scholarly journals Skin Sensitization Testing—What’s Next?

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunilla Grundström ◽  
Carl Borrebaeck
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Accuracy ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Skin Sensitization ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Considerable Difficulty ◽  
Genomic Expression ◽  
High Information

There is an increasing demand for alternative in vitro methods to replace animal testing, and, to succeed, new methods are required to be at least as accurate as existing in vivo tests. However, skin sensitization is a complex process requiring coordinated and tightly regulated interactions between a variety of cells and molecules. Consequently, there is considerable difficulty in reproducing this level of biological complexity in vitro, and as a result the development of non-animal methods has posed a major challenge. However, with the use of a relevant biological system, the high information content of whole genome expression, and comprehensive bioinformatics, assays for most complex biological processes can be achieved. We propose that the Genomic Allergen Rapid Detection (GARD™) assay, developed to create a holistic data-driven in vitro model with high informational content, could be such an example. Based on the genomic expression of a mature human dendritic cell line and state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, GARD™ can today accurately predict skin sensitizers and correctly categorize skin sensitizing potency. Consequently, by utilizing advanced processing tools in combination with high information genomic or proteomic data, we can take the next step toward alternative methods with the same predictive accuracy as today’s in vivo methods—and beyond.

scholarly journals Current EU regulatory requirements for the assessment of chemicals and cosmetic products: challenges and opportunities for introducing new approach methodologies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Pistollato ◽  
Federica Madia ◽  
Raffaella Corvi ◽  
Sharon Munn ◽  
Elise Grignard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Developmental Toxicity ◽  
Toxicity Testing ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Eu Directive

AbstractThe EU Directive 2010/63/EU   on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and other EU regulations, such as REACH and the Cosmetic Products Regulation advocate for a change in the way toxicity testing is conducted. Whilst the Cosmetic Products Regulation bans animal testing altogether, REACH aims for a progressive shift from in vivo testing towards quantitative in vitro and computational approaches. Several endpoints can already be addressed using non-animal approaches including skin corrosion and irritation, serious eye damage and irritation, skin sensitisation, and mutagenicity and genotoxicity. However, for systemic effects such as acute toxicity, repeated dose toxicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity, evaluation of chemicals under REACH still heavily relies on animal tests. Here we summarise current EU regulatory requirements for the human health assessment of chemicals under REACH and the Cosmetic Products Regulation, considering the more critical endpoints and identifying the main challenges in introducing alternative methods into regulatory testing practice. This supports a recent initiative taken by the International Cooperation on Alternative Test Methods (ICATM) to summarise current regulatory requirements specific for the assessment of chemicals and cosmetic products for several human health-related endpoints, with the aim of comparing different jurisdictions and coordinating the promotion and ultimately the implementation of non-animal approaches worldwide. Recent initiatives undertaken at European level to promote the 3Rs and the use of alternative methods in current regulatory practice are also discussed.

scholarly journals Current Strategies in Assessment of Nanotoxicity: Alternatives to In Vivo Animal Testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 4216
Author(s):  
Hung-Jin Huang ◽  
Yu-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Yung-Ho Hsu ◽  
Chia-Te Liao ◽  
Yuh-Feng Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Qsar Modeling ◽  
Experimental Animals

Millions of experimental animals are widely used in the assessment of toxicological or biological effects of manufactured nanomaterials in medical technology. However, the animal consciousness has increased and become an issue for debate in recent years. Currently, the principle of the 3Rs (i.e., reduction, refinement, and replacement) is applied to ensure the more ethical application of humane animal research. In order to avoid unethical procedures, the strategy of alternatives to animal testing has been employed to overcome the drawbacks of animal experiments. This article provides current alternative strategies to replace or reduce the use of experimental animals in the assessment of nanotoxicity. The currently available alternative methods include in vitro and in silico approaches, which can be used as cost-effective approaches to meet the principle of the 3Rs. These methods are regarded as non-animal approaches and have been implemented in many countries for scientific purposes. The in vitro experiments related to nanotoxicity assays involve cell culture testing and tissue engineering, while the in silico methods refer to prediction using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) modeling. The commonly used novel cell-based methods and computational approaches have the potential to help minimize the use of experimental animals for nanomaterial toxicity assessments.

scholarly journals In Vitro and In Vivo Biosafety Analysis of Resorbable Polyglycolic Acid-Polylactic Acid Block Copolymer Composites for Spinal Fixation

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Seung Kyun Yoon ◽  
Jin Ho Yang ◽  
Hyun Tae Lim ◽  
Young-Wook Chang ◽  
Muhammad Ayyoob ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Polyglycolic Acid ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Skin Sensitization ◽  
Spinal Fixation ◽  
In Vivo Degradation

Herein, spinal fixation implants were constructed using degradable polymeric materials such as PGA–PLA block copolymers (poly(glycolic acid-b-lactic acid)). These materials were reinforced by blending with HA-g-PLA (hydroxyapatite-graft-poly lactic acid) and PGA fiber before being tested to confirm its biocompatibility via in vitro (MTT assay) and in vivo animal experiments (i.e., skin sensitization, intradermal intracutaneous reaction, and in vivo degradation tests). Every specimen exhibited suitable biocompatibility and biodegradability for use as resorbable spinal fixation materials.

Comparative Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Assays for the Detection of Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus as a Contaminant of Live Poultry Vaccines

1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 629-634
Author(s):  
Emiliana Falcone ◽  
Edoardo Vignolo ◽  
Livia Di Trani ◽  
Simona Puzelli ◽  
Maria Tollis
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Bronchitis Virus ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Avian Infectious Bronchitis Virus ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Assay ◽  
In Vivo Test ◽  
Infectious Bronchitis

A reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for identifying avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in poultry vaccines, and the serological response to IBV induced by the inoculation of chicks with a Newcastle disease vaccine spiked with the Massachusetts strain of IBV, were compared for their ability to detect IBV as a contaminant of avian vaccines. The sensitivity of the IBV-RT-PCR assay provided results which were at least equivalent to the biological effect produced by the inoculation of chicks, allowing this assay to be considered a valid alternative to animal testing in the quality control of avian immunologicals. This procedure can easily be adapted to detect a number of contaminants for which the in vivo test still represents the only available method of detection.

A Study on UV Filter Chemicals from Annex VII of European Union Directive 76/768/EEC, in the In Vitro 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test

1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horst Spielmann ◽  
Michael Balls ◽  
Jack Dupuis ◽  
Wolfgang J. W. Pape ◽  
Odile de Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutral Red ◽  
Optimum Concentration ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Uv Filter ◽  
Eu Directive ◽  
Optimum Concentration Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Results

In 1996, the Scientific Committee on Cosmetology of DGXXIV of the European Commission asked the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods to test eight UV filter chemicals from the 1995 edition of Annex VII of Directive 76/768/EEC in a blind trial in the in vitro 3T3 cell neutral red uptake phototoxicity (3T3 NRU PT) test, which had been scientifically validated between 1992 and 1996. Since all the UV filter chemicals on the positive list of EU Directive 76/768/EEC have been shown not to be phototoxic in vivo in humans under use conditions, only negative effects would be expected in the 3T3 NRU PT test. To balance the number of positive and negative chemicals, ten phototoxic and ten non-phototoxic chemicals were tested under blind conditions in four laboratories. Moreover, to assess the optimum concentration range for testing, information was provided on appropriate solvents and on the solubility of the coded chemicals. In this study, the phototoxic potential of test chemicals was evaluated in a prediction model in which either the Photoirritation Factor (PIF) or the Mean Photo Effect (MPE) were determined. The results obtained with both PIF and MPE were highly reproducible in the four laboratories, and the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data was almost perfect. All the phototoxic test chemicals provided a positive result at concentrations of 1μg/ml, while nine of the ten non-phototoxic chemicals gave clear negative results, even at the highest test concentrations. One of the UV filter chemicals gave positive results in three of the four laboratories only at concentrations greater than 100μg/ml; the other laboratory correctly identified all 20 of the test chemicals. An analysis of the impact that exposure concentrations had on the performance of the test revealed that the optimum concentration range in the 3T3 NRU PT test for determining the phototoxic potential of chemicals is between 0.1μg/ml and 10μg/ml, and that false positive results can be obtained at concentrations greater than 100μg/ml. Therefore, the positive results obtained with some of the UV filter chemicals only at concentrations greater than 100μg/ml do not indicate a phototoxic potential in vivo. When this information was taken into account during calculation of the overall predictivity of the 3T3 NRU PT test in the present study, an almost perfect correlation of in vitro versus in vivo results was obtained (between 95% and 100%), when either PIF or MPE were used to predict the phototoxic potential. The management team and participants therefore conclude that the 3T3 NRU PT test is a valid test for correctly assessing the phototoxic potential of UV filter chemicals, if the defined concentration limits are taken into account.

Evaluation of the Skin Sensitization Potential of Silica nanoparticles using in vitro and in vivo assay

2021 ◽  
Vol 350 ◽  
pp. S72
Author(s):  
D.H. Lee ◽  
S.-H. Kim ◽  
J.H. Lee ◽  
J.-Y Yang ◽  
H.-S. Shin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silica Nanoparticles ◽  
Skin Sensitization ◽  
In Vivo Assay

scholarly journals A Next-Generation Risk Assessment Case Study for Coumarin in Cosmetic Products

2020 ◽  
Vol 176 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria T Baltazar ◽  
Sophie Cable ◽  
Paul L Carmichael ◽  
Richard Cubberley ◽  
Tom Cull ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Margin Of Safety

Abstract Next-Generation Risk Assessment is defined as an exposure-led, hypothesis-driven risk assessment approach that integrates new approach methodologies (NAMs) to assure safety without the use of animal testing. These principles were applied to a hypothetical safety assessment of 0.1% coumarin in face cream and body lotion. For the purpose of evaluating the use of NAMs, existing animal and human data on coumarin were excluded. Internal concentrations (plasma Cmax) were estimated using a physiologically based kinetic model for dermally applied coumarin. Systemic toxicity was assessed using a battery of in vitro NAMs to identify points of departure (PoDs) for a variety of biological effects such as receptor-mediated and immunomodulatory effects (Eurofins SafetyScreen44 and BioMap Diversity 8 Panel, respectively), and general bioactivity (ToxCast data, an in vitro cell stress panel and high-throughput transcriptomics). In addition, in silico alerts for genotoxicity were followed up with the ToxTracker tool. The PoDs from the in vitro assays were plotted against the calculated in vivo exposure to calculate a margin of safety with associated uncertainty. The predicted Cmax values for face cream and body lotion were lower than all PoDs with margin of safety higher than 100. Furthermore, coumarin was not genotoxic, did not bind to any of the 44 receptors tested and did not show any immunomodulatory effects at consumer-relevant exposures. In conclusion, this case study demonstrated the value of integrating exposure science, computational modeling and in vitro bioactivity data, to reach a safety decision without animal data.

Integrated Decision-tree Testing Strategies for Environmental Toxicity with Respect to the Requirements of the EU REACH Legislation

2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Grindon ◽  
Robert Combes ◽  
Mark T.D. Cronin ◽  
David W. Roberts ◽  
John F. Garrod
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Decision Tree ◽  
Aquatic Toxicity ◽  
Toxicity Testing ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Testing Strategies

Liverpool John Moores University and FRAME recently conducted a research project sponsored by Defra on the status of alternatives to animal testing with regard to the European Union REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) system for safety testing and risk assessment of chemicals. The project covered all the main toxicity endpoints associated with the REACH system. This paper focuses on the prospects for using alternative methods (both in vitro and in silico) for environmental (aquatic) toxicity testing. The manuscript reviews tests based on fish cells and cell lines, fish embryos, lower organisms, and the many expert systems and QSARs for aquatic toxicity testing. Ways in which reduction and refinement measures can be used are also discussed, including the Upper Threshold Concentration — Step Down (UTC) approach, which has recently been retrospectively validated by ECVAM and subsequently endorsed by the ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC). It is hoped that the application of this approach could reduce the number of fish used in acute toxicity studies by around 65–70%. Decision-tree style integrated testing strategies are also proposed for acute aquatic toxicity and chronic toxicity (including bioaccumulation), followed by a number of recommendations for the future facilitation of aquatic toxicity testing with respect to environmental risk assessment.

scholarly journals Selection of Effective Therapies Using Three-Dimensional in vitro Modeling of Chondrosarcoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ieva Palubeckaitė ◽  
Sanne Venneker ◽  
Inge H. Briaire-de Bruijn ◽  
Brendy E. van den Akker ◽  
Augustinus D. Krol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Immunohistochemical Assessment ◽  
Inhibitor Treatment

Purpose: Chondrosarcomas are a group of cartilaginous malignant neoplasms characterized by the deposition of chondrogenic extracellular matrix. Surgical resection is currently the only curative treatment option, due to their high resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Novel therapeutic treatment options may improve outcome. Predominantly used cell line monolayer in vitro models lack in vivo complexity, such as the presence of extracellular matrix, and differing oxygen access. Hence, we aimed to improve pre-clinical chondrosarcoma research by developing an alginate-based 3D cell culture model.Method: An alginate scaffold was applied to generate spheroids of three chondrosarcoma cell lines (CH2879, JJ012, SW1353). Morphological, histological and immunohistochemical assessment of the spheroids were used to characterize the chondrosarcoma model. Presto blue assay, morphological and immunohistochemical assessment were applied to assess spheroid response to a panel of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies, which was compared to conventional 2D monolayer models. Synergistic effect of doxorubicin and ABT-737 (Bcl-2 inhibitor) was compared between monolayer and spheroid models using excess over Bliss. A 3D colony formation assay was developed for assessment of radiotherapy response.Results: Chondrosarcoma spheroids produced chondrogenic matrix and remained proliferative after 2 weeks of culture. When treated with chemotherapeutics, the spheroids were more resistant than their monolayer counterparts, in line with animal models and clinical data. Moreover, for sapanisertib (mTOR inhibitor) treatment, a recovery in chondrosarcoma growth, previously observed in mice models, was also observed using long-term treatment. Morphological assessment was useful in the case of YM-155 (survivin inhibitor) treatment where a fraction of the spheroids underwent cell death, however a large fraction remained proliferative and unaffected. Synergy was less pronounced in 3D compared to 2D. A 3D clonogenic assay confirmed increased resistance to radiotherapy in 3D chondrosarcoma spheroids.Conclusion: We demonstrate that the chondrosarcoma alginate spheroid model is more representative of chondrosarcoma in vivo and should be used instead of the monolayer model for therapy testing. Improved selection at in vitro stage of therapeutic testing will increase the amount of information available for experimental design of in vivo animal testing and later, clinical stages. This can potentially lead to increased likelihood of approval and success at clinical trials.

scholarly journals Teaching and training in substitutive approaches to animal testing: Commitment of the University of Genoa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Bassi
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Animal Testing ◽  
Vitro Model ◽  
Teaching Programs ◽  
The University ◽  
Graduating Students ◽  
And Training

The 21st century life science requires that scientists become aware of scientific and ethical issues of substitutive approaches to animal testing. For more than 20 years Dr Bassi Team at University of Genoa promotes several activities in Academia on the Replacement of Animal Testing: 2 days training course, lectures within teaching programs, work experience opportunities for graduated or graduating students, stages for Biology, Medicine and Surgery degrees and PhD courses on human in vitro model disease projects, This effort is now improved by Centro3R activities to increase the number of scientists aware of effective alternatives to classical in vivo approaches, and prevent needless suffering of animals.

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