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Lopez I, Truskey GA. Multi-cellular engineered living systems to assess reproductive toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 127:108609. [PMID: 38759876 PMCID: PMC11179964 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Toxicants and some drugs can negatively impact reproductive health. Many toxicants haven't been tested due to lack of available models. The impact of many drugs taken during pregnancy to address maternal health may adversely affect fetal development with life-long effects and clinical trials do not examine toxicity effects on the maternal-fetal interface, requiring indirect assessment of safety and efficacy. Due to current gaps in reproductive toxicological knowledge and limitations of animal models, multi-cellular engineered living systems may provide solutions for modeling reproductive physiology and pathology for chemical and xenobiotic toxicity studies. Multi-cellular engineered living systems, such as microphysiological systems (MPS) and organoids, model of functional units of tissues. In this review, we highlight the key functions and structures of human reproductive organs and well-known representative toxicants afflicting these systems. We then discuss current approaches and specific studies where scientists have used MPS or organoids to recreate in vivo markers and cellular responses of the female and male reproductive system, as well as pregnancy-associated placenta formation and embryo development. We provide specific examples of organoids and organ-on-chip that have been used for toxicological purposes with varied success. Finally, we address current issues related to usage of MPS, emerging techniques for improving upon these complications, and improvements needed to make MPS more capable in assessing reproductive toxicology. Overall, multi-cellular engineered living systems have considerable promise to serve as a suitable, alternative reproductive biological model compared to animal studies and 2D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Lopez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - George A Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
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2
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Burbank M, Gautier F, Hewitt N, Detroyer A, Guillet-Revol L, Carron L, Wildemann T, Bringel T, Riu A, Noel-Voisin A, De Croze N, Léonard M, Ouédraogo G. Advancing the use of new approach methodologies for assessing teratogenicity: Building a tiered approach. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 120:108454. [PMID: 37543254 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Many New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) have been developed for the safety assessment of new ingredients. Research into reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity is a particularly high priority, especially given their mechanistic complexity. Forty-six non-teratogenic and 39 teratogenic chemicals were screened for teratogenic potential using the in silico DART model from the OECD QSAR Toolbox; the devTox quickPredict™ (devTox assay) test and the Zebrafish Embryotoxicity Test (ZET). The sensitivity and specificity were 94.7% and 84.1%, respectively, for the DART tree (83 chemicals), 86.1% and 35.6% for the devTox (81 chemicals) and 77.8% and 76.7% for the ZET (57 chemicals). Fifty-three chemicals were tested in all three assays and when results were combined and based on a "2 out of 3 rule", the sensitivity and specificity were 96.0% and 71.4%, respectively. The specificity of the devTox assay for a sub-set of 43 chemicals was increased from 26.1% to 82.6% by incorporating human plasma concentrations into the assay interpretation. When all 85 chemicals were assessed in a decision tree approach, there was an excellent predictivity and assay robustness of 90%. In conclusion, all three models exhibited a good sensitivity and specificity, especially when outcomes from all three were combined or used in "2 out of 3" or a tiered decision tree approach. The latter is an interesting predictive approach for evaluating the teratogenic potential of new chemicals. Future investigations will extend the number of chemicals tested, as well as explore ways to refine the results and obtain a robust Integrated Testing Strategy to evaluate teratogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Burbank
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France.
| | - F Gautier
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France
| | | | | | | | - L Carron
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France
| | | | - T Bringel
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France
| | - A Riu
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France
| | | | | | - M Léonard
- L'Oréal Research & Innovation, France
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3
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İpek S, Üstündağ A, Can Eke B. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture studies: a review of the field of toxicology. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:523-533. [PMID: 35450503 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2066114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture employed for centuries is extensively used in toxicological studies. There is no doubt that 2D cell culture has made significant contributions to toxicology. However, in today's world, it is necessary to develop more physiologically relevant models. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, which can recapitulate the cell's microenvironment, is, therefore, a more realistic model compared to traditional cell culture. In toxicology, 3D cell culture models are a powerful tool for studying different tissues and organs in similar environments and behave as if they are in in vivo conditions. In this review, we aimed to present 3D cell culture models that have been used in different organ toxicity studies. We reported the results and interpretations obtained from these studies. We aimed to highlight 3D models as the future of cell culture by reviewing 3D models used in different organ toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seda İpek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aylin Üstündağ
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Benay Can Eke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy, Ankara, Turkey
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4
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Xu S, Chen F, Zhang H, Huang ZL, Li J, Wu D, Chen X. Development a high-throughput zebrafish embryo acute toxicity testing method based on OECD TG 236. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:104-112. [PMID: 35799369 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2099772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)Test Guideline (TG) 236 for zebrafish embryo acute toxicity testing was adopted for chemical toxicity assessment in 2013. Due to the increasing demand for prediction and evaluation of the acute toxicity using zebrafish embryos, we developed a method based on OECD 236 test guideline with the aim to improve the testing efficiency. We used 4-128 cell stage zebrafish embryos and performed an exposure assay in a 96-well microtiter plate, observing the lethality endpoints of embryos at 48-h postexposure. A total of 32 chemicals (two batches) were used in the comparison study. Our results indicated that the logarithmic LC50 (half lethal concentration) obtained by the modified method exhibited good correlation with that obtained by the OECD 236 testing method, and the R2 of the linear regression analysis was 0.9717 (0.9621 and 0.9936 for the two batches, respectively). Additionally, the intra- and inter-laboratory coefficient of variation (CVs) for the LC50 from the testing chemicals (17 chemicals in second batch) was less than 30%, except for CuSO4. Therefore, the developed method was less time-consuming and demonstrated a higher throughput for toxicity testing compared to the prior method. We argue the developed method could be used as an additional choice for high-throughput zebrafish embryo acute toxicity test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shisan Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.,Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Fengyan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China.,Guangxi Universities Key Laboratory of Stem cell and Biopharmaceutical Technology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, PRC
| | - Zhen-Lie Huang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, China
| | - Desheng Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology, Shenzhen Medical Key Discipline of Health Toxicology (2020-2024), Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
| | - Xueping Chen
- Vitargent (International) Biotechnology Limited, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Biotech Big Data Research and Development, Research Institute of Tsinghua, Pearl River Delta, China
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5
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Novelli G, Spitalieri P, Murdocca M, Centanini E, Sangiuolo F. Organoid factory: The recent role of the human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in precision medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1059579. [PMID: 36699015 PMCID: PMC9869172 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1059579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decades, hiPSC-derived organoids have been extensively studied and used as in vitro models for several applications among which research studies. They can be considered as organ and tissue prototypes, especially for those difficult to obtain. Moreover, several diseases can be accurately modeled and studied. Hence, patient-derived organoids (PDOs) can be used to predict individual drug responses, thus paving the way toward personalized medicine. Lastly, by applying tissue engineering and 3D printing techniques, organoids could be used in the future to replace or regenerate damaged tissue. In this review, we will focus on hiPSC-derived 3D cultures and their ability to model human diseases with an in-depth analysis of gene editing applications, as well as tumor models. Furthermore, we will highlight the state-of-the-art of organoid facilities that around the world offer know-how and services. This is an increasing trend that shed the light on the need of bridging the publicand the private sector. Hence, in the context of drug discovery, Organoid Factories can offer biobanks of validated 3D organoid models that can be used in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to speed up the drug screening process. Finally, we will discuss the limitations and the future development that will lead hiPSC-derived technology from bench to bedside, toward personalized medicine, such as maturity, organoid interconnections, costs, reproducibility and standardization, and ethics. hiPSC-derived organoid technology is now passing from a proof-of-principle to real applications in the clinic, also thanks to the applicability of techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, material engineering for the scaffolds, or microfluidic systems. The benefits will have a crucial role in the advance of both basic biological and translational research, particularly in the pharmacological field and drug development. In fact, in the near future, 3D organoids will guide the clinical decision-making process, having validated patient-specific drug screening platforms. This is particularly important in the context of rare genetic diseases or when testing cancer treatments that could in principle have severe side effects. Therefore, this technology has enabled the advancement of personalized medicine in a way never seen before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Novelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Paola Spitalieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Murdocca
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Centanini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Federica Sangiuolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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6
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Liu J, Guo W, Dong F, Aungst J, Fitzpatrick S, Patterson TA, Hong H. Machine learning models for rat multigeneration reproductive toxicity prediction. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018226. [PMID: 36238576 PMCID: PMC9552001 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive toxicity is one of the prominent endpoints in the risk assessment of environmental and industrial chemicals. Due to the complexity of the reproductive system, traditional reproductive toxicity testing in animals, especially guideline multigeneration reproductive toxicity studies, take a long time and are expensive. Therefore, machine learning, as a promising alternative approach, should be considered when evaluating the reproductive toxicity of chemicals. We curated rat multigeneration reproductive toxicity testing data of 275 chemicals from ToxRefDB (Toxicity Reference Database) and developed predictive models using seven machine learning algorithms (decision tree, decision forest, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, linear discriminant analysis, and logistic regression). A consensus model was built based on the seven individual models. An external validation set was curated from the COSMOS database and the literature. The performances of individual and consensus models were evaluated using 500 iterations of 5-fold cross-validations and the external validation data set. The balanced accuracy of the models ranged from 58% to 65% in the 5-fold cross-validations and 45%–61% in the external validations. Prediction confidence analysis was conducted to provide additional information for more appropriate applications of the developed models. The impact of our findings is in increasing confidence in machine learning models. We demonstrate the importance of using consensus models for harnessing the benefits of multiple machine learning models (i.e., using redundant systems to check validity of outcomes). While we continue to build upon the models to better characterize weak toxicants, there is current utility in saving resources by being able to screen out strong reproductive toxicants before investing in vivo testing. The modeling approach (machine learning models) is offered for assessing the rat multigeneration reproductive toxicity of chemicals. Our results suggest that machine learning may be a promising alternative approach to evaluate the potential reproductive toxicity of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Wenjing Guo
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Fan Dong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Jason Aungst
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Suzanne Fitzpatrick
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Tucker A. Patterson
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
| | - Huixiao Hong
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, United States
- *Correspondence: Huixiao Hong,
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7
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Ahmad A. Safety and Toxicity Implications of Multifunctional Drug Delivery Nanocarriers on Reproductive Systems In Vitro and In Vivo. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:895667. [PMID: 35785262 PMCID: PMC9240477 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.895667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, nanotechnological advancements in engineered nanomaterials have demonstrated diverse and versatile applications in different arenas, including bio-imaging, drug delivery, bio-sensing, detection and analysis of biological macromolecules, bio-catalysis, nanomedicine, and other biomedical applications. However, public interests and concerns in the context of human exposure to these nanomaterials and their consequential well-being may hamper the wider applicability of these nanomaterial-based platforms. Furthermore, human exposure to these nanosized and engineered particulate materials has also increased drastically in the last 2 decades due to enormous research and development and anthropocentric applications of nanoparticles. Their widespread use in nanomaterial-based industries, viz., nanomedicine, cosmetics, and consumer goods has also raised questions regarding the potential of nanotoxicity in general and reproductive nanotoxicology in particular. In this review, we have summarized diverse aspects of nanoparticle safety and their toxicological outcomes on reproduction and developmental systems. Various research databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, were searched for the last 20 years up to the date of inception, and nano toxicological aspects of these materials on male and female reproductive systems have been described in detail. Furthermore, a discussion has also been dedicated to the placental interaction of these nanoparticles and how these can cross the blood–placental barrier and precipitate nanotoxicity in the developing offspring. Fetal abnormalities as a consequence of the administration of nanoparticles and pathophysiological deviations and aberrations in the developing fetus have also been touched upon. A section has also been dedicated to the regulatory requirements and guidelines for the testing of nanoparticles for their safety and toxicity in reproductive systems. It is anticipated that this review will incite a considerable interest in the research community functioning in the domains of pharmaceutical formulations and development in nanomedicine-based designing of therapeutic paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology, Chandigarh College of Pharmacy, Chandigarh Group of Colleges, Mohali, India
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Anas Ahmad,
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8
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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] [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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9
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Piersma AH, Baker NC, Daston GP, Flick B, Fujiwara M, Knudsen TB, Spielmann H, Suzuki N, Tsaioun K, Kojima H. Pluripotent Stem Cell Assays: Modalities and Applications For Predictive Developmental Toxicity. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100074. [PMID: 35633891 PMCID: PMC9130094 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic scoping review of the literature evaluated the embryonic stem cell test (EST). 1533 publications included 18 publications testing 10 or more compounds in human or mouse EST. Selected case examples included 5-fluorouracil, thalidomide, and caffeine. Applicability, limitations, and recommendations for further work are discussed.
This manuscript provides a review focused on embryonic stem cell-based models and their place within the landscape of alternative developmental toxicity assays. Against the background of the principles of developmental toxicology, the wide diversity of alternative methods using pluripotent stem cells developed in this area over the past half century is reviewed. In order to provide an overview of available models, a systematic scoping review was conducted following a published protocol with inclusion criteria, which were applied to select the assays. Critical aspects including biological domain, readout endpoint, availability of standardized protocols, chemical domain, reproducibility and predictive power of each assay are described in detail, in order to review the applicability and limitations of the platform in general and progress moving forward to implementation. The horizon of innovative routes of promoting regulatory implementation of alternative methods is scanned, and recommendations for further work are given.
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Using adverse outcome pathways to contextualise (Q)SAR predictions for reproductive toxicity – A case study with aromatase inhibition. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 108:43-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Sharma S, Klaverkamp RS, Wistuba J, Schlatt S. Limited spermatogenic differentiation of testicular tissue from prepubertal marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) in an in vitro organ culture system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111488. [PMID: 34637880 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE of the research: To achieve male fertility preservation and restoration, experimental strategies for in vitro germ cell differentiation are required. The effects of two different culture conditions on in vitro maintenance and differentiation of non-human primate germ cells was studied. Three testes from three 6-month-old marmosets were cultured using a gas-liquid interphase system for 12 days. Testicular maturation in pre-culture control and samples cultured in gonadotropin and serum supplemented and non-supplemented culture samples was evaluated using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and immunohistochemical stainings. PRINCIPLE RESULTS Gonadotropins and serum-supplemented tissues demonstrate up to meiotic differentiation (BOULE + Pachytene spermatocyte) and advanced localization of germ cells (MAGEA4+). Moreover, complex (with gonadotropin and marmoset monkey serum) conditions induced progression in somatic cell maturation with advanced seminiferous epithelial organization, maintenance of encapsulation of cultured fragments with peritubular-myoid cells, preservation of tubular structural integrity and architecture. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS We report stimulation-dependent in vitro meiotic transition in non-human primate testes. This model represents a novel ex vivo approach to obtain crucial developmental progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Reinhild-Sandhowe Klaverkamp
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Joachim Wistuba
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, Building D11, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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12
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Mantziou V, Baillie-Benson P, Jaklin M, Kustermann S, Arias AM, Moris N. In vitro teratogenicity testing using a 3D, embryo-like gastruloid system. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:72-90. [PMID: 34425190 PMCID: PMC8522962 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gastruloids are a new in vitro platform for teratogenicity testing. Teratogens disrupt gastruloid gene expression and morphology with imaging readout. Medium-throughput gastruloid cultures are quantifiable with statistical robustness. Mouse and human gastruloids recapitulate species-specific sensitivities to teratogens. Proof-of-concept as a predictive assay with scope for automation.
Pharmaceuticals intended for use in patients of childbearing potential need to be tested for teratogenicity before marketing. Several pharmaceutical companies use animal-free in vitro models which allow a more rapid selection of lead compounds and contribute to 3Rs principles (‘replace, reduce and refine’) by streamlining the selection of promising compounds submitted to further regulatory studies in animals. Currently available in vitro models typically rely on adherent monolayer cultures or disorganized 3D structures, both of which lack the spatiotemporal and morphological context of the developing embryo. A newly developed 3D ‘gastruloid’ model has the potential to achieve a more reliable prediction of teratogenicity by providing a robust recapitulation of gastrulation-like events alongside morphological coordination at relatively high-throughput. In this first proof-of-concept study, we used both mouse and human gastruloids to examine a panel of seven reference compounds, with associated in vivo data and known teratogenic risk, to quantitatively assess in vitro teratogenicity. We observed several gross morphological effects, including significantly reduced elongation or decreased size of the gastruloids, upon exposure to several of the reference compounds. We also observed aberrant gene expression using fluorescent reporters, including SOX2, BRA, and SOX17, suggestive of multi-lineage differentiation defects and disrupted axial patterning. Finally, we saw that gastruloids recapitulated some of the known in vivo species-specific susceptibilities between their mouse and human counterparts. We therefore suggest that gastruloids represent a powerful tool for teratogenicity assessment by enabling relevant physiological recapitulation of early embryonic development, demonstrating their use as a novel in vitro teratogenic model system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manuela Jaklin
- F. Hoffmann - La Roche, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, Switzerland; Department for In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- F. Hoffmann - La Roche, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Centre Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Naomi Moris
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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13
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Baines RP, Wolton K, Thompson CRL. Dictyostelium discoideum: an alternative non-animal model for developmental toxicity testing. Toxicol Sci 2021; 183:302-318. [PMID: 34387693 PMCID: PMC8538044 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical aspect of toxicity evaluation is developmental and reproductive toxicity (DART) testing. Traditionally, DART testing has been conducted in vivo in mammalian model systems. New legislation aimed at reducing animal use and the prohibitive costs associated with DART testing, together with a need to understand the genetic pathways underlying developmental toxicity means there is a growing demand for alternative model systems for toxicity evaluation. Here we explore the potential of the eukaryotic social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, which is already widely used as a simple model system for cell and developmental biology, as a potential nonanimal model for DART testing. We developed assays for high-throughput screening of toxicity during D. discoideum growth and development. This allowed the toxicity of a broad range of test compounds to be characterized, which revealed that D. discoideum can broadly predict mammalian toxicity. In addition, we show that this system can be used to perform functional genomic screens to compare the molecular modes of action of different compounds. For example, genome-wide screens for mutations that affect lithium and valproic acid toxicity allowed common and unique biological targets and molecular processes mediating their toxicity to be identified. These studies illustrate that D. discoideum could represent a predictive nonanimal model for DART testing due to its amenability to high-throughput approaches and molecular genetic tractability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Baines
- Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kathryn Wolton
- Syngenta, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, RG42 6EY Bracknell, Berkshire
| | - Christopher R L Thompson
- Centre for Life's Origins and Evolution, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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14
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Zhu Q, Jia Y, Guo J, Meng X, Chong L, Xu L, Zhou L, Sun Z. Establishment of an in vitro method of rabbit embryo toxicity with toxicokinetics study. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:380-391. [PMID: 34322893 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This report introduces a novel method, rabbit whole embryo culture (WEC) combined with toxicokinetics (TK), for toxicity testing. Rodent WEC has been extensively used for in vitro screening of developmental toxicity. To improve the reliability of in vitro data, it is important to consider TK and species specificity. To test the utility and effectiveness of this method, we investigated the toxic effect of thalidomide on rabbit embryos and its behavior in test systems both in vitro and in vivo under the same experimental condition. The data showed that thalidomide induced embryo malformations such as embryonic brain hypoplasia, short limb buds, and declined embryonic growth both in vitro and in vivo. The toxic effect increased with the increasing exposure of the embryo to thalidomide. In addition, we observed similar toxic effects and exposure-effect relationships in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, we preliminarily conclude that this new method can effectively predict and explain thalidomide toxicity. Furthermore, we investigated the behavior of test compounds in the WEC system for the first time, and this method is expected to be an important technique for in vitro toxicity study after extensive verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Jia
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Guo
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Meng
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liming Chong
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xu
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhou
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zuyue Sun
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China.,Reproductive and Developmental Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Pensado-López A, Fernández-Rey J, Reimunde P, Crecente-Campo J, Sánchez L, Torres Andón F. Zebrafish Models for the Safety and Therapeutic Testing of Nanoparticles with a Focus on Macrophages. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11071784. [PMID: 34361170 PMCID: PMC8308170 DOI: 10.3390/nano11071784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
New nanoparticles and biomaterials are increasingly being used in biomedical research for drug delivery, diagnostic applications, or vaccines, and they are also present in numerous commercial products, in the environment and workplaces. Thus, the evaluation of the safety and possible therapeutic application of these nanomaterials has become of foremost importance for the proper progress of nanotechnology. Due to economical and ethical issues, in vitro and in vivo methods are encouraged for the testing of new compounds and/or nanoparticles, however in vivo models are still needed. In this scenario, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has demonstrated potential for toxicological and pharmacological screenings. Zebrafish presents an innate immune system, from early developmental stages, with conserved macrophage phenotypes and functions with respect to humans. This fact, combined with the transparency of zebrafish, the availability of models with fluorescently labelled macrophages, as well as a broad variety of disease models offers great possibilities for the testing of new nanoparticles. Thus, with a particular focus on macrophage-nanoparticle interaction in vivo, here, we review the studies using zebrafish for toxicological and biodistribution testing of nanoparticles, and also the possibilities for their preclinical evaluation in various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune, neuroinflammatory, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (J.F.-R.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Juan Fernández-Rey
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (J.F.-R.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Pedro Reimunde
- Department of Physiotherapy, Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Universidade da Coruña, Campus de Oza, 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - José Crecente-Campo
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (J.F.-R.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (F.T.A.)
| | - Fernando Torres Andón
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (F.T.A.)
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16
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Concordance of 3 alternative teratogenicity assays with results from corresponding in vivo embryo-fetal development studies: Final report from the International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ) DruSafe working group 2. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 124:104984. [PMID: 34216694 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2021.104984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An IQ DruSafe working group evaluated the concordance of 3 alternative teratogenicity assays (rat whole embryo culture, rWEC; zebrafish embryo culture, ZEC; and murine embryonic stem cells, mESC) with findings from rat or rabbit embryo-fetal development (EFD) studies. Data for 90 individual compounds from 9 companies were entered into a database. In vivo findings were deemed positive if malformations or embryo-fetal lethality were reported in either species. Each company used their own criteria for deciding whether the alternative assay predicted the in vivo findings. Standard concordance parameters were calculated, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) were adjusted for the aggregate portfolio prevalence of positive compounds (established by a survey of participating companies), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and iLR-) were calculated. Of the 3 assays, only rWEC data were robustly predictive, particularly for negative predictions (NPVadj = 92%). However, both LR+ (4.92) and iLR- (4.72) were statistically significant for the rWEC assay. When analyzed separately for rats, the NPVadj and iLR-values for the rWEC assay increased to 96% and 9.75, respectively. These data suggest that a negative rWEC outcome could defer or replace a rat EFD study in certain regulatory settings.
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17
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Souza MR, Mazaro-Costa R, Rocha TL. Can nanomaterials induce reproductive toxicity in male mammals? A historical and critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144354. [PMID: 33736249 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The nanotechnology enabled the development of nanomaterials (NMs) with a variety of industrial, biomedical, and consumer applications. However, the mechanism of action (MoA) and toxicity of NMs remain unclear, especially in the male reproductive system. Thus, this study aimed to perform a bibliometric and systematic review of the literature on the toxic effects of different types of NMs on the male reproductive system and function in mammalian models. A series of 236 articles related to the in vitro and in vivo reproductive toxicity of NMs in mammalian models were analyzed. The data concerning the bioaccumulation, experimental conditions (types of NMs, species, cell lines, exposure period, and routes of exposure), and the MoA and toxicity of NMs were summarized and discussed. Results showed that this field of research began in 2005 and has experienced an exponential increase since 2012. Revised data confirmed that the NMs have the ability to cross the blood-testis barrier and bioaccumulate in several organs of the male reproductive system, such as testis, prostate, epididymis, and seminal vesicle. A similar MoA and toxicity were observed after in vitro and in vivo exposure to NMs. The NM reproductive toxicity was mainly related to ROS production, oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis. In conclusion, the NM exposure induces bioaccumulation and toxic effects on male reproductive system of mammal models, confirming its potential risk to human and environmental health. The knowledge concerning the NM reproductive toxicity contributes to safety and sustainable use of nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maingredy Rodrigues Souza
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of Reproduction, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Renata Mazaro-Costa
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology of Reproduction, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Thiago Lopes Rocha
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil.
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18
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Sharma S, Venzac B, Burgers T, Le Gac S, Schlatt S. Microfluidics in male reproduction: is ex vivo culture of primate testis tissue a future strategy for ART or toxicology research? Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:179-192. [PMID: 31977028 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The significant rise in male infertility disorders over the years has led to extensive research efforts to recapitulate the process of male gametogenesis in vitro and to identify essential mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis, notably for clinical applications. A promising technology to bridge this research gap is organ-on-chip (OoC) technology, which has gradually transformed the research landscape in ART and offers new opportunities to develop advanced in vitro culture systems. With exquisite control on a cell or tissue microenvironment, customized organ-specific structures can be fabricated in in vitro OoC platforms, which can also simulate the effect of in vivo vascularization. Dynamic cultures using microfluidic devices enable us to create stimulatory effect and non-stimulatory culture conditions. Noteworthy is that recent studies demonstrated the potential of continuous perfusion in OoC systems using ex vivo mouse testis tissues. Here we review the existing literature and potential applications of such OoC systems for male reproduction in combination with novel bio-engineering and analytical tools. We first introduce OoC technology and highlight the opportunities offered in reproductive biology in general. In the subsequent section, we discuss the complex structural and functional organization of the testis and the role of the vasculature-associated testicular niche and fluid dynamics in modulating testis function. Next, we review significant technological breakthroughs in achieving in vitro spermatogenesis in various species and discuss the evidence from microfluidics-based testes culture studies in mouse. Lastly, we discuss a roadmap for the potential applications of the proposed testis-on-chip culture system in the field of primate male infertility, ART and reproductive toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bastien Venzac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Burgers
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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19
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Feng H, Zhang L, Li S, Liu L, Yang T, Yang P, Zhao J, Arkin IT, Liu H. Predicting the reproductive toxicity of chemicals using ensemble learning methods and molecular fingerprints. Toxicol Lett 2021; 340:4-14. [PMID: 33421549 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive toxicity endpoints are a significant safety concern in the assessment of the adverse effects of chemicals in drug discovery. Computational models that can accurately predict a chemical's toxic potential are increasingly pursued to replace traditional animal experiments. Thus, ensemble learning models were built to predict the reproductive toxicity of compounds. Our ensemble models were developed using support vector machine, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting methods and 9 molecular fingerprints calculated for a dataset containing 1823 chemicals. The best prediction performance was achieved by the Ensemble-Top12 model, with an accuracy (ACC) of 86.33 %, a sensitivity (SEN) of 82.02 %, a specificity (SPE) of 90.19 %, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.937 in 5-fold cross-validation and ACC, SEN, SPE, and AUC values of 84.38 %, 86.90 %, 90.67 %, and 0.920, respectively, in external validation. We also defined the applicability domain (AD) of the ensemble model by calculating the Tanimoto distance of the training set. Compared with models in existing literature, our ensemble model achieves relatively high ACC, SPE and AUC values. We also identified several fingerprint features related to chemical reproductive toxicity. Considering the performance of model, we recommend using the Ensemble-Top12 model to predict reproductive toxicity in early drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Feng
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China; Technology Innovation Center for Computer Simulating and Information Processing of Bio-macromolecules of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110036, China; Engineering Laboratory for Molecular Simulation and Designing of Drug Molecules of Liaoning, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Shimeng Li
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Lili Liu
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Tianzhou Yang
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Pengyu Yang
- School of Information, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Jian Zhao
- School of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China
| | - Isaiah Tuvia Arkin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Hongsheng Liu
- Technology Innovation Center for Computer Simulating and Information Processing of Bio-macromolecules of Shenyang, Shenyang, 110036, China; Engineering Laboratory for Molecular Simulation and Designing of Drug Molecules of Liaoning, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, 110036, China.
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20
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Zhan S, Huang J. Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Preimplantation Embryo Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1300:137-150. [PMID: 33523432 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-4187-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we first gave a brief introduction to the detriments of cigarette smoking, with an emphasis on its adverse effects on female reproductive health. Then, we outlined recent advances about the impacts of cigarette smoke on preimplantation embryo development. Additionally, toxicities of cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) at this specific developmental window were also discussed, to illustrate the potential mechanisms involved in cigarette smoke-associated embryotoxicity. Finally, we provide an overview of the issues to be solved in the future research. Further studies about the molecular mechanism of cigarette smoking-associated female infertility may provide vital insights into developing new interventions for the women smokers and thus improving their reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoquan Zhan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, School of Life Sciences and the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Jaklin M, Zhang JD, Barrow P, Ebeling M, Clemann N, Leist M, Kustermann S. Focus on germ-layer markers: A human stem cell-based model for in vitro teratogenicity testing. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 98:286-298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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22
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Shen C, Zuo Z. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an excellent vertebrate model for the development, reproductive, cardiovascular, and neural and ocular development toxicity study of hazardous chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:43599-43614. [PMID: 32970263 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the past decades, the type of chemicals has gradually increased all over the world, and many of these chemicals may have a potentially toxic effect on human health. The zebrafish, as an excellent vertebrate model, is increasingly used for assessing chemical toxicity and safety. This review summarizes the efficacy of zebrafish as a model for the study of developmental toxicity, reproductive toxicity, cardiovascular toxicity, neurodevelopmental toxicity, and ocular developmental toxicity of hazardous chemicals, and the transgenic zebrafish as biosensors are used to detect the environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiangan South Road, Xiamen, 361002, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Subtropical Wetland Ecosystem Research, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiangan South Road, Xiamen, 361002, Fujian, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361002, Fujian, China.
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23
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Clift MJD, Jenkins GJS, Doak SH. An Alternative Perspective towards Reducing the Risk of Engineered Nanomaterials to Human Health. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2002002. [PMID: 32755066 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202002002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To elucidate the impact of human exposure to engineered nanomaterials, advanced in vitro models are a valid non-animal alternative. Despite significant gains over the last decade, implementation of these approaches remains limited. This work discusses the current state-of-the-art and how future developments can lead to advanced in vitro models better supporting nano-hazard assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J D Clift
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Gareth J S Jenkins
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Shareen H Doak
- In Vitro Toxicology Group, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
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24
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Alves Júnior EB, de Oliveira Formiga R, de Lima Serafim CA, Cristina Araruna ME, de Souza Pessoa ML, Vasconcelos RC, de Carvalho TG, de Jesus TG, Araújo AA, de Araujo Junior RF, Vieira GC, Sobral MV, Batista LM. Estragole prevents gastric ulcers via cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory mechanisms in animal models. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 130:110578. [PMID: 32750650 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estragole is an aromatic organic compound belonging to the class of phenylpropanoids derived from cinnamic aldehydes and present in essential oils of plant species, such asRavensara anisata (madeira), Ocimum basilicum (manjericão/alfavaca) and Croton zehntneri (canelinha). Pharmacological studies report its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasorelaxant activity. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the acute non-clinical toxicity, gastroprotective activity and the related mechanisms of action. METHODS Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, piroxicam and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol. RESULTS In the acute oral toxicity assay, doses of 300 or 2000 mg/kg of estragole administered orally in Swiss mice did not induce any behavioral changes. However, the dose of 2000 mg/kg showed a decrease in water and feed intake. Lethal dose 50 % (LD50) was set to be equal to or greater than 2500 mg/kg, according to OECD. In all evaluated protocols, estragole (31.25, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/kg) significantly reduced the area of ulcerative lesion when compared to control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotectant, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. Results showed that treatment with estragole (250 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.05) the volume of the gastric juice. Besides, sulfhydryl groups, nitric oxide, mucus and prostaglandins seems to be involved in the gastroprotective property. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and positive cells marked for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.05) levels. CONCLUSION Thus, it is possible to infer that estragole presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edvaldo Balbino Alves Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo de Oliveira Formiga
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Catarina Alves de Lima Serafim
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Maria Elaine Cristina Araruna
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Michele Liz de Souza Pessoa
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Roseane Carvalho Vasconcelos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Thais Gomes de Carvalho
- Department of Morphology, Histology and Basic Pathology, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Tamires Gonçalves de Jesus
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Aurigena Antunes Araújo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Biosciences Center Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | | | - Giciane Carvalho Vieira
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Marianna Vieira Sobral
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | - Leônia Maria Batista
- Postgraduate Program in Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), João Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
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25
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Heidari-Khoei H, Esfandiari F, Hajari MA, Ghorbaninejad Z, Piryaei A, Baharvand H. Organoid technology in female reproductive biomedicine. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:64. [PMID: 32552764 PMCID: PMC7301968 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00621-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in organoid technology are revolutionizing our knowledge about the biology, physiology, and function of various organs. Female reproductive biology and medicine also benefit from this technology. Organoids recapitulate features of different reproductive organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, as well as trophoblasts. The genetic stability of organoids and long-lasting commitment to their tissue of origin during long-term culture makes them attractive substitutes for animal and in vitro models. Despite current limitations, organoids offer a promising platform to address fundamental questions regarding the reproductive system's physiology and pathology. They provide a human source to harness stem cells for regenerative medicine, heal damaged epithelia in specific diseases, and study biological processes in healthy and pathological conditions. The combination of male and female reproductive organoids with other technologies, such as microfluidics technology, would enable scientists to create a multi-organoid-on-a-chip platform for the next step to human-on-a-chip platforms for clinical applications, drug discovery, and toxicology studies. The present review discusses recent advances in producing organoid models of reproductive organs and highlights their applications, as well as technical challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Heidari-Khoei
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Esfandiari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Hajari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Zeynab Ghorbaninejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 19395-4719, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran.
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Challenging human somatic testicular cell reassembly by protein kinase inhibition -setting up a functional in vitro test system. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8935. [PMID: 32488054 PMCID: PMC7265505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Signalling pathways and cellular interactions defining initial processes of testis morphogenesis, i.e. cord formation, are poorly understood. In vitro cell-based systems modelling cord formation can be utilised as platforms to interrogate processes of tubulogenesis. We aimed at testing our established cord formation in vitro model using adult human testicular cells as a quantitative assay that can facilitate future studies on cord morphogenesis. We challenged the responsiveness of our system with a broad-spectrum protein kinase inhibitor, K252a. Cultured testicular cells were treated with various K252a concentrations under constant exposure and compound withdrawal. To quantify cell reaggregation changes, we performed computer-assisted phase-contrast image analysis of aggregate size and number. Cell reaggregation was analysed in detail by categorisation of aggregates into size groups and accounting for changes in aggregate number per size category. We found a dose-related disturbance of testicular cell reaggregation. K252a decreased aggregate size (IC50 of 203.3 nM) and reduced the large aggregate numbers. Video recordings revealed that treatment with K252a at a concentration above IC50 interfered with aggregate coalescence into cords. Short-term exposure and compound wash-out induced irreversible decrease in large aggregates. We propose our in vitro model as a functional platform to quantitatively investigate seminiferous tubulogenesis under pharmacological impact.
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27
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Clements JM, Hawkes RG, Jones D, Adjei A, Chambers T, Simon L, Stemplewski H, Berry N, Price S, Pirmohamed M, Piersma AH, Waxenecker G, Barrow P, Beekhuijzen MEW, Fowkes A, Prior H, Sewell F. Predicting the safety of medicines in pregnancy: A workshop report. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 93:199-210. [PMID: 32126282 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The framework for developmental toxicity testing has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years and although it remains invaluable in assessing potential risks in pregnancy, knowledge gaps exist, and some outcomes do not necessarily correlate with clinical experience. Advances in omics, in silico approaches and alternative assays are providing opportunities to enhance our understanding of embryo-fetal development and the prediction of potential risks associated with the use of medicines in pregnancy. A workshop organised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), "Predicting the Safety of Medicines in Pregnancy - a New Era?", was attended by delegates representing regulatory authorities, academia, industry, patients, funding bodies and software developers to consider how to improve the quality of and access to nonclinical developmental toxicity data and how to use this data to better predict the safety of medicines in human pregnancy. The workshop delegates concluded that based on comparative data to date alternative methodologies are currently no more predictive than conventional methods and not qualified for use in regulatory submissions. To advance the development and qualification of alternative methodologies, there is a requirement for better coordinated multidisciplinary cross-sector interactions coupled with data sharing. Furthermore, a better understanding of human developmental biology and the incorporation of this knowledge into the development of alternative methodologies is essential to enhance the prediction of adverse outcomes for human development. The output of the workshop was a series of recommendations aimed at supporting multidisciplinary efforts to develop and validate these alternative methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Clements
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - R G Hawkes
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK.
| | - D Jones
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - A Adjei
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - T Chambers
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - L Simon
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - H Stemplewski
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - N Berry
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Potters Bar, UK
| | | | | | - A H Piersma
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Health Protection, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - G Waxenecker
- Austrian Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Barrow
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - H Prior
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, UK
| | - F Sewell
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, UK
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28
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Plazibat M, Katušić Bojanac A, Himerleich Perić M, Gamulin O, Rašić M, Radonić V, Škrabić M, Krajačić M, Krasić J, Sinčić N, Jurić-Lekić G, Balarin M, Bulić-Jakuš F. Embryo-derived teratoma in vitro biological system reveals antitumor and embryotoxic activity of valproate. FEBS J 2020; 287:4783-4800. [PMID: 32056377 PMCID: PMC7687280 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Antiepileptic/teratogen valproate (VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor/epigenetic drug proposed for the antitumor therapy where it is generally crucial to target poorly or undifferentiated cells to prevent a recurrence. Transplanted rodent gastrulating embryos‐proper (primitive streak and three germ layers) are the source of teratoma/teratocarcinoma tumors. Human primitive‐streak remnants develop sacrococcygeal teratomas that may recur even when benign (well differentiated). To screen for unknown VPA impact on teratoma‐type tumors, we used original 2‐week embryo‐derived teratoma in vitro biological system completed by a spent media metabolome analysis. Gastrulating 9.5‐day‐old rat embryos‐proper were cultivated in Eagle's minimal essential medium (MEM) with 50% rat serum (controls) or with the addition of 2 mmVPA. Spent media metabolomes were analyzed by FTIR. Compared to controls, VPA acetylated histones; significantly diminished overall teratoma growth, impaired survival, increased the apoptotic index, and decreased proliferation index and incidence of differentiated tissues (e.g., neural tissue). Control teratomas continued to grow and differentiate for 14 days in isotransplants in vivo, but in vitro VPA‐treated teratomas resorbed. Principal component analysis of FTIR results showed that spent media metabolomes formed well‐separated clusters reflecting the treatment and day of cultivation. In metabolomes of VPA‐treated teratomas, we found elevation of previously described histone acetylation biomarkers [amide I α‐helix and A(CH3)/A(CH2)]) with apoptotic biomarkers within the amide I region for β‐sheets, and unordered and CH2 vibrations of lipids. VPA may be proposed for therapy of the undifferentiated component of teratoma tumors and this biological system completed by metabolome analysis, for a faster dual screening of antitumor/embryotoxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milvija Plazibat
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Zabok, Croatia.,Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Dental Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Katušić Bojanac
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Himerleich Perić
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ozren Gamulin
- Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensing Devices, Research Unit New Functional Materials, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Rašić
- Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Clinic,Clinical Hospital Center Sisters of Charity, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Radonić
- Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department Of Cardiology, Clinical Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Škrabić
- Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Sensing Devices, Research Unit New Functional Materials, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maria Krajačić
- Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jure Krasić
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sinčić
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Jurić-Lekić
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Balarin
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Physics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Floriana Bulić-Jakuš
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, Unit for Biomedical Investigation of Reproduction and Development, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
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29
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Perkins EJ, Ashauer R, Burgoon L, Conolly R, Landesmann B, Mackay C, Murphy CA, Pollesch N, Wheeler JR, Zupanic A, Scholz S. Building and Applying Quantitative Adverse Outcome Pathway Models for Chemical Hazard and Risk Assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:1850-1865. [PMID: 31127958 PMCID: PMC6771761 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
An important goal in toxicology is the development of new ways to increase the speed, accuracy, and applicability of chemical hazard and risk assessment approaches. A promising route is the integration of in vitro assays with biological pathway information. We examined how the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework can be used to develop pathway-based quantitative models useful for regulatory chemical safety assessment. By using AOPs as initial conceptual models and the AOP knowledge base as a source of data on key event relationships, different methods can be applied to develop computational quantitative AOP models (qAOPs) relevant for decision making. A qAOP model may not necessarily have the same structure as the AOP it is based on. Useful AOP modeling methods range from statistical, Bayesian networks, regression, and ordinary differential equations to individual-based models and should be chosen according to the questions being asked and the data available. We discuss the need for toxicokinetic models to provide linkages between exposure and qAOPs, to extrapolate from in vitro to in vivo, and to extrapolate across species. Finally, we identify best practices for modeling and model building and the necessity for transparent and comprehensive documentation to gain confidence in the use of qAOP models and ultimately their use in regulatory applications. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1850-1865. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J. Perkins
- US Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippiUSA
| | - Roman Ashauer
- Environment DepartmentUniversity of York, HeslingtonYorkUK
- ToxicodynamicsYorkUK
| | - Lyle Burgoon
- US Army Engineer Research and Development CenterVicksburgMississippiUSA
| | - Rory Conolly
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and DevelopmentUS Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Cameron Mackay
- Unilever Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, SharnbrookBedfordUK
| | - Cheryl A. Murphy
- Department of Fisheries and WildlifeMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Nathan Pollesch
- Mid‐Continent Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Laboratory, Office of Research and DevelopmentUS Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Anze Zupanic
- Department of Environmental ToxicologySwiss Federal Institute for Aquatic Science and TechnologyDübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical EcotoxicologyHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research‐UFZLeipzigGermany
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30
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Ohnesorge N, Sasore T, Hillary D, Alvarez Y, Carey M, Kennedy BN. Orthogonal Drug Pooling Enhances Phenotype-Based Discovery of Ocular Antiangiogenic Drugs in Zebrafish Larvae. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:508. [PMID: 31178719 PMCID: PMC6544088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unbiased screening of large randomized chemical libraries in vivo is a powerful tool to find new drugs and targets. However, forward chemical screens in zebrafish can be time consuming and usually >99% of test compounds have no significant effect on the desired phenotype. Here, we sought to find bioactive drugs more efficiently and to comply with the 3R principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement of animals in research. We investigated if pooling of drugs to simultaneously test 8–10 compounds in zebrafish larvae can increase the screening efficiency of an established assay that identifies drugs inhibiting developmental angiogenesis in the eye. In a phenotype-based screen, we tested 1,760 small molecule compounds from the ChemBridge DIVERSet™ chemical library for their ability to inhibit the formation of distinct primary hyaloid vessels in the eye. Applying orthogonal pooling of the chemical library, we treated zebrafish embryos from 3 to 5 days post fertilization with pools of 8 or 10 compounds at 10 μM each. This reduced the number of tests from 1,760 to 396. In 63% of cases, treatment showed sub-threshold effects of <40% reduction of primary hyaloid vessels. From 18 pool hits, we identified eight compounds that reduce hyaloid vessels in the larval zebrafish eye by at least 40%. Compound 4-[4-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenoxy]aniline ranked as the most promising candidate with reproducible and dose-dependent effects. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a self-deconvoluting matrix strategy applied to drug screening in zebrafish. We conclude that the orthogonal drug pooling strategy is a cost-effective, time-saving, and unbiased approach to discover novel inhibitors of developmental angiogenesis in the eye. Ultimately, this approach may identify new drugs or targets to mitigate disease caused by pathological angiogenesis in the eye, e.g., diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, wherein blood vessel growth and leaky vessels lead to vision impairment or clinical blindness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Ohnesorge
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Temitope Sasore
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniel Hillary
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yolanda Alvarez
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Carey
- School of Mathematics & Statistics, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breandán N Kennedy
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, and UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Cassar S, Beekhuijzen M, Beyer B, Chapin R, Dorau M, Hoberman A, Krupp E, Leconte I, Stedman D, Stethem C, van den Oetelaar D, Tornesi B. A multi-institutional study benchmarking the zebrafish developmental assay for prediction of embryotoxic plasma concentrations from rat embryo-fetal development studies. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 86:33-44. [PMID: 30876927 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Predicting embryotoxicity of pharmaceutical compounds or industrial chemicals is crucial for public safety. Conventional studies which monitor embryo-fetal development in rats and rabbits are costly and time consuming. Alternative assays which are simpler and less costly are being pursued. The purpose of this research was to assess the capacity for the zebrafish development assay to predict mammalian plasma levels that are embryotoxic. Previously published data on rat plasma levels associated with embryotoxicity were used to guide concentration ranges for each of 25 chemicals dissolved in the media bathing developing zebrafish embryos. Embryotoxic media concentrations were compared to embryotoxic rat plasma concentrations. Assays were conducted in parallel at multiple sites as a consortium effort through the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI). Considering results from all sites, the zebrafish embryo development assay predicted (within 1-log) the rat maternal exposure levels associated with embryotoxicity 75% of the time.
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32
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Pence LM, Schmitt TC, Beger RD, Del Valle PL, Nakamura N. Testicular function in cultured postnatal mouse testis fragments is similar to that of animals during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Birth Defects Res 2019; 111:270-280. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Pence
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; Food and Drug Administration; Jefferson Arkansas
| | - Thomas C. Schmitt
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; Food and Drug Administration; Jefferson Arkansas
| | - Richard D. Beger
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; Food and Drug Administration; Jefferson Arkansas
| | - Pedro L. Del Valle
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; Food and Drug Administration; Silver Spring Maryland
| | - Noriko Nakamura
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; Food and Drug Administration; Jefferson Arkansas
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33
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Falcão MAP, de Souza LS, Dolabella SS, Guimarães AG, Walker CIB. Zebrafish as an alternative method for determining the embryo toxicity of plant products: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:35015-35026. [PMID: 30357668 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The toxicological assessment of plant products and pharmaceutical chemicals is a necessary requirement to ensure that all compounds are safe to be exposed to humans. Many countries are trying to reduce the use of animals; thus, alternative techniques, such as ex vivo tests, in vitro assays, and ex uteri embryos, are used. Toxicological assays using zebrafish embryos are an advantageous technique because they are transparent, have rapid embryonic development, and do not require invasive techniques. This paper comprehensively reviews how toxicity testing with plant products is conducted in zebrafish embryos. The search terms zebra fish, Danio rerio, zebrafish, zebra danio, Brachydanio rerio, zebrafish, and embryos were used to search for English-language articles in PUBMED, SCOPUS, and WEB OF SCIENCE. Twelve articles on plant product toxicity studies using zebrafish were selected for reading and analysis. After analyzing the articles and comparing with results in mammals, it was possible to prove the similarity among the results and thus corroborate the further development of zebrafish as a valid tool in toxicity tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alice Pimentel Falcão
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacological Studies, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n - Jardim Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Santos de Souza
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacological Studies, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n - Jardim Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Tropical Entomology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, Sâo Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - Adriana Gibara Guimarães
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays, Department of Health Education, Federal University of Sergipe, Lagarto, SE, Brazil
| | - Cristiani Isabel Banderó Walker
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacological Studies, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, Av. Marechal Rondon, s/n - Jardim Rosa Elze, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
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34
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Combining mouse embryonic stem cells and zebrafish embryos to evaluate developmental toxicity of chemical exposure. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:220-228. [PMID: 30103011 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The assays in this study utilize mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and zebrafish embryos to evaluate the potential developmental toxicity of industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals. A set of eleven chemicals of known mammalian in vivo teratogenicity were tested in the assays and correlations to mammalian data. Using mESCs, proliferation, differentiation, and cytotoxicity of the chemicals were measured. In zebrafish embryos, lethality and the lowest effect level concentrations for morphological malformations were determined. Clustering of the assays based on frequency of affected assays resulted in a ranking of the test compounds that correlated to in vivo rodent data (R = 0.88, P < 0.001). We conclude that the combination of ESC- and zebrafish-based assays provides a valuable platform for the prioritization of pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals for further testing of developmental toxicity in rodents.
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35
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Fedecostante M, Westphal KGC, Buono MF, Sanchez Romero N, Wilmer MJ, Kerkering J, Baptista PM, Hoenderop JG, Masereeuw R. Recellularized Native Kidney Scaffolds as a Novel Tool in Nephrotoxicity Screening. Drug Metab Dispos 2018; 46:1338-1350. [PMID: 29980578 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.080721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced kidney injury in medicinal compound development accounts for over 20% of clinical trial failures and involves damage to different nephron segments, mostly the proximal tubule. Yet, currently applied cell models fail to reliably predict nephrotoxicity; neither are such models easy to establish. Here, we developed a novel three-dimensional (3D) nephrotoxicity platform on the basis of decellularized rat kidney scaffolds (DS) recellularized with conditionally immortalized human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells overexpressing the organic anion transporter 1 (ciPTEC-OAT1). A 5-day SDS-based decellularization protocol was used to generate DS, of which 100-μm slices were cut and used for cell seeding. After 8 days of culturing, recellularized scaffolds (RS) demonstrated 3D-tubule formation along with tubular epithelial characteristics, including drug transporter function. Exposure of RS to cisplatin (CDDP), tenofovir (TFV), or cyclosporin A (CsA) as prototypical nephrotoxic drugs revealed concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability, as assessed by PrestoBlue and Live/Dead staining assays. This was most probably attributable to specific uptake of CDDP by the organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), TFV through organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), and CsA competing for P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux. Compared with 2D cultures, RS showed an increased sensitivity to cisplatin and tenofovir toxicity after 24-hour exposure (9 and 2.2 fold, respectively). In conclusion, we developed a physiologically relevant 3D nephrotoxicity screening platform that could be a novel tool in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fedecostante
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Koen G C Westphal
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Michele F Buono
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Natalia Sanchez Romero
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Martijn J Wilmer
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Janis Kerkering
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Pedro Miguel Baptista
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Joost G Hoenderop
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
| | - Rosalinde Masereeuw
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.F., K.G.C.W., M.F.B., N.S.R., R.M.); Aragon's Health Science Institutes (IACS), Zaragoza, Spain (N.S.M.); Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., J.K.) and Physiology (J.G.H.), Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain (P.M.B.); Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); Jiménez Díaz Foundation Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.); and Department of Biomedical and Aerospace Engineering, Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain (P.M.B.)
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Alves-Lopes JP, Stukenborg JB. Testicular organoids: a new model to study the testicular microenvironment in vitro? Hum Reprod Update 2017; 24:176-191. [PMID: 29281008 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, a broad range of strategies have been applied to model the testicular microenvironment in vitro. These models have been utilized to study testicular physiology and development. However, a system that allows investigations into testicular organogenesis and its impact in the spermatogonial stem-cell (SSC) niche in vitro has not been developed yet. Recently, the creation of tissue-specific organ-like structures called organoids has resurged, helping researchers to answer scientific questions that previous in vitro models could not help to elucidate. So far, a small number of publications have concerned the generation of testicular organoids and their application in the field of reproductive medicine and biology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Here, we aim to elucidate whether testicular organoids might be useful in answering current scientific questions about the regulation and function of the SSC niche as well as germ cell proliferation and differentiation, and whether or not the existing in vitro models are already sufficient to address them. Moreover, we would like to discuss how an organoid system can be a better solution to address these prominent scientific problems in our field, by the creation of a rationale parallel to those in other areas where organoid systems have been successfully utilized. SEARCH METHODS We comprehensively reviewed publications regarding testicular organoids and the methods that most closely led to the formation of these organ-like structures in vitro by searching for the following terms in both PubMed and the Web of Science database: testicular organoid, seminiferous tubule 3D culture, Sertoli cell 3D culture, testicular cord formation in vitro, testicular morphogenesis in vitro, germ cell 3D culture, in vitro spermatogenesis, testicular de novo morphogenesis, seminiferous tubule de novo morphogenesis, seminiferous tubule-like structures, testicular in vitro model and male germ cell niche in vitro, with no restrictions to any publishing year. The inclusion criteria were based on the relation with the main topic (i.e. testicular organoids, testicular- and seminiferous-like structures as in vitro models), methodology applied (i.e. in vitro culture, culture dimensions (2D, 3D), testicular cell suspension or fragments) and outcome of interest (i.e. organization in vitro). Publications about grafting of testicular tissue, germ-cell transplantation and female germ-cell culture were excluded. OUTCOMES The application of organoid systems is making its first steps in the field of reproductive medicine and biology. A restricted number of publications have reported and characterized testicular organoids and even fewer have denominated such structures by this method. However, we detected that a clear improvement in testicular cell reorganization is recognized when 3D culture conditions are utilized instead of 2D conditions. Depending on the scientific question, testicular organoids might offer a more appropriate in vitro model to investigate testicular development and physiology because of the easy manipulation of cell suspensions (inclusion or exclusion of a specific cell population), the fast reorganization of these structures and the controlled in vitro conditions, to the same extent as with other organoid strategies reported in other fields. WIDER IMPLICATIONS By way of appropriate research questions, we might use testicular organoids to deepen our basic understanding of testicular development and the SSC niche, leading to new methodologies for male infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Yin L, Wei H, Liang S, Yu X. From the Cover: An Animal-Free In Vitro Three-Dimensional Testicular Cell Coculture Model for Evaluating Male Reproductive Toxicants. Toxicol Sci 2017; 159:307-326. [PMID: 28962518 PMCID: PMC6074874 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary testicular cell coculture model has been used to evaluate testicular abnormalities during development, and was able to identify the testicular toxicity of phthalates. However, the primary testicular cell coculture model has disadvantages in employing animals for the isolation of testicular cells, and the complicated isolation procedure leads to inconsistent results. We developed an invitro testicular coculture model from rodent testicular cell lines, including spermatogonial cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells with specified cell density and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Using comparative high-content analysis of F-actin cytoskeletal structure between the coculture and single cell culture models, we demonstrated a 3D structure of the coculture, which created an invivo-like niche, and maintained and supported germ cells within a 3D environment. We validated this model by discriminating between reproductive toxicants and nontoxicants among 32 compounds in comparison to the single cell culture models. Furthermore, we conducted a comparison between the invitro (IC50) and invivo reproductive toxicity testing (lowest observed adverse effect level on reproductive system). We found the invitro coculture model could classify the tested compounds into 4 clusters, and identify the most toxic reproductive substances, with high concordance, sensitivity, and specificity of 84%, 86.21%, and 100%, respectively. We observed a strong correlation of IC50 between the invitro coculture model and the invivo testing results. Our results suggest that this novel invitro coculture model may be useful for screening testicular toxicants and prioritize chemicals for further assessment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yin
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
- ReproTox Biotech LLC, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Hongye Wei
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Shenxuan Liang
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
| | - Xiaozhong Yu
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, Georgia
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Prior H, Sewell F, Stewart J. Overview of 3Rs opportunities in drug discovery and development using non-human primates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ddmod.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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