responses. In conclusion, the ESNATS assay battery allows classification of human DNT/RT toxicants on the basis of their transcriptome profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Krug
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Raivo Kolde
- OÜ Quretec (Qure), Limited Liability Company, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, 50409 Tartu, Estonia
| | - John A. Gaspar
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugen Rempel
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University , 44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nina V. Balmer
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Kesavan Meganathan
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Kinga Vojnits
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathurin Baquié
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Waldmann
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Roberto Ensenat-Waser
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Smita Jagtap
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie Julien
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Hedi Peterson
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Dimitra Zagoura
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Suzanne Kadereit
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Daniel Gerhard
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University (LUH), Institute for Biostatistics, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Isaia Sotiriadou
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Heke
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Karthick Natarajan
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Margit Henry
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Winkler
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Marchan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luc Stoppini
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Sieto Bosgra
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Westerhout
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Verwei
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), 2628 VK Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jaak Vilo
- OÜ Quretec (Qure), Limited Liability Company, 51003 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu, 50409 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ludwig Hothorn
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University (LUH), Institute for Biostatistics, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Bremer
- Commission of the European Communities (JRC) Joint Research Centre, 1049 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christoph van Thriel
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva Medical Faculty, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Jan G. Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Technical University of Dortmund, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Department of Statistics, TU Dortmund University , 44221 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz (UKN), 78457 Constance, Germany
| | - Agapios Sachinidis
- Center of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Neurophysiology, University of Cologne (UKK), Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Groeber F, Kahlig A, Loff S, Walles H, Hansmann J. A bioreactor system for interfacial culture and physiological perfusion of vascularized tissue equivalents. Biotechnol J 2012; 8:308-16. [PMID: 23047238 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201200160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A pivotal requirement for the generation of vascularized tissue equivalents is the development of culture systems that provide a physiological perfusion of the vasculature and tissue-specific culture conditions. Here, we present a bioreactor system that is suitable to culture vascularized tissue equivalents covered with culture media and at the air-medium interface, which is a vital stimulus for skin tissue. For the perfusion of the vascular system a new method was integrated into the bioreactor system that creates a physiological pulsatile medium flow between 80 and 120 mmHg to the arterial inflow of the equivalent's vascular system. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (hDMECs) were injected into the vascular system of a biological vascularized scaffold based on a decellularized porcine jejunal segment and cultured in the bioreactor system for 14 days. Histological analysis and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining revealed that the hDMECs were able to recolonize the perfused vascular structures and expressed endothelial cell specific markers such as platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule and von Willebrand factor. These results indicate that our bioreactor system can serve as a platform technology to generate advanced bioartificial tissues with a functional vasculature for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Groeber
- Institute for Interfacial Engineering (IGVT), University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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CAAT News & Views. Altern Lab Anim 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/026119291204000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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