1
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Martin MM, Carpenter AF, Shafer TJ, Paul Friedman K, Carstens KE. Chemical effects on neural network activity: Comparison of acute versus network formation exposure in microelectrode array assays. Toxicology 2024; 505:153842. [PMID: 38788893 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
New approach methodologies (NAMs) can address information gaps on potential neurotoxicity or developmental neurotoxicity hazard for data-poor chemicals. Two assays have been previously developed using microelectrode arrays (MEA), a technology which measures neural activity. The MEA acute network function assay (AcN) uses dissociated rat cortical cells cultured at postnatal day 0 and evaluates network activity during a 40-minute chemical exposure on day in vitro (DIV)13 or 15. In contrast, the MEA network formation assay (NFA) uses a developmental exposure paradigm spanning DIV0 through DIV12. Measures of network activity over time at DIV5, 7, 9, and 12 in the NFA are reduced to an estimated area under the curve to facilitate concentration-response evaluation. Here, we evaluated the hypothesis that chemicals with effects in the AcN also perturb the NFA by examining quantitative and qualitative concordance between assays. Out of 243 chemicals screened in both assays, we observed 70.3% concordance between the AcN and NFA after eliminating activity inferred to be cytotoxic (selective activity), with the majority of discordance explained by chemicals that altered selective activity in the AcN but not NFA. The NFA detected more active chemicals when evaluating activity associated with cytotoxicity. Median potency values were lower in the NFA compared to the AcN, but within-chemical potency values were not uniformly lower in the NFA than the AcN. Lastly, the AcN and NFA captured unique bioactivity fingerprints; the AcN was more informative for identifying chemicals with a shared mode of action, while the NFA provided information relevant to developmental exposure. Taken together, this analysis provides a rationale for using both approaches for chemical evaluation with consideration of the context of use, such as screening/ prioritization, hazard identification, or to address questions regarding biological mechanism or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Martin
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, US. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Amy F Carpenter
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, US. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, US. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, US. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Kelly E Carstens
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, US. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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2
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Serafini MM, Sepehri S, Midali M, Stinckens M, Biesiekierska M, Wolniakowska A, Gatzios A, Rundén-Pran E, Reszka E, Marinovich M, Vanhaecke T, Roszak J, Viviani B, SenGupta T. Recent advances and current challenges of new approach methodologies in developmental and adult neurotoxicity testing. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1271-1295. [PMID: 38480536 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Adult neurotoxicity (ANT) and developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessments aim to understand the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of toxicants on the human nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on the so-called new approach methodologies (NAMs). The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), together with European and American regulatory agencies, promote the use of validated alternative test systems, but to date, guidelines for regulatory DNT and ANT assessment rely primarily on classical animal testing. Alternative methods include both non-animal approaches and test systems on non-vertebrates (e.g., nematodes) or non-mammals (e.g., fish). Therefore, this review summarizes the recent advances of NAMs focusing on ANT and DNT and highlights the potential and current critical issues for the full implementation of these methods in the future. The status of the DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) is also reviewed as a first step of NAMs for the assessment of neurotoxicity in the regulatory context. Critical issues such as (i) the need for test batteries and method integration (from in silico and in vitro to in vivo alternatives, e.g., zebrafish, C. elegans) requiring interdisciplinarity to manage complexity, (ii) interlaboratory transferability, and (iii) the urgent need for method validation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Maria Serafini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Sepehri
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miriam Midali
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marth Stinckens
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marta Biesiekierska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Wolniakowska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Alexandra Gatzios
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joanna Roszak
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Viviani
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Center of Research on New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment (SAFE-MI), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tanima SenGupta
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Kjeller, Norway
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3
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Collins EMS, Hessel EVS, Hughes S. How neurobehavior and brain development in alternative whole-organism models can contribute to prediction of developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2024; 102:48-57. [PMID: 38552718 PMCID: PMC11139590 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.03.005] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is not routinely evaluated in chemical risk assessment because current test paradigms for DNT require the use of mammalian models which are ethically controversial, expensive, and resource demanding. Consequently, efforts have focused on revolutionizing DNT testing through affordable novel alternative methods for risk assessment. The goal is to develop a DNT in vitro test battery amenable to high-throughput screening (HTS). Currently, the DNT in vitro test battery consists primarily of human cell-based assays because of their immediate relevance to human health. However, such cell-based assays alone are unable to capture the complexity of a developing nervous system. Whole organismal systems that qualify as 3 R (Replace, Reduce and Refine) models are urgently needed to complement cell-based DNT testing. These models can provide the necessary organismal context and be used to explore the impact of chemicals on brain function by linking molecular and/or cellular changes to behavioural readouts. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the planarian Dugesia japonica, and embryos of the zebrafish Danio rerio are all suited to low-cost HTS and each has unique strengths for DNT testing. Here, we review the strengths and the complementarity of these organisms in a novel, integrative context and highlight how they can augment current cell-based assays for more comprehensive and robust DNT screening of chemicals. Considering the limitations of all in vitro test systems, we discuss how a smart combinatory use of these systems will contribute to a better human relevant risk assessment of chemicals that considers the complexity of the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria S Collins
- Swarthmore College, Biology, 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA 19081, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, 3721 MA, the Netherlands
| | - Samantha Hughes
- Department of Environmental Health and Toxicology, A-LIFE, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, the Netherlands.
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4
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Tal T, Myhre O, Fritsche E, Rüegg J, Craenen K, Aiello-Holden K, Agrillo C, Babin PJ, Escher BI, Dirven H, Hellsten K, Dolva K, Hessel E, Heusinkveld HJ, Hadzhiev Y, Hurem S, Jagiello K, Judzinska B, Klüver N, Knoll-Gellida A, Kühne BA, Leist M, Lislien M, Lyche JL, Müller F, Colbourne JK, Neuhaus W, Pallocca G, Seeger B, Scharkin I, Scholz S, Spjuth O, Torres-Ruiz M, Bartmann K. New approach methods to assess developmental and adult neurotoxicity for regulatory use: a PARC work package 5 project. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2024; 6:1359507. [PMID: 38742231 PMCID: PMC11089904 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1359507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the European regulatory context, rodent in vivo studies are the predominant source of neurotoxicity information. Although they form a cornerstone of neurotoxicological assessments, they are costly and the topic of ethical debate. While the public expects chemicals and products to be safe for the developing and mature nervous systems, considerable numbers of chemicals in commerce have not, or only to a limited extent, been assessed for their potential to cause neurotoxicity. As such, there is a societal push toward the replacement of animal models with in vitro or alternative methods. New approach methods (NAMs) can contribute to the regulatory knowledge base, increase chemical safety, and modernize chemical hazard and risk assessment. Provided they reach an acceptable level of regulatory relevance and reliability, NAMs may be considered as replacements for specific in vivo studies. The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) addresses challenges to the development and implementation of NAMs in chemical risk assessment. In collaboration with regulatory agencies, Project 5.2.1e (Neurotoxicity) aims to develop and evaluate NAMs for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) and adult neurotoxicity (ANT) and to understand the applicability domain of specific NAMs for the detection of endocrine disruption and epigenetic perturbation. To speed up assay time and reduce costs, we identify early indicators of later-onset effects. Ultimately, we will assemble second-generation developmental neurotoxicity and first-generation adult neurotoxicity test batteries, both of which aim to provide regulatory hazard and risk assessors and industry stakeholders with robust, speedy, lower-cost, and informative next-generation hazard and risk assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Tal
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Chemicals in the Environment Research Section, Leipzig, Germany
- University of Leipzig, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oddvar Myhre
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health – NIPH, Department of Chemical Toxicology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
- DNTOX GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kai Craenen
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Caroline Agrillo
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrick J. Babin
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), Pessac, France
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Chemicals in the Environment Research Section, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health – NIPH, Department of Chemical Toxicology, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristine Dolva
- University of Oslo, Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Olso, Norway
| | - Ellen Hessel
- Dutch Nation Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Health Protection, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Harm J. Heusinkveld
- Dutch Nation Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Health Protection, Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Yavor Hadzhiev
- University of Birmingham, Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, Birmingham, UK
| | - Selma Hurem
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ås, Norway
| | - Karolina Jagiello
- University of Gdansk, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Beata Judzinska
- University of Gdansk, Laboratory of Environmental Chemoinformatics, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Nils Klüver
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Chemicals in the Environment Research Section, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Knoll-Gellida
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme (MRGM), Pessac, France
| | - Britta A. Kühne
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- University of Konstanz, In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine/CAAT-Europe, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Malene Lislien
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health – NIPH, Department of Chemical Toxicology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan L. Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ås, Norway
| | - Ferenc Müller
- University of Birmingham, Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, Birmingham, UK
| | - John K. Colbourne
- University of Birmingham, Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, Birmingham, UK
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria
- Danube Private University, Faculty of Dentistry and Medicine, Department of Medicine, Krems, Austria
| | - Giorgia Pallocca
- University of Konstanz, In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine/CAAT-Europe, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Bettina Seeger
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ilka Scharkin
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Chemicals in the Environment Research Section, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ola Spjuth
- Uppsala University and Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Torres-Ruiz
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (CNSA), Environmental Toxicology Unit, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
- DNTOX GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
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5
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Mastrolorito F, Togo MV, Gambacorta N, Trisciuzzi D, Giannuzzi V, Bonifazi F, Liantonio A, Imbrici P, De Luca A, Altomare CD, Ciriaco F, Amoroso N, Nicolotti O. TISBE: A Public Web Platform for the Consensus-Based Explainable Prediction of Developmental Toxicity. Chem Res Toxicol 2024; 37:323-339. [PMID: 38200616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Despite being extremely relevant for the protection of prenatal and neonatal health, the developmental toxicity (Dev Tox) is a highly complex endpoint whose molecular rationale is still largely unknown. The lack of availability of high-quality data as well as robust nontesting methods makes its understanding even more difficult. Thus, the application of new explainable alternative methods is of utmost importance, with Dev Tox being one of the most animal-intensive research themes of regulatory toxicology. Descending from TIRESIA (Toxicology Intelligence and Regulatory Evaluations for Scientific and Industry Applications), the present work describes TISBE (TIRESIA Improved on Structure-Based Explainability), a new public web platform implementing four fundamental advancements for in silico analyses: a three times larger dataset, a transparent XAI (explainable artificial intelligence) framework employing a fragment-based fingerprint coding, a novel consensus classifier based on five independent machine learning models, and a new applicability domain (AD) method based on a double top-down approach for better estimating the prediction reliability. The training set (TS) includes as many as 1008 chemicals annotated with experimental toxicity values. Based on a 5-fold cross-validation, a median value of 0.410 for the Matthews correlation coefficient was calculated; TISBE was very effective, with a median value of sensitivity and specificity equal to 0.984 and 0.274, respectively. TISBE was applied on two external pools made of 1484 bioactive compounds and 85 pediatric drugs taken from ChEMBL (Chemical European Molecular Biology Laboratory) and TEDDY (Task-Force in Europe for Drug Development in the Young) repositories, respectively. Notably, TISBE gives users the option to clearly spot the molecular fragments responsible for the toxicity or the safety of a given chemical query and is available for free at https://prometheus.farmacia.uniba.it/tisbe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Mastrolorito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Togo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Gambacorta
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuzzi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Viviana Giannuzzi
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, 70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy
| | - Fedele Bonifazi
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica Gianni Benzi Onlus, 70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Imbrici
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimo Damiano Altomare
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ciriaco
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Amoroso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
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6
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Hirano T, Ikenaka Y, Nomiyama K, Honda M, Suzuki N, Hoshi N, Tabuchi Y. An adverse outcome pathway-based approach to assess the neurotoxicity by combined exposure to current-use pesticides. Toxicology 2023; 500:153687. [PMID: 38040083 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153687] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to multiple pesticides in daily life has become an important public health concern. However, the combined effects of pesticide mixtures have not been fully elucidated by the conventional toxicological testing used for individual chemicals. Grouping of chemicals by mode of action using common key events (KEs) in the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) as endpoints could be applied for efficient risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether exposure to multiple pesticides has synergistic neurotoxic effects on mammalian nervous systems. According to the AOP-based approach, we evaluated the effects of 10 current-use pesticides (4 neonicotinoids, 4 pyrethroids and 2 phenylpyrazoles) on the common KEs in AOPs for neurotoxicity, such as KEs involving mitochondrial and proteolytic functions, in a mammalian neuronal cell model. Our data showed that several pyrethroids and phenylpyrazoles partly shared the effects on several common KEs, including decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and proteasome activity and increases in autophagy activity. Furthermore, we also found that combined exposure to a type-I pyrethroid permethrin or a type-II pyrethroid deltamethrin and the phenylpyrazole fipronil decreased the cell viability and the benchmark doses much more than either single exposure, indicating that the pair exhibited synergistic effects, since the combination indexes were less than 1. These findings revealed that novel pairs of different classes of pesticides with similar effects on common KEs exhibited synergistic neurotoxicity and provide new insights into the risk assessment of combined exposure to multiple chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsushi Hirano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University,Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan; Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kei Nomiyama
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan
| | - Masato Honda
- Botanical Garden, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Nobuo Suzuki
- Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Ogi, Noto-cho, Ishikawa 927-0553, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hoshi
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tabuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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7
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Hunt PR, Welch B, Camacho J, Bushana PN, Rand H, Sprando RL, Ferguson M. The worm Adult Activity Test (wAAT): A de novo mathematical model for detecting acute chemical effects in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1899-1915. [PMID: 37551865 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
We have adapted a semiautomated method for tracking Caenorhabditis elegans spontaneous locomotor activity into a quantifiable assay by developing a sophisticated method for analyzing the time course of measured activity. The 16-h worm Adult Activity Test (wAAT) can be used to measure C. elegans activity levels for efficient screening for pharmacological and toxicity-induced effects. As with any apical endpoint assay, the wAAT is mode of action agnostic, allowing for detection of effects from a broad spectrum of response pathways. With caffeine as a model mild stimulant, the wAAT showed transient hyperactivity followed by reversion to baseline. Mercury chloride (HgCl2 ) produced an early dose-response hyperactivity phase followed by pronounced hypoactivity, a behavior pattern we have termed a toxicant "escape response." Methylmercury chloride (meHgCl) produced a similar pattern to HgCl2 , but at much lower concentrations, a weaker hyperactivity response, and more pronounced hypoactivity. Sodium arsenite (NaAsO2 ) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) induced hypoactivity at high concentrations. Acute toxicity, as measured by hypoactivity in C. elegans adults, was ranked: meHgCl > HgCl2 > NaAsO2 = DMA. Caffeine was not toxic with the wAAT at tested concentrations. Methods for conducting the wAAT are described, along with instructions for preparing C. elegans Habitation Medium, a liquid nutrient medium that allows for developmental timing equivalent to that found with C. elegans grown on agar with OP50 Escherichia coli feeder cultures. A de novo mathematical parametric model for adult C. elegans activity and the application of this model in ranking exposure toxicity are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piper Reid Hunt
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Bonnie Welch
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica Camacho
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Priyanka N Bushana
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Washington State University - Health Science Campus, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Hugh Rand
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Staff, Office of Analytics and Outreach, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert L Sprando
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Martine Ferguson
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Staff, Office of Analytics and Outreach, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, United States Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland, USA
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8
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Juberg DR, Fox DA, Forcelli PA, Kacew S, Lipscomb JC, Saghir SA, Sherwin CM, Koenig CM, Hays SM, Kirman CR. A perspective on In vitro developmental neurotoxicity test assay results: An expert panel review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 143:105444. [PMID: 37442267 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, there has been increasing concern about the potential developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) associated with chemicals. Regulatory agencies have historically utilized standardized in vivo testing to evaluate DNT. Owing to considerations including higher-throughput screening for DNT, reduction in animal use, and potential cost efficiencies, the development of alternative new approach methods (NAMs) occurred; specifically, the advent of the DNT in vitro test battery (DNT IVB). SciPinion convened an expert panel to address specific questions related to the interpretation of in vitro DNT test data. The consensus of the expert panel was that the DNT IVB might be used during initial screening, but it is not presently a complete or surrogate approach to determine whether a chemical is a DNT in humans. By itself, the DNT IVB does not have the ability to capture nuances and complexity of the developing nervous system and associated outcomes including behavioral ontogeny, motor activity, sensory function, and learning/memory. Presently, such developmental landmarks cannot be adequately assessed in the DNT IVB or by other NAMs. The expert panel (all who serve as co-authors of this review) recommended that additional data generation and validation is required before the DNT IVB can be considered for application within global regulatory frameworks for decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Juberg
- Juberg Toxicology Consulting LLC, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - D A Fox
- DAFoxTox Consulting, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - S Kacew
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, CA, USA
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9
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Schmeisser S, Miccoli A, von Bergen M, Berggren E, Braeuning A, Busch W, Desaintes C, Gourmelon A, Grafström R, Harrill J, Hartung T, Herzler M, Kass GEN, Kleinstreuer N, Leist M, Luijten M, Marx-Stoelting P, Poetz O, van Ravenzwaay B, Roggeband R, Rogiers V, Roth A, Sanders P, Thomas RS, Marie Vinggaard A, Vinken M, van de Water B, Luch A, Tralau T. New approach methodologies in human regulatory toxicology - Not if, but how and when! ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108082. [PMID: 37422975 PMCID: PMC10858683 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The predominantly animal-centric approach of chemical safety assessment has increasingly come under pressure. Society is questioning overall performance, sustainability, continued relevance for human health risk assessment and ethics of this system, demanding a change of paradigm. At the same time, the scientific toolbox used for risk assessment is continuously enriched by the development of "New Approach Methodologies" (NAMs). While this term does not define the age or the state of readiness of the innovation, it covers a wide range of methods, including quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) predictions, high-throughput screening (HTS) bioassays, omics applications, cell cultures, organoids, microphysiological systems (MPS), machine learning models and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition to promising faster and more efficient toxicity testing, NAMs have the potential to fundamentally transform today's regulatory work by allowing more human-relevant decision-making in terms of both hazard and exposure assessment. Yet, several obstacles hamper a broader application of NAMs in current regulatory risk assessment. Constraints in addressing repeated-dose toxicity, with particular reference to the chronic toxicity, and hesitance from relevant stakeholders, are major challenges for the implementation of NAMs in a broader context. Moreover, issues regarding predictivity, reproducibility and quantification need to be addressed and regulatory and legislative frameworks need to be adapted to NAMs. The conceptual perspective presented here has its focus on hazard assessment and is grounded on the main findings and conclusions from a symposium and workshop held in Berlin in November 2021. It intends to provide further insights into how NAMs can be gradually integrated into chemical risk assessment aimed at protection of human health, until eventually the current paradigm is replaced by an animal-free "Next Generation Risk Assessment" (NGRA).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Miccoli
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany; National Research Council, Ancona, Italy
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; University of Leipzig, Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Albert Braeuning
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Wibke Busch
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Desaintes
- European Commission (EC), Directorate General for Research and Innovation (RTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Gourmelon
- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Environment Directorate, Paris, France
| | | | - Joshua Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Durham, USA
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore MD USA, CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Matthias Herzler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Nicole Kleinstreuer
- NTP Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Durham, USA
| | - Marcel Leist
- CAAT‑Europe and Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Mirjam Luijten
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Oliver Poetz
- NMI Natural and Medical Science Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Reutlingen, Germany; SIGNATOPE GmbH, Reutlingen, Germany
| | | | - Rob Roggeband
- European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA), Procter and Gamble Services Company NV/SA, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adrian Roth
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Sanders
- Fougeres Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Fougères, France France
| | - Russell S Thomas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Durham, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Luch
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tewes Tralau
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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10
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Mie A, Rudén C. Non-disclosure of developmental neurotoxicity studies obstructs the safety assessment of pesticides in the European Union. Environ Health 2023; 22:44. [PMID: 37259092 PMCID: PMC10234068 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the European Union (EU), the safety assessment of plant protection products relies to a large extent on toxicity studies commissioned by the companies producing them. By law, all performed studies must be included in the dossier submitted to authorities when applying for approval or renewal of the active substance. METHODS For one type of toxicity, i.e. developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), we evaluated if studies submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had also been disclosed to EU authorities. RESULTS We identified 35 DNT studies submitted to the U.S. EPA and with the corresponding EU dossiers available. Of these, 9 DNT studies (26%) were not disclosed by the pesticide company to EU authorities. For 7 of these studies, we have identified an actual or potential regulatory impact. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that (1) non-disclosure of DNT studies to EU authorities, in spite of clear legal requirements, seems to be a recurring phenomenon, (2) the non-disclosure may introduce a bias in the regulatory risk assessment, and (3) without full access to all performed toxicity studies, there can be no reliable safety evaluation of pesticides by EU authorities. We suggest that EU authorities should cross-check their data sets with their counterparts in other jurisdictions. In addition, applications for pesticide approval should be cross-checked against lists of studies performed at test facilities operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), to ensure that all studies have been submitted to authorities. Furthermore, rules should be amended so that future studies should be commissioned by authorities rather than companies. This ensures the authorities' knowledge of existing studies and prevents the economic interest of the company from influencing the design, performance, reporting and dissemination of studies. The rules or practices should also be revised to ensure that non-disclosure of toxicity studies carries a significant legal risk for pesticide companies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Mie
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, 11883, Sweden.
- Centre for Organic Food and Farming (EPOK), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Christina Rudén
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
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11
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Chen D, Huang H, Huang Y, Yang W, Shan W, Hao G, Wu J, Song B. Toxicity Tests for Chemical Pesticide Registration: Requirement Differences among the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China? JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:7192-7200. [PMID: 37144888 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Pesticide registration is a scientific, legal, and administrative process that checks if a pesticide is safe and effective for its intended use before it can be used. The toxicity test is a key part of pesticide registration, which includes human health and ecological effect testing. Different countries adopt their own toxicity test criteria for pesticide registration guidelines. However, these differences, which may help accelerate the progress of pesticide registration and reduce the number of animals used, are yet to be explored and compared. Herein, we outlined the details and compared the differences between the toxicity tests in the United States, the European Union, Japan, and China. Some differences lie in the types and waiver policy, while others are in new approach methodologies (NAMs). On the basis of these differences, there is great potential for the optimization of NAMs during the toxicity tests. It is expected that this perspective can contribute to developing and adopting NAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Planting Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100125, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanqin Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Weicheng Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Weili Shan
- Institute for the Control of Agrochemicals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100125, People's Republic of China
| | - Gefei Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoan Song
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
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12
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Carstens KE, Freudenrich T, Wallace K, Choo S, Carpenter A, Smeltz M, Clifton MS, Henderson WM, Richard AM, Patlewicz G, Wetmore BA, Paul Friedman K, Shafer T. Evaluation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) In Vitro Toxicity Testing for Developmental Neurotoxicity. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:402-419. [PMID: 36821828 PMCID: PMC10249374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse set of commercial chemicals widely detected in humans and the environment. However, only a limited number of PFAS are associated with epidemiological or experimental data for hazard identification. To provide developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard information, the work herein employed DNT new approach methods (NAMs) to generate in vitro screening data for a set of 160 PFAS. The DNT NAMs battery was comprised of the microelectrode array neuronal network formation assay (NFA) and high-content imaging (HCI) assays to evaluate proliferation, apoptosis, and neurite outgrowth. The majority of PFAS (118/160) were inactive or equivocal in the DNT NAMs, leaving 42 active PFAS that decreased measures of neural network connectivity and neurite length. Analytical quality control indicated 43/118 inactive PFAS samples and 10/42 active PFAS samples were degraded; as such, careful interpretation is required as some negatives may have been due to loss of the parent PFAS, and some actives may have resulted from a mixture of parent and/or degradants of PFAS. PFAS containing a perfluorinated carbon (C) chain length ≥8, a high C:fluorine ratio, or a carboxylic acid moiety were more likely to be bioactive in the DNT NAMs. Of the PFAS positives in DNT NAMs, 85% were also active in other EPA ToxCast assays, whereas 79% of PFAS inactives in the DNT NAMs were active in other assays. These data demonstrate that a subset of PFAS perturb neurodevelopmental processes in vitro and suggest focusing future studies of DNT on PFAS with certain structural feature descriptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Carstens
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Theresa Freudenrich
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Kathleen Wallace
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Seline Choo
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Amy Carpenter
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
| | - Marci Smeltz
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Matthew S Clifton
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - W Matthew Henderson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Ann M Richard
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Grace Patlewicz
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Barbara A Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Timothy Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
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13
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Cervetto C, Pistollato F, Amato S, Mendoza-de Gyves E, Bal-Price A, Maura G, Marcoli M. Assessment of neurotransmitter release in human iPSC-derived neuronal/glial cells: a missing in vitro assay for regulatory developmental neurotoxicity testing. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 117:108358. [PMID: 36863571 PMCID: PMC10112275 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108358] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and their differentiated neuronal/glial derivatives have been recently considered suitable to assess in vitro developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) triggered by exposure to environmental chemicals. The use of human-relevant test systems combined with in vitro assays specific for different neurodevelopmental events, enables a mechanistic understanding of the possible impact of environmental chemicals on the developing brain, avoiding extrapolation uncertainties associated with in vivo studies. Currently proposed in vitro battery for regulatory DNT testing accounts for several assays suitable to study key neurodevelopmental processes, including NSC proliferation and apoptosis, differentiation into neurons and glia, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and neuronal network formation. However, assays suitable to measure interference of compounds with neurotransmitter release or clearance are at present not included, which represents a clear gap of the biological applicability domain of such a testing battery. Here we applied a HPLC-based methodology to measure the release of neurotransmitters in a previously characterized hiPSC-derived NSC model undergoing differentiation towards neurons and glia. Glutamate release was assessed in control cultures and upon depolarization, as well as in cultures repeatedly exposed to some known neurotoxicants (BDE47 and lead) and chemical mixtures. Obtained data indicate that these cells have the ability to release glutamate in a vesicular manner, and that both glutamate clearance and vesicular release concur in the maintenance of extracellular glutamate levels. In conclusion, analysis of neurotransmitter release is a sensitive readout that should be included in the envisioned battery of in vitro assays for DNT testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, JRC, Ispra, Italy.
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Italy; Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Centro 3R, Pisa, Italy.
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14
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Magurany KA, Chang X, Clewell R, Coecke S, Haugabrooks E, Marty S. A Pragmatic Framework for the Application of New Approach Methodologies in One Health Toxicological Risk Assessment. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:kfad012. [PMID: 36782355 PMCID: PMC10109535 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, industries and regulatory authorities are faced with an urgent need to assess the potential adverse effects of chemicals more efficiently by embracing new approach methodologies (NAMs). NAMs include cell and tissue methods (in vitro), structure-based/toxicokinetic models (in silico), methods that assess toxicant interactions with biological macromolecules (in chemico), and alternative models. Increasing knowledge on chemical toxicokinetics (what the body does with chemicals) and toxicodynamics (what the chemicals do with the body) obtained from in silico and in vitro systems continues to provide opportunities for modernizing chemical risk assessments. However, directly leveraging in vitro and in silico data for derivation of human health-based reference values has not received regulatory acceptance due to uncertainties in extrapolating NAM results to human populations, including metabolism, complex biological pathways, multiple exposures, interindividual susceptibility and vulnerable populations. The objective of this article is to provide a standardized pragmatic framework that applies integrated approaches with a focus on quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) to extrapolate in vitro cellular exposures to human equivalent doses from which human reference values can be derived. The proposed framework intends to systematically account for the complexities in extrapolation and data interpretation to support sound human health safety decisions in diverse industrial sectors (food systems, cosmetics, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals etc.). Case studies of chemical entities, using new and existing data, are presented to demonstrate the utility of the proposed framework while highlighting potential sources of human population bias and uncertainty, and the importance of Good Method and Reporting Practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Clewell
- 21st Century Tox Consulting, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517, USA
| | - Sandra Coecke
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy
| | - Esther Haugabrooks
- Coca-Cola Company (formerly Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine), Atlanta, Georgia 30313, USA
| | - Sue Marty
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan 48667, USA
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15
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Blum J, Masjosthusmann S, Bartmann K, Bendt F, Dolde X, Dönmez A, Förster N, Holzer AK, Hübenthal U, Keßel HE, Kilic S, Klose J, Pahl M, Stürzl LC, Mangas I, Terron A, Crofton KM, Scholze M, Mosig A, Leist M, Fritsche E. Establishment of a human cell-based in vitro battery to assess developmental neurotoxicity hazard of chemicals. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 311:137035. [PMID: 36328314 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) is a major safety concern for all chemicals of the human exposome. However, DNT data from animal studies are available for only a small percentage of manufactured compounds. Test methods with a higher throughput than current regulatory guideline methods, and with improved human relevance are urgently needed. We therefore explored the feasibility of DNT hazard assessment based on new approach methods (NAMs). An in vitro battery (IVB) was assembled from ten individual NAMs that had been developed during the past years to probe effects of chemicals on various fundamental neurodevelopmental processes. All assays used human neural cells at different developmental stages. This allowed us to assess disturbances of: (i) proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPC); (ii) migration of neural crest cells, radial glia cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes; (iii) differentiation of NPC into neurons and oligodendrocytes; and (iv) neurite outgrowth of peripheral and central neurons. In parallel, cytotoxicity measures were obtained. The feasibility of concentration-dependent screening and of a reliable biostatistical processing of the complex multi-dimensional data was explored with a set of 120 test compounds, containing subsets of pre-defined positive and negative DNT compounds. The battery provided alerts (hit or borderline) for 24 of 28 known toxicants (82% sensitivity), and for none of the 17 negative controls. Based on the results from this screen project, strategies were developed on how IVB data may be used in the context of risk assessment scenarios employing integrated approaches for testing and assessment (IATA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Blum
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xenia Dolde
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Arif Dönmez
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nils Förster
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Hübenthal
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hagen Eike Keßel
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sadiye Kilic
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lynn-Christin Stürzl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Iris Mangas
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Terron
- European Food Safety Authority, PREV Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Martin Scholze
- Institute of Environment Health and Societies, Brunel University London, UK
| | - Axel Mosig
- Bioinformatics Group, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- In Vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Dept Inaugurated By the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany; Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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16
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Zwickl CM, Graham J, Jolly R, Bassan A, Ahlberg E, Amberg A, Anger LT, Barton-Maclaren T, Beilke L, Bellion P, Brigo A, Cronin MT, Custer L, Devlin A, Burleigh-Flayers H, Fish T, Glover K, Glowienke S, Gromek K, Jones D, Karmaus A, Kemper R, Piparo EL, Madia F, Martin M, Masuda-Herrera M, McAtee B, Mestre J, Milchak L, Moudgal C, Mumtaz M, Muster W, Neilson L, Patlewicz G, Paulino A, Roncaglioni A, Ruiz P, Suarez D, Szabo DT, Valentin JP, Vardakou I, Woolley D, Myatt G. Principles and Procedures for Assessment of Acute Toxicity Incorporating In Silico Methods. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 24:100237. [PMID: 36818760 PMCID: PMC9934006 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acute toxicity in silico models are being used to support an increasing number of application areas including (1) product research and development, (2) product approval and registration as well as (3) the transport, storage and handling of chemicals. The adoption of such models is being hindered, in part, because of a lack of guidance describing how to perform and document an in silico analysis. To address this issue, a framework for an acute toxicity hazard assessment is proposed. This framework combines results from different sources including in silico methods and in vitro or in vivo experiments. In silico methods that can assist the prediction of in vivo outcomes (i.e., LD50) are analyzed concluding that predictions obtained using in silico approaches are now well-suited for reliably supporting assessment of LD50-based acute toxicity for the purpose of GHS classification. A general overview is provided of the endpoints from in vitro studies commonly evaluated for predicting acute toxicity (e.g., cytotoxicity/cytolethality as well as assays targeting specific mechanisms). The increased understanding of pathways and key triggering mechanisms underlying toxicity and the increased availability of in vitro data allow for a shift away from assessments solely based on endpoints such as LD50, to mechanism-based endpoints that can be accurately assessed in vitro or by using in silico prediction models. This paper also highlights the importance of an expert review of all available information using weight-of-evidence considerations and illustrates, using a series of diverse practical use cases, how in silico approaches support the assessment of acute toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Graham
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Robert Jolly
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Arianna Bassan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova, Italy
| | - Ernst Ahlberg
- Universal Prediction AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexander Amberg
- Sanofi, R&D Preclinical Safety Frankfurt, Industriepark Hoechst, D-65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Tara Barton-Maclaren
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada / Government of Canada
| | - Lisa Beilke
- Toxicology Solutions, Inc., 10531 4S Commons Dr. #594, San Diego, CA 92127, USA
| | - Phillip Bellion
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Binger Str. 128, 55216 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Alessandro Brigo
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Amy Devlin
- FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | - Trevor Fish
- Nelson Laboratories, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | | | | | | | - David Jones
- MHRA, 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4PU
| | - Agnes Karmaus
- Integrated Laboratory Systems, LLC, Morrisville, NC, USA
| | | | - Elena Lo Piparo
- Chemical Food Safety Group, Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Federica Madia
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jordi Mestre
- IMIM Institut Hospital Del Mar d’Investigacions Mèdiques and Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader 88, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Chemotargets SL, Baldiri Reixac 4, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Moiz Mumtaz
- Office of the Associate Director for Science, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Wolfgang Muster
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Grace Patlewicz
- Centre for Computational Toxicology and Exposure (CCTE), US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Diana Suarez
- FSTox Consulting LTD, 2 Brooks Road Raunds Wellingborough NN9 6NS
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Valentin
- UCB-Biopharma SRL, Development Science, Avenue de l’industrie, Braine l’Alleud, Wallonia, Belgium
| | - Ioanna Vardakou
- British American Tobacco (Investments) Ltd., R&D Centre, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, UK
| | | | - Glenn Myatt
- Instem, 1393 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
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17
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Neuhaus W, Reininger-Gutmann B, Rinner B, Plasenzotti R, Wilflingseder D, De Kock J, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V, Jírová D, Kejlová K, Knudsen LE, Nielsen RN, Kleuser B, Kral V, Thöne-Reineke C, Hartung T, Pallocca G, Rovida C, Leist M, Hippenstiel S, Lang A, Retter I, Krämer S, Jedlicka P, Ameli K, Fritsche E, Tigges J, Kuchovská E, Buettner M, Bleich A, Baumgart N, Baumgart J, Meinhardt MW, Spanagel R, Chourbaji S, Kränzlin B, Seeger B, von Köckritz-Blickwede M, Sánchez-Morgado JM, Galligioni V, Ruiz-Pérez D, Movia D, Prina-Mello A, Ahluwalia A, Chiono V, Gutleb AC, Schmit M, van Golen B, van Weereld L, Kienhuis A, van Oort E, van der Valk J, Smith A, Roszak J, Stępnik M, Sobańska Z, Reszka E, Olsson IAS, Franco NH, Sevastre B, Kandarova H, Capdevila S, Johansson J, Svensk E, Cederroth CR, Sandström J, Ragan I, Bubalo N, Kurreck J, Spielmann H. The Current Status and Work of Three Rs Centres and Platforms in Europe. Altern Lab Anim 2022; 50:381-413. [PMID: 36458800 DOI: 10.1177/02611929221140909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The adoption of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes has given a major push to the formation of Three Rs initiatives in the form of centres and platforms. These centres and platforms are dedicated to the so-called Three Rs, which are the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use in experiments. ATLA's 50th Anniversary year has seen the publication of two articles on European Three Rs centres and platforms. The first of these was about the progressive rise in their numbers and about their founding history; this second part focuses on their current status and activities. This article takes a closer look at their financial and organisational structures, describes their Three Rs focus and core activities (dissemination, education, implementation, scientific quality/translatability, ethics), and presents their areas of responsibility and projects in detail. This overview of the work and diverse structures of the Three Rs centres and platforms is not only intended to bring them closer to the reader, but also to provide role models and show examples of how such Three Rs centres and platforms could be made sustainable. The Three Rs centres and platforms are very important focal points and play an immense role as facilitators of Directive 2010/63/EU 'on the ground' in their respective countries. They are also invaluable for the wide dissemination of information and for promoting the implementation of the Three Rs in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Neuhaus
- EUSAAT, 31189Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) GmbH, Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Centre for Health and Bioresources, Vienna, Austria, and Danube Private University, Department of Medicine, Krems, Austria
| | | | - Beate Rinner
- Biomedical Research, 31475Medical University Graz, Austria
| | - Roberto Plasenzotti
- Department of Biomedical Research, 27271Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- 27255Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joery De Kock
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Rogiers
- 70493Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Innovation Centre-3R Alternatives (IC-3Rs), Dept. In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dagmar Jírová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kejlová
- Centre of Toxicology and Health Safety, 37739National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Burkhard Kleuser
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Kral
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Thöne-Reineke
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Giorgia Pallocca
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Costanza Rovida
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Marcel Leist
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) Europe, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annemarie Lang
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ida Retter
- 14903Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité3R, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Krämer
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Peter Jedlicka
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ameli
- 3R Centre JLU Giessen, Interdisciplinary Centre for 3Rs in Animal Research (ICAR3R), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Tigges
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eliška Kuchovská
- 256593IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Manuela Buettner
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, 9177Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Baumgart
- TARC force 3R, Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Baumgart
- Translational Animal Research Center, University Medical Centre, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus W Meinhardt
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Chourbaji
- Interfaculty Biomedical Research Facility (IBF), University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Kränzlin
- Core Facility Preclinical Models, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Seeger
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, Research Group Food Toxicology and Alternatives/Complementary Methods to Animal Experiments, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maren von Köckritz-Blickwede
- 460510University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Department of Biochemistry & Research Centre for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Viola Galligioni
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Ruiz-Pérez
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Dania Movia
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Comparative Medicine Unit, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arti Ahluwalia
- Applied Radiation Therapy Trinity (ARTT) and Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), School of Medicine, 8809Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arno C Gutleb
- Department of Information Engineering, Università di Pisa and Centro 3R, Interuniversity Centre for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Marthe Schmit
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, 19032Politecnico di Torino, Torino and Centro 3R, and Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research, Italy
| | - Bea van Golen
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | | | - Anne Kienhuis
- 2890Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Erica van Oort
- Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Jan van der Valk
- Netherlands National Committee for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (NCad), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian Smith
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment-RIVM, BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Joanna Roszak
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maciej Stępnik
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Norecopa, Ås, Norway
| | - Zuzanna Sobańska
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edyta Reszka
- 3Rs-Centre, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I Anna S Olsson
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
- QSAR Lab Ltd, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Nuno Henrique Franco
- The National Centre for Alternative Methods to Toxicity Assessment, 49611Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
- QSAR Lab Ltd, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bogdan Sevastre
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Kandarova
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 26706Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Capdevila
- Romanian Center for Alternative Test Methods (ROCAM) hosted by the 162275University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jessica Johansson
- Slovak National Platform for 3Rs-SNP3Rs, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Department of Tissue Cultures and Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 87171Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Emma Svensk
- Slovak National Platform for 3Rs-SNP3Rs, Bratislava, Slovakia; and Department of Tissue Cultures and Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine SAS, 87171Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Christopher R Cederroth
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Jenny Sandström
- Comparative Medicine and Bioimage Centre of Catalonia (CMCiB), Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Ian Ragan
- Swedish 3Rs Center, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Jönköping, Sweden
| | | | - Jens Kurreck
- National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Horst Spielmann
- 9166Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
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Marika M, Marketa D, Lada S, Marian R, Filip K, Adam V, Věra V, Kristina K, Dagmar J, Tuula H. New approach methods for assessing indoor air toxicity. Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100090. [PMID: 36281315 PMCID: PMC9587284 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoor air is typically a mixture of many chemicals at low concentrations without any adverse health effects alone, but in mixtures they may cause toxicity and risks to human health. The aim of this study was by using new approach methods to assess the potential toxicity of indoor air condensates. In specific, different in vitro test methods including cyto-and immunotoxicity, skin sensitization and endocrine disruption were applied. In addition to biological effects, the indoor air samples were subjected to targeted analysis of 25 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Genapol X-80 (a nonionic emulsifier) suspected to be present in the samples, and to a non-targeted "total chemical scan" to find out whether the chemical composition of the samples is associated with the biological effects. The results confirm that assessing health risks of indoor air by analysing individual chemicals is not an adequate approach: We were not able to detect the VOCs and Genapol X-80 in the indoor air samples, yet, several types of toxicity, namely, cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, skin sensitization and endocrine disruption were detected. In the non-targeted total chemical scan of the indoor air samples, a larger number of compounds were found in the cytotoxic samples than in the non-cytotoxic samples supporting the biological findings. If only one biological method would be selected for the screening of indoor air quality, THP-1 macrophage/WST-1 assay would best fit for the purpose as it is sensitive and serves as a good representative for different sub-toxic end points, including immunotoxicity, (skin) sensitization and endocrine disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannerström Marika
- The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 1, 33014 Tampere University, Finland,Corresponding author at: Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33014 Tampere University, Finland.
| | - Dvorakova Marketa
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Svobodova Lada
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic,Medical Faculty of Palacky University, Hnevotinska 976/3, 775 15 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Rucki Marian
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Kotal Filip
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vavrouš Adam
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vrbíková Věra
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Kejlova Kristina
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Jirova Dagmar
- National Institute of Public Health, Srobarova 49/48, 100 00 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Heinonen Tuula
- The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 1, 33014 Tampere University, Finland
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19
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Escher BI, Lamoree M, Antignac JP, Scholze M, Herzler M, Hamers T, Jensen TK, Audebert M, Busquet F, Maier D, Oelgeschläger M, Valente MJ, Boye H, Schmeisser S, Dervilly G, Piumatti M, Motteau S, König M, Renko K, Margalef M, Cariou R, Ma Y, Treschow AF, Kortenkamp A, Vinggaard AM. Mixture Risk Assessment of Complex Real-Life Mixtures-The PANORAMIX Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192012990. [PMID: 36293571 PMCID: PMC9602166 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Humans are involuntarily exposed to hundreds of chemicals that either contaminate our environment and food or are added intentionally to our daily products. These complex mixtures of chemicals may pose a risk to human health. One of the goals of the European Union's Green Deal and zero-pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment is to tackle the existent gaps in chemical mixture risk assessment by providing scientific grounds that support the implementation of adequate regulatory measures within the EU. We suggest dealing with this challenge by: (1) characterising 'real-life' chemical mixtures and determining to what extent they are transferred from the environment to humans via food and water, and from the mother to the foetus; (2) establishing a high-throughput whole-mixture-based in vitro strategy for screening of real-life complex mixtures of organic chemicals extracted from humans using integrated chemical profiling (suspect screening) together with effect-directed analysis; (3) evaluating which human blood levels of chemical mixtures might be of concern for children's development; and (4) developing a web-based, ready-to-use interface that integrates hazard and exposure data to enable component-based mixture risk estimation. These concepts form the basis of the Green Deal project PANORAMIX, whose ultimate goal is to progress mixture risk assessment of chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate I. Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marja Lamoree
- Department Environment & Health, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martin Scholze
- Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Environmental Sciences Division, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Matthias Herzler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo Hamers
- Department Environment & Health, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Marc Audebert
- Toxalim, UMR1331, INRAE, 31027 Toulouse, France
- PrediTox, 31100 Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | - Maria João Valente
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Henriette Boye
- Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Hospital for Children, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria König
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research—UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kostja Renko
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Margalef
- Department Environment & Health, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yanying Ma
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Environmental Sciences Division, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-35887549
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20
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Ishida K, Tatsumi K, Minamigawa Y, Mori K, Matsumaru D, Nagase H, Kanda Y, Takuma K, Nakanishi T. Neuronal differentiation reporter mice as a new methodology for detecting in vivo developmental neurotoxicity. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115332. [PMID: 36323391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Current in vivo developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) tests are not performed routinely for chemical risk assessment because they are time and resource intensive and require many animals. Therefore, new methodologies are required that can detect and evaluate the DNT potential of chemicals in a more simple, quantitative, and objective manner. Toward this end, we generated transgenic mice expressing reporter genes (luciferase and lacZ) under the control of the rat synapsin 1 promoter (Syn-Rep mice) and evaluated their usefulness as a DNT detection tool. Brain luciferase expression levels in Syn-Rep mice increased dramatically from just before to after birth, peaked early in the postnatal period, subsequently decreased sharply, and then remained low after weaning. This pattern is analogous to the generally recognized temporal changes in synapse numbers in the developing mammal brain. To evaluate further the responsiveness of Syn-Rep mice during DNT induction, we administered valproic acid (VPA), a reference DNT-inducing chemical, to pregnant mice and evaluated its effect on reporter gene expression in the developing brains of Syn-Rep pups. In vivo luminescence in the brains of VPA-exposed pups was significantly lower than in controls from postnatal days 4 to 13. Moreover, luciferase activity in the prefrontal cortexes of 8-week-old VPA-exposed offspring was significantly lower than in controls, reflecting the reduced number of neurons in the prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that the Syn-Rep mice are potentially useful tools for streamlined detection of chemical-induced DNT in the developing mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Ishida
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Kanoko Tatsumi
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Minamigawa
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Kazuma Mori
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsumaru
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Nagase
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gifu University of Medical Science, 4-3-3 Nijigaoka, Kani, Gifu 509-0293, Japan
| | - Yasunari Kanda
- Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Nakanishi
- Laboratory of Hygienic Chemistry and Molecular Toxicology, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, 1-25-4 Daigaku-nishi, Gifu, Gifu 501-1196, Japan.
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21
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de Leeuw VC, van Oostrom CTM, Wackers PFK, Pennings JLA, Hodemaekers HM, Piersma AH, Hessel EVS. Neuronal differentiation pathways and compound-induced developmental neurotoxicity in the human neural progenitor cell test (hNPT) revealed by RNA-seq. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 304:135298. [PMID: 35700809 PMCID: PMC9247748 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
There is an increased awareness that the use of animals for compound-induced developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing has limitations. Animal-free innovations, especially the ones based on human stem cell-based models are pivotal in studying DNT since they can mimic processes relevant to human brain development. Here we present the human neural progenitor test (hNPT), a 10-day protocol in which neural progenitor cells differentiate into a neuron-astrocyte co-culture. The study aimed to characterise differentiation over time and to find neurodevelopmental processes sensitive to compound exposure using transcriptomics. 3992 genes regulated in unexposed control cultures (p ≤ 0.001, log2FC ≥ 1) showed Gene Ontology (GO-) term enrichment for neuronal and glial differentiation, neurite extension, synaptogenesis, and synaptic transmission. Exposure to known or suspected DNT compounds (acrylamide, chlorpyrifos, fluoxetine, methyl mercury, or valproic acid) at concentrations resulting in 95% cell viability each regulated unique combinations of GO-terms relating to neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal and glial differentiation, axon development, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and apoptosis. Investigation of the GO-terms 'neuron apoptotic process' and 'axon development' revealed common genes that were responsive across compounds, and might be used as biomarkers for DNT. The GO-term 'synaptic signalling', on the contrary, whilst also responsive to all compounds tested, showed little overlap in gene expression regulation patterns between the conditions. This GO-term may articulate compound-specific effects that may be relevant for revealing differences in mechanism of toxicity. Given its focus on neural progenitor cell to mature multilineage neuronal cell maturation and its detailed molecular readout based on gene expression analysis, hNPT might have added value as a tool for neurodevelopmental toxicity testing in vitro. Further assessment of DNT-specific biomarkers that represent these processes needs further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C de Leeuw
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Conny T M van Oostrom
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Paul F K Wackers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen L A Pennings
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hennie M Hodemaekers
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen V S Hessel
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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22
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Smirnova L, Stacey GN. Progress in human stem cell-derived models for developmental and reproductive toxicology studies. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:170-171. [PMID: 36162753 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Smirnova
- Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Glyn N Stacey
- International Stem Cell Banking Initiative, 2 High St, Barley, Hertfordshire, UK; National Stem Cell Resources Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Stucki AO, Barton-Maclaren TS, Bhuller Y, Henriquez JE, Henry TR, Hirn C, Miller-Holt J, Nagy EG, Perron MM, Ratzlaff DE, Stedeford TJ, Clippinger AJ. Use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) to meet regulatory requirements for the assessment of industrial chemicals and pesticides for effects on human health. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:964553. [PMID: 36119357 PMCID: PMC9475191 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.964553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
New approach methodologies (NAMs) are increasingly being used for regulatory decision making by agencies worldwide because of their potential to reliably and efficiently produce information that is fit for purpose while reducing animal use. This article summarizes the ability to use NAMs for the assessment of human health effects of industrial chemicals and pesticides within the United States, Canada, and European Union regulatory frameworks. While all regulations include some flexibility to allow for the use of NAMs, the implementation of this flexibility varies across product type and regulatory scheme. This article provides an overview of various agencies’ guidelines and strategic plans on the use of NAMs, and specific examples of the successful application of NAMs to meet regulatory requirements. It also summarizes intra- and inter-agency collaborations that strengthen scientific, regulatory, and public confidence in NAMs, thereby fostering their global use as reliable and relevant tools for toxicological evaluations. Ultimately, understanding the current regulatory landscape helps inform the scientific community on the steps needed to further advance timely uptake of approaches that best protect human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas O. Stucki
- PETA Science Consortium International e.V., Stuttgart, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas O. Stucki,
| | - Tara S. Barton-Maclaren
- Safe Environments Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yadvinder Bhuller
- Pest Management Regulatory Agency, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tala R. Henry
- Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Carole Hirn
- Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, JT International SA, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Edith G. Nagy
- Bergeson & Campbell PC, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Monique M. Perron
- Office of Pesticide Programs, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Deborah E. Ratzlaff
- Safe Environments Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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24
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van der Zalm AJ, Barroso J, Browne P, Casey W, Gordon J, Henry TR, Kleinstreuer NC, Lowit AB, Perron M, Clippinger AJ. A framework for establishing scientific confidence in new approach methodologies. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2865-2879. [PMID: 35987941 PMCID: PMC9525335 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03365-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Robust and efficient processes are needed to establish scientific confidence in new approach methodologies (NAMs) if they are to be considered for regulatory applications. NAMs need to be fit for purpose, reliable and, for the assessment of human health effects, provide information relevant to human biology. They must also be independently reviewed and transparently communicated. Ideally, NAM developers should communicate with stakeholders such as regulators and industry to identify the question(s), and specified purpose that the NAM is intended to address, and the context in which it will be used. Assessment of the biological relevance of the NAM should focus on its alignment with human biology, mechanistic understanding, and ability to provide information that leads to health protective decisions, rather than solely comparing NAM-based chemical testing results with those from traditional animal test methods. However, when NAM results are compared to historical animal test results, the variability observed within animal test method results should be used to inform performance benchmarks. Building on previous efforts, this paper proposes a framework comprising five essential elements to establish scientific confidence in NAMs for regulatory use: fitness for purpose, human biological relevance, technical characterization, data integrity and transparency, and independent review. Universal uptake of this framework would facilitate the timely development and use of NAMs by the international community. While this paper focuses on NAMs for assessing human health effects of pesticides and industrial chemicals, many of the suggested elements are expected to apply to other types of chemicals and to ecotoxicological effect assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João Barroso
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Patience Browne
- Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, Hazard Assessment and Pesticides Programmes, Environmental Directorate, Paris, France
| | - Warren Casey
- National Institutes of Health, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - John Gordon
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Tala R Henry
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole C Kleinstreuer
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Anna B Lowit
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Monique Perron
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, DC, USA
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25
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Lee J, Schlichting R, König M, Scholz S, Krauss M, Escher BI. Monitoring Mixture Effects of Neurotoxicants in Surface Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluents with Neurite Outgrowth Inhibition in SH-SY5Y Cells. ACS ENVIRONMENTAL AU 2022; 2:523-535. [PMID: 37101724 PMCID: PMC10125335 DOI: 10.1021/acsenvironau.2c00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based assays covering environmentally relevant modes of action are widely used for water quality monitoring. However, no high-throughput assays are available for testing developmental neurotoxicity of water samples. We implemented an assay that quantifies neurite outgrowth, which is one of the neurodevelopmental key events, and cell viability in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using imaging techniques. We used this assay for testing of extracts of surface water collected in agricultural areas during rain events and effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where more than 200 chemicals had been quantified. Forty-one chemicals were tested individually that were suspected to contribute to the mixture effects among the detected chemicals in environmental samples. Sample sensitivity distributions indicated higher neurotoxicity for surface water samples than for effluents, and the endpoint of neurite outgrowth inhibition was six times more sensitive than cytotoxicity in the surface water samples and only three times more sensitive in the effluent samples. Eight environmental pollutants showed high specificity, and those ranged from pharmaceuticals (mebendazole and verapamil) to pesticides (methiocarb and clomazone), biocides (1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one), and industrial chemicals (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin, and 2-(4-morpholinyl)benzothiazole). Although neurotoxic effects were newly detected for some of our test chemicals, less than 1% of the measured effects were explained by the detected and toxicologically characterized chemicals. The neurotoxicity assay was benchmarked against other bioassays: activations of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor were similar in sensitivity, highly sensitive and did not differ much between the two water types, with surface water having slightly higher effects than the WWTP effluent. Oxidative stress response mirrored neurotoxicity quite well but was caused by different chemicals in the two water types. Overall, the new cell-based neurotoxicity assay is a valuable complement to the existing battery of effect-based monitoring tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungeun Lee
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rita Schlichting
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria König
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Krauss
- Department of Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research−UFZ, DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
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26
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Yadav A, Verhaegen S, Filis P, Domanska D, Lyle R, Sundaram AYM, Leithaug M, Østby GC, Aleksandersen M, Berntsen HF, Zimmer KE, Fowler PA, Paulsen RE, Ropstad E. Exposure to a human relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants or to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid alone dysregulates the developing cerebellum of chicken embryo. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 166:107379. [PMID: 35792514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. In the present study, we explored whether a human-relevant POP mixture affects the development of chicken embryo cerebellum. We used a defined mixture of 29 POPs, with chemical composition and concentrations based on blood levels in the Scandinavian population. We also evaluated exposure to a prominent compound in the mixture, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), alone. Embryos (n = 7-9 per exposure group) were exposed by injection directly into the allantois at embryonic day 13 (E13). Cerebella were isolated at E17 and subjected to morphological, RNA-seq and shot-gun proteomics analyses. There was a reduction in thickness of the molecular layer of cerebellar cortex in both exposure scenarios. Exposure to the POP mixture significantly affected expression of 65 of 13,800 transcripts, and 43 of 2,568 proteins, when compared to solvent control. PFOS alone affected expression of 80 of 13,859 transcripts, and 69 of 2,555 proteins. Twenty-five genes and 15 proteins were common for both exposure groups. These findings point to alterations in molecular events linked to retinoid X receptor (RXR) signalling, neuronal cell proliferation and migration, cellular stress responses including unfolded protein response, lipid metabolism, and myelination. Exposure to the POP mixture increased methionine oxidation, whereas PFOS decreased oxidation. Several of the altered genes and proteins are involved in a wide variety of neurological disorders. We conclude that POP exposure can interfere with fundamental aspects of neurodevelopment, altering molecular pathways that are associated with adverse neurocognitive and behavioural outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Yadav
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway; Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068, Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Steven Verhaegen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Diana Domanska
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Robert Lyle
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arvind Y M Sundaram
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Magnus Leithaug
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gunn Charlotte Østby
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Mona Aleksandersen
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Hanne Friis Berntsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway; National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 5330 Majorstuen, NO-0304, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karin Elisabeth Zimmer
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068, Blindern, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
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27
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Martin MM, Baker NC, Boyes WK, Carstens KE, Culbreth ME, Gilbert ME, Harrill JA, Nyffeler J, Padilla S, Friedman KP, Shafer TJ. An expert-driven literature review of "negative" chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro assay evaluation. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 93:107117. [PMID: 35908584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2022.107117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To date, approximately 200 chemicals have been tested in US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) guideline studies, leaving thousands of chemicals without traditional animal information on DNT hazard potential. To address this data gap, a battery of in vitro DNT new approach methodologies (NAMs) has been proposed. Evaluation of the performance of this battery will increase the confidence in its use to determine DNT chemical hazards. One approach to evaluate DNT NAM performance is to use a set of chemicals to evaluate sensitivity and specificity. Since a list of chemicals with potential evidence of in vivo DNT has been established, this study aims to develop a curated list of "negative" chemicals for inclusion in a "DNT NAM evaluation set". A workflow, including a literature search followed by an expert-driven literature review, was used to systematically screen 39 chemicals for lack of DNT effect. Expert panel members evaluated the scientific robustness of relevant studies to inform chemical categorizations. Following review, the panel discussed each chemical and made categorical determinations of "Favorable", "Not Favorable", or "Indeterminate" reflecting acceptance, lack of suitability, or uncertainty given specific limitations and considerations, respectively. The panel determined that 10, 22, and 7 chemicals met the criteria for "Favorable", "Not Favorable", and "Indeterminate", for use as negatives in a DNT NAM evaluation set. Ultimately, this approach not only supports DNT NAM performance evaluation but also highlights challenges in identifying large numbers of negative DNT chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Martin
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Nancy C Baker
- Leidos, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - William K Boyes
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Kelly E Carstens
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Megan E Culbreth
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Mary E Gilbert
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Joshua A Harrill
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Johanna Nyffeler
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Computational Toxicology & Bioinformatics Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, CCTE/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA.
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28
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Lauvås AJ, Lislien M, Holme JA, Dirven H, Paulsen RE, Alm IM, Andersen JM, Skarpen E, Sørensen V, Macko P, Pistollato F, Duale N, Myhre O. Developmental neurotoxicity of acrylamide and its metabolite glycidamide in a human mixed culture of neurons and astrocytes undergoing differentiation in concentrations relevant for human exposure. Neurotoxicology 2022; 92:33-48. [PMID: 35835329 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells were used to investigate effects of exposure to the food contaminant acrylamide (AA) and its main metabolite glycidamide (GA) on key neurodevelopmental processes. Diet is an important source of human AA exposure for pregnant women, and AA is known to pass the placenta and the newborn may also be exposed through breast feeding after birth. The NSCs were exposed to AA and GA (1 ×10-8 - 3 ×10-3 M) under 7 days of proliferation and up to 28 days of differentiation towards a mixed culture of neurons and astrocytes. Effects on cell viability was measured using Alamar Blue™ cell viability assay, alterations in gene expression were assessed using real time PCR and RNA sequencing, and protein levels were quantified using immunocytochemistry and high content imaging. Effects of AA and GA on neurodevelopmental processes were evaluated using endpoints linked to common key events identified in the existing developmental neurotoxicity adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). Our results suggest that AA and GA at low concentrations (1 ×10-7 - 1 ×10-8 M) increased cell viability and markers of proliferation both in proliferating NSCs (7 days) and in maturing neurons after 14-28 days of differentiation. IC50 for cell death of AA and GA was 5.2 × 10-3 M and 5.8 × 10-4 M, respectively, showing about ten times higher potency for GA. Increased expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concomitant with decreased synaptogenesis were observed for GA exposure (10-7 M) only at later differentiation stages, and an increased number of astrocytes (up to 3-fold) at 14 and 21 days of differentiation. Also, AA exposure gave tendency towards decreased differentiation (increased percent Nestin positive cells). After 28 days, neurite branch points and number of neurites per neuron measured by microtubule-associated protein 2 (Map2) staining decreased, while the same neurite features measured by βIII-Tubulin increased, indicating perturbation of neuronal differentiation and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jacobsen Lauvås
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Malene Lislien
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørn Andreas Holme
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Inger Margit Alm
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Jill Mari Andersen
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Skarpen
- Core Facility for Advanced Light Microscopy, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vigdis Sørensen
- Core Facility for Advanced Light Microscopy, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Macko
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - Oddvar Myhre
- Department of Chemical Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway.
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29
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A bioinformatics framework for targeted gene expression assay design: Application to in vitro developmental neurotoxicity screening in a rat model. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 133:105211. [PMID: 35724854 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105211] [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: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain development involves a series of intricately choreographed neuronal differentiation and maturation steps that are acutely vulnerable to interferences from chemical exposures. Many genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes show evolutionarily conserved expression patterns in mammals and may constitute useful indicators/biomarkers for the evaluation of potential developmental neurotoxicity. Based on these premises, this study developed a bioinformatics framework to guide the design of a gene expression-based in vitro developmental neurotoxicity assay targeting evolutionary conserved genes associated with neuronal differentiation and maturation in rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). Rat, mouse and human genes involved in neurodevelopment and presenting one-to-one orthology were selected and orthologous exons within these genes were identified. PCR primer sets were designed within these orthologous exons and their specificity was evaluated in silico. The performance and specificity of rat, mouse and human PCR primer sets were then confirmed experimentally. Finally, RT-qPCR analyses in CGCs exposed in vitro to well-known neurotoxicants (Chlorpyrifos and Chlorpyrifos oxon) uncovered perturbations of expression levels for most of the selected genes. This bioinformatics framework for gene and target sequence selection may facilitate the identification of transcriptional biomarkers for developmental neurotoxicity assays and the comparison of gene expression data across experimental models from different mammalian species.
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30
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Rusyn I, Sakolish C, Kato Y, Stephan C, Vergara L, Hewitt P, Bhaskaran V, Davis M, Hardwick R, Ferguson SS, Stanko JP, Bajaj P, Adkins K, Sipes NS, Hunter S, Baltazar MT, Carmichael PL, Sadh K, Becker RA. Microphysiological Systems Evaluation: Experience of TEX-VAL Tissue Chip Testing Consortium. Toxicol Sci 2022; 188:143-152. [PMID: 35689632 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Much has been written and said about the promise and excitement of microphysiological systems, miniature devices that aim to recreate aspects of human physiology on a chip. The rapid explosion of the offerings and persistent publicity placed high expectations on both product manufacturers and regulatory agencies to adopt the data. Inevitably, discussions of where this technology fits in chemical testing paradigms are ongoing. Some end-users became early adopters, while others have taken a more cautious approach because of the high cost and uncertainties of their utility. Here, we detail the experience of a public-private collaboration established for testing of diverse microphysiological systems. Collectively, we present a number of considerations on practical aspects of using microphysiological systems in the context of their applications in decision-making. Specifically, future end-users need to be prepared for extensive on-site optimization and have access to a wide range of imaging and other equipment. We reason that cells, related reagents and the technical skills of the research staff, not the devices themselves, are the most critical determinants of success. Extrapolation from concentration-response effects in microphysiological systems to human blood or oral exposures, difficulties with replicating the whole organ, and long-term functionality remain as critical challenges. Overall, we conclude that it is unlikely that a rodent- or human-equivalent model is achievable through a finite number of microphysiological systems in the near future; therefore, building consensus and promoting the gradual incorporation of these models into tiered approaches for safety assessment and decision-making is the sensible path to wide adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843
| | - Courtney Sakolish
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843
| | - Yuki Kato
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843
| | - Clifford Stephan
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Leoncio Vergara
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Philip Hewitt
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Myrtle Davis
- Discovery Toxicology, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, 08543
| | | | - Stephen S Ferguson
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709
| | - Jason P Stanko
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709
| | - Piyush Bajaj
- Global Investigative Toxicology, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, MA, 01701, Framingham
| | - Karissa Adkins
- Global Investigative Toxicology, Preclinical Safety, Sanofi, MA, 01701, Framingham
| | - Nisha S Sipes
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - Sid Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - Maria T Baltazar
- Unilever Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44, 1LQ, United Kingdom Sharnbrook
| | - Paul L Carmichael
- Unilever Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44, 1LQ, United Kingdom Sharnbrook
| | - Kritika Sadh
- Unilever Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Colworth Science Park, Bedfordshire, MK44, 1LQ, United Kingdom Sharnbrook
| | - Richard A Becker
- American Chemistry Council, 700 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002
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Crofton KM, Bassan A, Behl M, Chushak YG, Fritsche E, Gearhart JM, Marty MS, Mumtaz M, Pavan M, Ruiz P, Sachana M, Selvam R, Shafer TJ, Stavitskaya L, Szabo DT, Szabo ST, Tice RR, Wilson D, Woolley D, Myatt GJ. Current status and future directions for a neurotoxicity hazard assessment framework that integrates in silico approaches. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 22:100223. [PMID: 35844258 PMCID: PMC9281386 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxicology is the study of adverse effects on the structure or function of the developing or mature adult nervous system following exposure to chemical, biological, or physical agents. The development of more informative alternative methods to assess developmental (DNT) and adult (NT) neurotoxicity induced by xenobiotics is critically needed. The use of such alternative methods including in silico approaches that predict DNT or NT from chemical structure (e.g., statistical-based and expert rule-based systems) is ideally based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant biological mechanisms. This paper discusses known mechanisms alongside the current state of the art in DNT/NT testing. In silico approaches available today that support the assessment of neurotoxicity based on knowledge of chemical structure are reviewed, and a conceptual framework for the integration of in silico methods with experimental information is presented. Establishing this framework is essential for the development of protocols, namely standardized approaches, to ensure that assessments of NT and DNT based on chemical structures are generated in a transparent, consistent, and defendable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Bassan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Mamta Behl
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National
Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Yaroslav G. Chushak
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental
Medicine & Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf,
Germany
| | - Jeffery M. Gearhart
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military
Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
| | | | - Moiz Mumtaz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuela Pavan
- Innovatune srl, Via Giulio Zanon 130/D, 35129 Padova,
Italy
| | - Patricia Ruiz
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, US
Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment
Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775
Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Rajamani Selvam
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Timothy J. Shafer
- Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center
for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC,
USA
| | - Lidiya Stavitskaya
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Office of Translational
Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wilson
- The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI 48667, USA
| | | | - Glenn J. Myatt
- Instem, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Corresponding author.
(G.J. Myatt)
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Dobreniecki S, Mendez E, Lowit A, Freudenrich TM, Wallace K, Carpenter A, Wetmore BA, Kreutz A, Korol-Bexell E, Friedman KP, Shafer TJ. Integration of toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic new approach methods into a weight-of-evidence analysis for pesticide developmental neurotoxicity assessment: A case-study with DL- and L-glufosinate. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 131:105167. [PMID: 35413399 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
DL-glufosinate ammonium (DL-GLF) is a registered herbicide for which a guideline Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) study has been conducted. Offspring effects included altered brain morphometrics, decreased body weight, and increased motor activity. Guideline DNT studies are not available for its enriched isomers L-GLF acid and L-GLF ammonium; conducting one would be time consuming, resource-intensive, and possibly redundant given the existing DL-GLF DNT. To support deciding whether to request a guideline DNT study for the L-GLF isomers, DL-GLF and the L-GLF isomers were screened using in vitro assays for network formation and neurite outgrowth. DL-GLF and L-GLF isomers were without effects in both assays. DL-GLF and L-GLF (1-100 μM) isomers increased mean firing rate of mature networks to 120-140% of baseline. In vitro toxicokinetic assessments were used to derive administered equivalent doses (AEDs) for the in vitro testing concentrations. The AED for L-GLF was ∼3X higher than the NOAEL from the DL-GLF DNT indicating that the available guideline study would be protective of potential DNT due to L-GLF exposure. Based in part on the results of these in vitro studies, EPA is not requiring L-GLF isomer guideline DNT studies, thereby providing a case study for a useful application of DNT screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Lowit
- Office of Pesticide Programs USEPA, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Theresa M Freudenrich
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen Wallace
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Amy Carpenter
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Barbara A Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Anna Kreutz
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development. US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Koch K, Bartmann K, Hartmann J, Kapr J, Klose J, Kuchovská E, Pahl M, Schlüppmann K, Zühr E, Fritsche E. Scientific Validation of Human Neurosphere Assays for Developmental Neurotoxicity Evaluation. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:816370. [PMID: 35295221 PMCID: PMC8915868 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.816370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a call for a paradigm shift in developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) evaluation, which demands the implementation of faster, more cost-efficient, and human-relevant test systems than current in vivo guideline studies. Under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a guidance document is currently being prepared that instructs on the regulatory use of a DNT in vitro battery (DNT IVB) for fit-for-purpose applications. One crucial issue for OECD application of methods is validation, which for new approach methods (NAMs) requires novel approaches. Here, mechanistic information previously identified in vivo, as well as reported neurodevelopmental adversities in response to disturbances on the cellular and tissue level, are of central importance. In this study, we scientifically validate the Neurosphere Assay, which is based on human primary neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) and an integral part of the DNT IVB. It assesses neurodevelopmental key events (KEs) like NPC proliferation (NPC1ab), radial glia cell migration (NPC2a), neuronal differentiation (NPC3), neurite outgrowth (NPC4), oligodendrocyte differentiation (NPC5), and thyroid hormone-dependent oligodendrocyte maturation (NPC6). In addition, we extend our work from the hNPCs to human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs (hiNPCs) for the NPC proliferation (iNPC1ab) and radial glia assays (iNPC2a). The validation process we report for the endpoints studied with the Neurosphere Assays is based on 1) describing the relevance of the respective endpoints for brain development, 2) the confirmation of the cell type-specific morphologies observed in vitro, 3) expressions of cell type-specific markers consistent with those morphologies, 4) appropriate anticipated responses to physiological pertinent signaling stimuli and 5) alterations in specific in vitro endpoints upon challenges with confirmed DNT compounds. With these strong mechanistic underpinnings, we posit that the Neurosphere Assay as an integral part of the DNT in vitro screening battery is well poised for DNT evaluation for regulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Koch
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kristina Bartmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Hartmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Julia Kapr
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Eliška Kuchovská
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Kevin Schlüppmann
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Etta Zühr
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF—Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Duesseldorf, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ellen Fritsche,
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Cediel-Ulloa A, Lupu DL, Johansson Y, Hinojosa M, Özel F, Rüegg J. Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on neurodevelopment: the need for better testing strategies for endocrine disruption-induced developmental neurotoxicity. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:131-141. [PMID: 35255767 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2044788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain development is highly dependent on hormonal regulation. Exposure to chemicals disrupting endocrine signaling has been associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. This raises concern about exposure to the suspected thousands of endocrine disruptors, and has resulted in efforts to improve regulation of these chemicals. Yet, the causal links between endocrine disruption and developmental neurotoxicity, which would be required for regulatory action, are still largely missing. AREAS COVERED In this review, we illustrate the importance of two endocrine systems, thyroid hormone and retinoic acid pathways, for neurodevelopment. We place special emphasis on TH and RA synthesis, metabolism, and how endocrine disrupting chemicals known or suspected to affect these systems are associated with developmental neurotoxicity. EXPERT OPINION While it is clear that neurodevelopment is dependent on proper hormonal functioning, and evidence is increasing for developmental neurotoxicity induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals, this is not grasped by current chemical testing. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop test methods detecting endocrine disruption in the context of neurodevelopment. Key to this development is further mechanistic insights on the involvement of endocrine signaling in neurodevelopment as well as increased support to develop and validate new test methods for the regulatory context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ylva Johansson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Maria Hinojosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan - Womher, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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35
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Inhibition of neurite outgrowth and enhanced effects compared to baseline toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:1039-1053. [PMID: 35182163 PMCID: PMC8921145 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Early life exposure to environmental chemicals can cause developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). The impairment of key neurodevelopmental processes such as neurite outgrowth inhibition can be used as endpoints for screening of DNT effects. We quantified neurite-specific effects using the ratio of effect concentrations for cytotoxicity and neurite outgrowth inhibition (SRcytotoxicity). Baseline cytotoxicity, the minimal toxicity of any chemical, was used to quantify enhanced cytotoxicity (toxic ratio, TR) and neuronal-specific toxicity (SRbaseline) by comparing baseline cytotoxicity with the effects on cell viability and neurite outgrowth, respectively. The effects on cell viability and neurite length were measured based on image analysis in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Baseline cytotoxicity was predicted from hydrophobicity descriptors using a previously published model for SH-SY5Y cells. Enhanced cytotoxicity and neuronal-specific toxicity were more often observed for hydrophilic chemicals, which indicates that they are more likely to act through specific modes of action (MOA) on cell viability and neurite outgrowth. Hydrophobic chemicals showed a tendency to act through baseline toxicity without showing specific or enhanced toxicity, but were highly potent considering their low effect concentrations for both cytotoxicity and neurite outgrowth inhibition. The endpoint-specific controls (narciclasine, colchicine, cycloheximide, and rotenone), two carbamates (3-hydroxycarbofuran and carbaryl), and two redox cyclers (diquat and paraquat) showed distinct neurite-specific effects (SRcytotoxicity > 4). By comparing neurite-specific effects with enhanced cytotoxicity, one can explain whether the observed effects involve specific inhibition of neurite outgrowth, other specific MOAs, or merely baseline toxicity arising from hydrophobicity.
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Spînu N, Cronin MT, Lao J, Bal-Price A, Campia I, Enoch SJ, Madden JC, Mora Lagares L, Novič M, Pamies D, Scholz S, Villeneuve DL, Worth AP. Probabilistic modelling of developmental neurotoxicity based on a simplified adverse outcome pathway network. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 21:100206. [PMID: 35211661 PMCID: PMC8857173 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2021.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A developmental neurotoxicity Adverse Outcome Pathway network was simplified. Common key events were chosen based on topology analysis and expert judgement. Quantification of causal relationships was informed by key event relationships. Various types of information were integrated for probability prediction. Bayesian hierarchical modelling was applied for hazard identification.
In a century where toxicology and chemical risk assessment are embracing alternative methods to animal testing, there is an opportunity to understand the causal factors of neurodevelopmental disorders such as learning and memory disabilities in children, as a foundation to predict adverse effects. New testing paradigms, along with the advances in probabilistic modelling, can help with the formulation of mechanistically-driven hypotheses on how exposure to environmental chemicals could potentially lead to developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). This investigation aimed to develop a Bayesian hierarchical model of a simplified AOP network for DNT. The model predicted the probability that a compound induces each of three selected common key events (CKEs) of the simplified AOP network and the adverse outcome (AO) of DNT, taking into account correlations and causal relations informed by the key event relationships (KERs). A dataset of 88 compounds representing pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and pesticides was compiled including physicochemical properties as well as in silico and in vitro information. The Bayesian model was able to predict DNT potential with an accuracy of 76%, classifying the compounds into low, medium or high probability classes. The modelling workflow achieved three further goals: it dealt with missing values; accommodated unbalanced and correlated data; and followed the structure of a directed acyclic graph (DAG) to simulate the simplified AOP network. Overall, the model demonstrated the utility of Bayesian hierarchical modelling for the development of quantitative AOP (qAOP) models and for informing the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in chemical risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Spînu
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Mark T.D. Cronin
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Junpeng Lao
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Ivana Campia
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Steven J. Enoch
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Judith C. Madden
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Liadys Mora Lagares
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjana Novič
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Cheminformatics, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - David Pamies
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland
| | - Stefan Scholz
- Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research − UFZ, Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN 55804, MN, USA
| | - Andrew P. Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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Hogberg HT, Smirnova L. The Future of 3D Brain Cultures in Developmental Neurotoxicity Testing. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:808620. [PMID: 35295222 PMCID: PMC8915853 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.808620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain is undoubtedly the most complex organ in the body. Thus, it is difficult to develop adequate and at the same time human relevant test systems and models to cover the aspects of brain homeostasis and even more challenging to address brain development. Animal tests for Developmental Neurotoxicity (DNT) have been devised, but because of complex underlying mechanisms of neural development, and interspecies differences, there are many limitations of animal-based approaches. The high costs, high number of animals used per test and technical difficulties of these tests are prohibitive for routine DNT chemical screening. Therefore, many potential DNT chemicals remain unidentified. New approach methodologies (NAMs) are needed to change this. Experts in the field have recommended the use of a battery of human in vitro tests to be used for the initial prioritization of high-risk environmental chemicals for DNT testing. Microphysiological systems (MPS) of the brain mimic the in vivo counterpart in terms of cellular composition, recapitulation of regional architecture and functionality. These systems amendable to use in a DNT test battery with promising features such as (i) complexity, (ii) closer recapitulation of in vivo response and (iii) possibility to multiplex many assays in one test system, which can increase throughput and predictivity for human health. The resent progress in 3D brain MPS research, advantages, limitations and future perspectives are discussed in this review.
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38
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Grignard E, de Jesus K, Hubert P. Regulatory Testing for Endocrine Disruptors; Need for Validated Methods and Integrated Approaches. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 3:821736. [PMID: 35295107 PMCID: PMC8915824 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2021.821736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Carstens KE, Carpenter AF, Martin MM, Harrill JA, Shafer TJ, Paul Friedman K. OUP accepted manuscript. Toxicol Sci 2022; 187:62-79. [PMID: 35172012 PMCID: PMC9421662 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) testing is resource intensive and lacks information on cellular processes affected by chemicals. To address this, DNT new approach methodologies (NAMs) are being evaluated, including: the microelectrode array neuronal network formation assay; and high-content imaging to evaluate proliferation, apoptosis, neurite outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. This work addresses 3 hypotheses: (1) a broad screening battery provides a sensitive marker of DNT bioactivity; (2) selective bioactivity (occurring at noncytotoxic concentrations) may indicate functional processes disrupted; and, (3) a subset of endpoints may optimally classify chemicals with in vivo evidence for DNT. The dataset was comprised of 92 chemicals screened in all 57 assay endpoints sourced from publicly available data, including a set of DNT NAM evaluation chemicals with putative positives (53) and negatives (13). The DNT NAM battery provides a sensitive marker of DNT bioactivity, particularly in cytotoxicity and network connectivity parameters. Hierarchical clustering suggested potency (including cytotoxicity) was important for classifying positive chemicals with high sensitivity (93%) but failed to distinguish patterns of disrupted functional processes. In contrast, clustering of selective values revealed informative patterns of differential activity but demonstrated lower sensitivity (74%). The false negatives were associated with several limitations, such as the maximal concentration tested or gaps in the biology captured by the current battery. This work demonstrates that this multi-dimensional assay suite provides a sensitive biomarker for DNT bioactivity, with selective activity providing possible insight into specific functional processes affected by chemical exposure and a basis for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Carstens
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA
| | - Amy F Carpenter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA
| | - Melissa M Martin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Joshua A Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
| | - Katie Paul Friedman
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA
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40
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Marable CA, Frank CL, Seim RF, Hester S, Henderson WM, Chorley B, Shafer TJ. Integrated Omic Analyses Identify Pathways and Transcriptomic Regulators Associated with Chemical Alterations of in Vitro Neural Network Formation. Toxicol Sci 2021; 186:118-133. [PMID: 34927697 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of in vitro new approach methodologies (NAMs) has been driven by the need for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) hazard data on thousands of chemicals. The network formation assay (NFA) characterizes DNT hazard based on changes in network formation but provides no mechanistic information. This study investigated nervous system signaling pathways and upstream physiological regulators underlying chemically-induced neural network dysfunction. Rat primary cortical neural networks grown on microelectrode arrays were exposed for 12 days in vitro (DIV) to cytosine arabinoside (CA), 5 fluorouracil (5FU), domoic acid (DA), cypermethrin (CM), deltamethrin (DM), or haloperidol (HP) as these exposures altered network formation in previous studies. RNA-seq from cells and GC/MS analysis of media extracts collected on DIV 12 provided gene expression and metabolomic identification, respectively. The integration of differentially expressed genes and metabolites for each neurotoxicant was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). All six compounds altered gene expression that linked to developmental disorders and neurological diseases. Other enriched canonical pathways overlapped among compounds of the same class; for example, genes and metabolites altered by both CA and 5FU exposures are enriched in axonal guidance pathways. Integrated analysis of upstream regulators was heterogeneous across compounds, but identified several transcriptomic regulators including CREB1, SOX2, NOTCH1, and PRODH. These results demonstrate that changes in network formation are accompanied by transcriptomic and metabolomic changes and that different classes of compounds produce differing responses. This approach can enhance information obtained from NAMs and contribute to the identification and development of adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) associated with DNT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen A Marable
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711.,Grantee to the U.S. EPA via Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - Christopher L Frank
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - Roland F Seim
- Grantee to the U.S. EPA via Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Athens, GA.,Chemical Processes and Systems Branch, Seim, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605
| | - Susan Hester
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - W Matthew Henderson
- Chemical Processes and Systems Branch, Seim, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, Athens, GA, 30605
| | - Brian Chorley
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
| | - Timothy J Shafer
- Rapid Assay Development Branch, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711
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Förster N, Butke J, Keßel HE, Bendt F, Pahl M, Li L, Fan X, Leung PC, Klose J, Masjosthusmann S, Fritsche E, Mosig A. Reliable identification and quantification of neural cells in microscopic images of neurospheres. Cytometry A 2021; 101:411-422. [PMID: 34747115 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurosphere cultures consisting of primary human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNPC) are used for studying the effects of substances on early neurodevelopmental processes in vitro. Differentiating hNPCs migrate and differentiate into radial glia, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes upon plating on a suitable extracellular matrix and thus model processes of early neural development. In order to characterize alterations in hNPC development, it is thus an essential task to reliably identify the cell type of each migrated cell in the migration area of a neurosphere. To this end, we introduce and validate a deep learning approach for identifying and quantifying cell types in microscopic images of differentiated hNPC. As we demonstrate, our approach performs with high accuracy and is robust against typical potential confounders. We demonstrate that our deep learning approach reproduces the dose responses of well-established developmental neurotoxic compounds and controls, indicating its potential in medium or high throughput in vitro screening studies. Hence, our approach can be used for studying compound effects on neural differentiation processes in an automated and unbiased process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Förster
- Department of Bioinformatics, Center for Protein Diagnostics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, Bochum, Germany
| | - Joshua Butke
- Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr 150, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hagen Eike Keßel
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Melanie Pahl
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lu Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Chung Leung
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin New Town, Hong Kong
| | - Jördis Klose
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Stefan Masjosthusmann
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF - Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Axel Mosig
- Department of Bioinformatics, Center for Protein Diagnostics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Gesundheitscampus 4, Bochum, Germany
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Dolde X, Karreman C, Wiechers M, Schildknecht S, Leist M. Profiling of Human Neural Crest Chemoattractant Activity as a Replacement of Fetal Bovine Serum for In Vitro Chemotaxis Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810079. [PMID: 34576243 PMCID: PMC8468192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is the only known stimulus for the migration of human neural crest cells (NCCs). Non-animal chemoattractants are desirable for the optimization of chemotaxis as-says to be incorporated in a test battery for reproductive and developmental toxicity. We con-firmed here in an optimized transwell assay that FBS triggers directed migration along a con-centration gradient. The responsible factor was found to be a protein in the 30–100 kDa size range. In a targeted approach, we tested a large panel of serum constituents known to be chem-otactic for NCCs in animal models (e.g., VEGF, PDGF, FGF, SDF-1/CXCL12, ephrins, endothelin, Wnt, BMPs). None of the corresponding human proteins showed any effect in our chemotaxis assays based on human NCCs. We then examined, whether human cells would produce any fac-tor able to trigger NCC migration in a broad screening approach. We found that HepG2 hepa-toma cells produced chemotaxis-triggering activity (CTA). Using chromatographic methods and by employing the NCC chemotaxis test as bioassay, the responsible protein was enriched by up to 5000-fold. We also explored human serum and platelets as a direct source, independent of any cell culture manipulations. A CTA was enriched from platelet lysates several thousand-fold. Its temperature and protease sensitivity suggested also a protein component. The capacity of this factor to trigger chemotaxis was confirmed by single-cell video-tracking analysis of migrating NCCs. The human CTA characterized here may be employed in the future for the setup of assays testing for the disturbance of directed NCC migration by toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Dolde
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; (X.D.); (C.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Christiaan Karreman
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; (X.D.); (C.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Marianne Wiechers
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; (X.D.); (C.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Stefan Schildknecht
- Department of Life Sciences, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences, 72488 Sigmaringen, Germany;
| | - Marcel Leist
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany; (X.D.); (C.K.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)7531-88-5037; Fax: +49-(0)7531-88-5039
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43
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Schneider MR, Oelgeschlaeger M, Burgdorf T, van Meer P, Theunissen P, Kienhuis AS, Piersma AH, Vandebriel RJ. Applicability of organ-on-chip systems in toxicology and pharmacology. Crit Rev Toxicol 2021; 51:540-554. [PMID: 34463591 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2021.1953439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip (OoC) systems are microfabricated cell culture devices designed to model functional units of human organs by harboring an in vitro generated organ surrogate. In the present study, we reviewed issues and opportunities related to the application of OoC in the safety and efficacy assessment of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as the steps needed to achieve this goal. The relative complexity of OoC over simple in vitro assays provides advantages and disadvantages in the context of compound testing. The broader biological domain of OoC potentially enhances their predictive value, whereas their complexity present issues with throughput, standardization and transferability. Using OoCs for regulatory purposes requires detailed and standardized protocols, providing reproducible results in an interlaboratory setting. The extent to which interlaboratory standardization of OoC is feasible and necessary for regulatory application is a matter of debate. The focus of applying OoCs in safety assessment is currently directed to characterization (the biology represented in the test) and qualification (the performance of the test). To this aim, OoCs are evaluated on a limited scale, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, with restricted sets of reference substances. Given the low throughput of OoC, it is questionable whether formal validation, in which many reference substances are extensively tested in different laboratories, is feasible for OoCs. Rather, initiatives such as open technology platforms, and collaboration between OoC developers and risk assessors may prove an expedient strategy to build confidence in OoCs for application in safety and efficacy assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon R Schneider
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Oelgeschlaeger
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Burgdorf
- German Centre for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (Bf3R), German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter van Meer
- Section on Pharmacology, Toxicology and Kinetics, Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Theunissen
- Section on Pharmacology, Toxicology and Kinetics, Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne S Kienhuis
- Laboratory for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Laboratory for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J Vandebriel
- Laboratory for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Piergiovanni M, Leite SB, Corvi R, Whelan M. Standardisation needs for organ on chip devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:2857-2868. [PMID: 34251386 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00241d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Organ on chip (OoC) devices represent the cutting edge of biotechnologies, combining advanced cell and tissue culture with microengineering. OoC is accelerating innovation in the life sciences and has the potential to revolutionise many fields including biomedical research, drug development and chemical risk assessment. In order to gain acceptance by end-users of OoC based methods and the data derived from them, and to establish OoC approaches as credible alternatives to animal testing, OoC devices need to go through an extensive qualification process. In this context, standardisation can play a key role in ensuring proper characterisation of individual devices, benchmarking against appropriate reference elements and aiding efficient communication among stakeholders. The development of standards for OoC will address several important issues such as basic terminology, device classification, and technical and biological performance. An analysis of technical and biological aspects related to OoC is presented here to identify standardisation areas specific for OoC, focusing on needs and opportunities. About 90 standards are already available from related fields including microtechnologies, medical devices and in vitro cell culture, laying the basis for future work in the OoC domain. Finally, two priority areas for OoC are identified that could be addressed with standards, namely, characterisation of small molecule absorption and measurement of microfluidic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia B Leite
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Corvi
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
| | - Maurice Whelan
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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45
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Myhre O, Zimmer KE, Hudecova AM, Hansen KEA, Khezri A, Berntsen HF, Berg V, Lyche JL, Mandal S, Duale N, Ropstad E. Maternal exposure to a human based mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affect gene expression related to brain function in mice offspring hippocampus. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130123. [PMID: 33714876 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Male and female mice pups were exposed to a low and high dose of a human relevant mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during pregnancy and lactation. Most compounds detected in the dams were found in offspring brains. The mice offspring exhibited changed expression of hippocampal genes involved in cognitive function (Adora2a, Auts2, Crlf1, Chrnb2, Gdnf, Gnal, Kcnh3), neuroinflammation (Cd47, Il1a), circadian rhythm (Per1, Clock), redox signalling (Hmox2) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation (Cyp1b1). A few genes were differentially expressed in males versus females. Mostly, similar patterns of gene expression changes were observed between the low and high dose groups. Effects on learning and memory function measured in the Barnes maze (not moving, escape latency) were found in the high dose group when combined with moderate stress exposure (air flow from a fan). Mediation analysis indicated adaptation to the effects of exposure since gene expression compensated for learning disabilities (escape latency, walking distance and time spent not moving in the maze). Additionally, random forest analysis indicated that Kcnh3, Gnal, and Crlf1 were the most important genes for escape latency, while Hip1, Gnal and the low exposure level were the most important explanatory factors for passive behaviour (not moving). Altogether, this study showed transfer of POPs to the offspring brains after maternal exposure, modulating the expression level of genes involved in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddvar Myhre
- Section of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P. O. Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Karin E Zimmer
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Alexandra M Hudecova
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Kristine E A Hansen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Abdolrahman Khezri
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Hanne F Berntsen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway; National Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 8149 Dep, N-0033, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vidar Berg
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | - Jan L Lyche
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Section of Molecular Toxicology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P. O. Box 222 Skøyen, N-0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P. O. Box 5003, 1433 Ås, Norway.
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Kapr J, Petersilie L, Distler T, Lauria I, Bendt F, Sauter CM, Boccaccini AR, Rose CR, Fritsche E. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells Produce Distinct Neural 3D In Vitro Models Depending on Alginate/Gellan Gum/Laminin Hydrogel Blend Properties. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100131. [PMID: 34197049 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stable and predictive neural cell culture models are a necessary premise for many research fields. However, conventional 2D models lack 3D cell-material/-cell interactions and hence do not reflect the complexity of the in vivo situation properly. Here two alginate/gellan gum/laminin (ALG/GG/LAM) hydrogel blends are presented for the fabrication of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based 3D neural models. For hydrogel embedding, hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs) are used either directly or after 3D neural pre-differentiation. It is shown that stiffness and stress relaxation of the gel blends, as well as the cell differentiation strategy influence 3D model development. The embedded hiNPCs differentiate into neurons and astrocytes within the gel blends and display spontaneous intracellular calcium signals. Two fit-for-purpose models valuable for i) applications requiring a high degree of complexity, but less throughput, such as disease modeling and long-term exposure studies and ii) higher throughput applications, such as acute exposures or substance screenings are proposed. Due to their wide range of applications, adjustability, and printing capabilities, the ALG/GG/LAM based 3D neural models are of great potential for 3D neural modeling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kapr
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Laura Petersilie
- Institute of Neurobiology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Thomas Distler
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nuremberg Erlangen 91054 Germany
| | - Ines Lauria
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Farina Bendt
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Clemens M. Sauter
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Aldo R. Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials Department of Materials Science and Engineering Friedrich‐Alexander‐University Erlangen‐Nuremberg Erlangen 91054 Germany
| | - Christine R. Rose
- Institute of Neurobiology Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF – Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
- Medical Faculty Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf 40225 Germany
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47
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Sachana M, Willett C, Pistollato F, Bal-Price A. The potential of mechanistic information organised within the AOP framework to increase regulatory uptake of the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro battery of assays. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 103:159-170. [PMID: 34147625 PMCID: PMC8279093 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Current in vivo DNT testing for regulatory purposes is not effective. In vitro assays anchored to key neurodevelopmental processes are available. Development of Adverse Outcome Pathways is required to increase mechanistic understanding of DNT effects. DNT Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment for various regulatory purposes should be developed. The OECD Guidance Document on use of in vitro DNT battery of assays is currently under development.
A major challenge in regulatory developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) assessment is lack of toxicological information for many compounds. Therefore, the Test Guidelines programme of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) took the initiative to coordinate an international collaboration between diverse stakeholders to consider integration of alternative approaches towards improving the current chemical DNT testing. During the past few years, a series of workshops was organized during which a consensus was reached that incorporation of a DNT testing battery that relies on in vitro assays anchored to key neurodevelopmental processes should be developed. These key developmental processes include neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation, neural cell migration, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis and neuronal network formation, as well key events identified in the existing Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs). AOPs deliver mechanistic information on the causal links between molecular initiating event, intermediate key events and an adverse outcome of regulatory concern, providing the biological context to facilitate development of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) for various regulatory purposes. Developing IATA case studies, using mechanistic information derived from AOPs, is expected to increase scientific confidence for the use of in vitro methods within an IATA, thereby facilitating regulatory uptake. This manuscript summarizes the current state of international efforts to enhance DNT testing by using an in vitro battery of assays focusing on the role of AOPs in informing the development of IATA for different regulatory purposes, aiming to deliver an OECD guidance document on use of in vitro DNT battery of assays that include in vitro data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalini Sachana
- Environment Health and Safety Division, Environment Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), 75775, Paris Cedex 16, France
| | - Catherine Willett
- Humane Society International, 1255 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | | | - Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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48
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Wen X, Takahashi S, Hatakeyama K, Kamei KI. Evaluation of the Effects of Solvents Used in the Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices on Cell Cultures. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:550. [PMID: 34066183 PMCID: PMC8151832 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microfluidic microphysiological systems (MPSs) or "organs-on-a-chip" are a promising alternative to animal models for drug screening and toxicology tests. However, most microfluidic devices employ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the structural material; and this has several drawbacks. Cyclo-olefin polymers (COPs) are more advantageous than PDMS and other thermoplastic materials because of their low drug absorption and autofluorescence. However, most COP-based microfluidic devices are fabricated by solvent bonding of the constituent parts. Notably, the remnant solvent can affect the cultured cells. This study employed a photobonding process with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light to fabricate microfluidic devices without using any solvent and compared their performance with that of solvent-bonded systems (using cyclohexane, dichloromethane, or toluene as the solvent) to investigate the effects of residual solvent on cell cultures. Quantitative immunofluorescence assays indicated that the coating efficiencies of extracellular matrix proteins (e.g., Matrigel and collagen I) were lower in solvent-bonded COP devices than those in VUV-bonded devices. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the systems was evaluated using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and increased apoptosis was observed in the solvent-processed devices. These results provide insights into the effects of solvents used during the fabrication of microfluidic devices and can help prevent undesirable reactions and establish good manufacturing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Wen
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
| | - Seiichiro Takahashi
- Incubation Center Organs On Chip Project, Ushio INC, 1-6-5 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8150, Japan; (S.T.); (K.H.)
| | - Kenji Hatakeyama
- Incubation Center Organs On Chip Project, Ushio INC, 1-6-5 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8150, Japan; (S.T.); (K.H.)
| | - Ken-ichiro Kamei
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Yoshida-Ushinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan;
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning 110016, China
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49
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Neurodevelopmental toxicity assessment of flame retardants using a human DNT in vitro testing battery. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 38:781-807. [PMID: 33969458 PMCID: PMC9525352 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their neurodevelopmental toxicity, flame retardants (FRs) like polybrominated diphenyl ethers are banned from the market and replaced by alternative FRs, like organophosphorus FRs, that have mostly unknown toxicological profiles. To study their neurodevelopmental toxicity, we evaluated the hazard of several FRs including phased-out polybrominated FRs and organophosphorus FRs: 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenylether (BDE-47), 2,2′,4,4′,5-pentabromodiphenylether (BDE-99), tetrabromobisphenol A, triphenyl phosphate, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate and its metabolite bis-(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, isodecyl diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl isopropylated phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, tert-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate, 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, tris(1-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate. Therefore, we used a human cell–based developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) in vitro battery covering a large variety of neurodevelopmental endpoints. Potency according to the respective most sensitive benchmark concentration (BMC) across the battery ranked from <1 μM (5 FRs), 1<10 μM (7 FRs) to the >10 μM range (3 FRs). Evaluation of the data with the ToxPi tool revealed a distinct ranking (a) than with the BMC and (b) compared to the ToxCast data, suggesting that DNT hazard of these FRs is not well predicted by ToxCast assays. Extrapolating the DNT in vitro battery BMCs to human FR exposure via breast milk suggests low risk for individual compounds. However, it raises a potential concern for real-life mixture exposure, especially when different compounds converge through diverse modes-of-action on common endpoints, like oligodendrocyte differentiation in this study. This case study using FRs suggests that human cell–based DNT in vitro battery is a promising approach for neurodevelopmental hazard assessment and compound prioritization in risk assessment.
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50
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Harrill JA, Everett LJ, Haggard DE, Sheffield T, Bundy JL, Willis CM, Thomas RS, Shah I, Judson RS. High-Throughput Transcriptomics Platform for Screening Environmental Chemicals. Toxicol Sci 2021; 181:68-89. [PMID: 33538836 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
New approach methodologies (NAMs) that efficiently provide information about chemical hazard without using whole animals are needed to accelerate the pace of chemical risk assessments. Technological advancements in gene expression assays have made in vitro high-throughput transcriptomics (HTTr) a feasible option for NAMs-based hazard characterization of environmental chemicals. In this study, we evaluated the Templated Oligo with Sequencing Readout (TempO-Seq) assay for HTTr concentration-response screening of a small set of chemicals in the human-derived MCF7 cell model. Our experimental design included a variety of reference samples and reference chemical treatments in order to objectively evaluate TempO-Seq assay performance. To facilitate analysis of these data, we developed a robust and scalable bioinformatics pipeline using open-source tools. We also developed a novel gene expression signature-based concentration-response modeling approach and compared the results to a previously implemented workflow for concentration-response analysis of transcriptomics data using BMDExpress. Analysis of reference samples and reference chemical treatments demonstrated highly reproducible differential gene expression signatures. In addition, we found that aggregating signals from individual genes into gene signatures prior to concentration-response modeling yielded in vitro transcriptional biological pathway altering concentrations (BPACs) that were closely aligned with previous ToxCast high-throughput screening assays. Often these identified signatures were associated with the known molecular target of the chemicals in our test set as the most sensitive components of the overall transcriptional response. This work has resulted in a novel and scalable in vitro HTTr workflow that is suitable for high-throughput hazard evaluation of environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Harrill
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Logan J Everett
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Derik E Haggard
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Thomas Sheffield
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.,Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joseph L Bundy
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Clinton M Willis
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.,Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Russell S Thomas
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Imran Shah
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Richard S Judson
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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