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Lee JM, Lee GH, Kim K. Attending veterinarians improve the research capability and psychological well-being of researchers in animal research institutes. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1340225. [PMID: 38249556 PMCID: PMC10797093 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1340225] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of laboratory animals in biomedical research has significantly advanced scientific understanding, yet it raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and the mental health of researchers Recent research has highlighted the potential for stress and compassion fatigue among researchers working with distressed animals. Attending veterinarians (AVs) are crucial in mitigating the pain and stress experienced by animals and, by extension, researchers. However, the impact of AVs on researchers' psychological well-being remains understudied. This study explores how AVs contribute to researchers' research capability and psychological well-being in animal research institutions. AVs oversee animal housing, health, and welfare; their involvement is mandated or strongly recommended in developed countries. AVs enhance animal welfare by ensuring proper housing, nutrition, and social interaction. They monitor animal health, educate researchers on pain assessment, and promote compliance with post-surgical care. AVs also contribute to researchers' well-being by addressing euthanasia procedures, which can be emotionally challenging. Programs for rehoming animals after experiments offer an alternative to euthanasia and positively impact researchers' psychological well-being. Moreover, AVs promote workplace well-being by fostering positive workplace cultures, offering peer counseling, and providing social support. Programs considering animal welfare and researchers' emotions are crucial for a healthy research environment. In conclusion, AVs are essential in balancing scientific progress with animal welfare and researchers' psychological well-being. Therefore, their role should be recognized as vital in achieving social equity that considers the welfare of humans and laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Min Lee
- Research Ethics Team, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Hoon Lee
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - KilSoo Kim
- Preclinical Research Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Chen X, Xue J, Dong X, Lu P. Uncovering virulence factors in Cronobacter sakazakii: insights from genetic screening and proteomic profiling. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0102823. [PMID: 37750707 PMCID: PMC10617496 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01028-23] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing problem of antibiotic resistance has driven the search for virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria, which can serve as targets for the development of new antibiotics. Although whole-genome Tn5 transposon mutagenesis combined with phenotypic assays has been a widely used approach, its efficiency remains low due to labor-intensive processes. In this study, we aimed to identify specific genes and proteins associated with the virulence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a pathogenic bacterium known for causing severe infections, particularly in infants and immunocompromised individuals. By employing a combination of genetic screening, comparative proteomics, and in vivo validation using zebrafish and rat models, we rapidly screened highly virulent strains and identified two genes, rcsA and treR, as potential regulators of C. sakazakii toxicity toward zebrafish and rats. Proteomic profiling revealed upregulated proteins upon knockout of rcsA and treR, including FabH, GshA, GppA, GcvH, IhfB, RfaC, MsyB, and three unknown proteins. Knockout of their genes significantly weakened bacterial virulence, confirming their role as potential virulence factors. Our findings contribute to understanding the pathogenicity of C. sakazakii and provide insights into the development of targeted interventions and therapies against this bacterium.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria has become a critical global health concern, necessitating the identification of virulence factors as potential targets for the development of new antibiotics. This study addresses the limitations of conventional approaches by employing a combination of genetic screening, comparative proteomics, and in vivo validation to rapidly identify specific genes and proteins associated with the virulence of Cronobacter sakazakii, a highly pathogenic bacterium responsible for severe infections in vulnerable populations. The identification of two genes, rcsA and treR, as potential regulators of C. sakazakii toxicity toward zebrafish and rats and the proteomic profiling upon knockout of rcsA and treR provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying bacterial virulence. The findings contribute to our understanding of C. sakazakii's pathogenicity, shed light on the regulatory pathways involved in bacterial virulence, and offer potential targets for the development of novel interventions against this highly virulent bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Juan Xue
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaoli Dong
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin, China
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3
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Ahn N, Park J, Roh S. Use of laboratory animals and issues regarding the procurement of animals for research in Korea. Lab Anim Res 2023; 39:10. [PMID: 37259162 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-023-00161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laboratory animals remain critical to biomedical research, despite the increasing availability of alternative approaches. Indeed, scientists strive to reduce and refine and replace the use of laboratory animals, even in the face of public calls for ever-more stringent regulation for the protection and care of animals in research. This report outlines the current status and legal regulatory issues with regard to the procurement and use of animals for research in Korea. RESULTS The number of animals used for education and research purposes was increased nationwide, from 2.5 to 4.9 million in 2015 and 2021, respectively. When compared with figures from the UK, institutions in Korea were found to use more mammals such as mice and dogs. In our research, we identified three major issues concerning recent animal supply in Korea, particularly: (1) Purchase of dogs from unregistered animal supplier for a dog cloning project; (2) Purchase of dogs from an unclear source for veterinary education and training; (3) Illegal cat experiments using cats obtained from unauthorized routes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the notion that alternatives to laboratory animal research should be implemented. We conclude that improvements in the regulations and guidelines for animal suppliers, together with the recent introduction of legislation will improve animal safety and wellbeing of animals in laboratory research in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ahn
- Department of Pet Health, Kwangju Women's University, Gwangju, 62396, Korea
| | - Jaehak Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Sangho Roh
- School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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Activated intestinal microbiome-associated tryptophan metabolism upregulates aryl hydrocarbon receptor to promote osteoarthritis in a rat model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110020. [PMID: 36933489 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and its association with intestinal microbiome-related tryptophan metabolism. METHODS Cartilage was isolated from OA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and analyzed for expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and cytochrome P450 of family 1, subfamily A, and polypeptide 1 (CyP1A1). To gain mechanistic insights, OA model was induced in Sprague Dawley rats after antibiotic pretreatment combined with a tryptophan-rich diet (or not). The severity of OA was assessed eight weeks after surgery according to the Osteoarthritis Research Society International grading system. Expression of AhR, CyP1A1 as well as markers of bone and cartilage metabolism, inflammation, and intestinal microbiome-related tryptophan metabolism was assessed. RESULTS Severity of OA in cartilage from patients positively correlated with expression of AhR and CyP1A1 in chondrocytes. In the rat model of OA, antibiotic pretreatment led to lower expression of AhR and CyP1A1 and lower serum levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Conversely, antibiotics upregulated Col2A1 and SOX9 in cartilage, which mitigated the cartilage damage and synovitis, reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Additional tryptophan supplementation activated intestinal microbiome-related tryptophan metabolism, antagonizing the effects of antibiotics, exacerbating OA synovitis. CONCLUSION Our study established an underlying intestinal microbiome associated tryptophan metabolism-OA connection which sets a new target for exploring OA pathogenesis. The alteration of tryptophan metabolism might prompt the activation and synthesis of AhR, accelerating the development of OA.
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Structural Analyses of a Dominant Cryptosporidium parvum Epitope Presented by H-2K b Offer New Options To Combat Cryptosporidiosis. mBio 2023; 14:e0266622. [PMID: 36602309 PMCID: PMC9973275 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02666-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum has gained much attention as a major cause of diarrhea in the world, particularly in those with compromised immune systems. The data currently available on how the immune system recognizes C. parvum are growing rapidly, but we lack data on the interactions among host major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity and parasitic T-cell epitopes. To identify antigenic epitopes in a murine model, we performed systematic profiling of H-2Kb-restricted peptides by screening the dominant Cryptosporidium antigens. The results revealed that the glycoprotein-derived epitope Gp40/15-SVF9 induced an immunodominant response in C. parvum-recovered C57BL/6 mice, and injection of the cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte (CTL) peptide with the adjuvant activated peptide-specific CD8+ T cells. Notably, the SVF9 epitope was highly conserved across Cryptosporidium hominis, C. parvum, and many other Cryptosporidium species. SVF9 also formed stable peptide-MHC class I (MHC I) complexes with HLA-A*0201, suggesting cross-reactivity between H-2Kb and human MHC I specificities. Crystal structure analyses revealed that the interactions of peptide-MHC surface residues of H-2Kb and HLA-A*0201 are highly conserved. The hydrogen bonds of H-2Kb-SVF9 are similar to those of a dominant epitope presented by HLA-A*0201, which can be recognized by a public human T-cell receptor (TCR). Notably, we found double conformations in position 4 (P4), 5 (P5) of the SVF9 peptide, which showed high flexibility, and multiple peptide conformations generated more molecular surfaces that can potentially be recognized by TCRs. Our findings demonstrate that an immunodominant C. parvum epitope and its homologs from different Cryptosporidium species and subtypes can benefit vaccine development to combat cryptosporidiosis. IMPORTANCE Adaptive immune responses and T lymphocytes have been implicated as important mechanisms of parasite-induced protection. However, the role of CD8+ T lymphocytes in the resolution of C. parvum infection is largely unresolved. Our results revealed that the glycoprotein-derived epitope Gp40/15-SVF9 induced an immunodominant CD8+ T-cell response in C57BL/6 mice. Crystal structure analyses revealed that the interactions of the H-2Kb-SVF9 peptide are similar to those of a dominant epitope presented by HLA-A*0201, which can be recognized by human TCRs. In addition, we found double conformations of the SVF9 peptide, which showed high flexibility and multiple peptide conformations that can potentially be recognized by TCRs.
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Improvement plans on the operation of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee: focusing on the case of Seoul National University. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:27. [PMID: 35982463 PMCID: PMC9387048 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00137-0] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) became compulsory in 2008 by the Animal Protection Act in Korea. Seoul National University (SNU), which conducts 5% of Korea’s total animal protocol reviews and uses 10% of national laboratory animal usage, has been influential in the review of animal protocols and management of animal facilities. This study was undertaken to suggest the operational improvement of the IACUC. It focused on the case of SNU.
Results The methodological framework consists of a qualitative approach. In particular, this study is focused on the grounded theory approach and sixty people were surveyed through purposeful sampling. Through this study, we found that various practical educations are necessary such as: (1) education for researchers on how to write a protocol, (2) standardization of screening criteria for various animal experiments by presenting various cases, (3) training on a detailed understanding of relevant laws and policies. In particular, an integrated management system, making it possible to share information among the related committees, would be essential for smoother operation of the IACUC. Conclusions If various levels of education and the integrated management system are established, it will be possible to enhance the excellence of researchers and to better manage the operation of the IACUC.
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Zheng S, Liu C, Tang D, Zheng Z, Yan R, Wu C, Zuo N, Ma J, He Y, Liu S. The Protective Effect of Rutin against the Cisplatin-induced Cochlear Damage in vitro. Neurotoxicology 2022; 90:102-111. [PMID: 35304134 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rutin is a natural flavonoid, with typical effects including interaction with enzymes and scavenging of free radicals. However, the role of rutin in the auditory system is still unclear. In the present study, we used neonatal organ of Corti explants in vitro to investigate the effects of rutin in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The TUNEL assay and the cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were used to detect the apoptosis of hair cell (HCs) in cochlear explants, and the MitoSox-Red staining was used to detect the difference in mitochondrial superoxide among different groups. Western blot was used to investigate the expression of genes. Confocal microscopy showed that after pretreatment with rutin, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in HCs caused by cisplatin exposure was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the expression levels of p-P38 and p-JNK were significantly decreased, while ratio of p-AKT/AKT was significantly upregulated. Our study showed that rutin reduced cisplatin-induced HCs death in neonatal cochlear explants in vitro. The potential mechanism involved the alleviation of mitochondrial damage, the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the suppression of MAPK signaling pathway, and the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The datasets during and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimei Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Dongmei Tang
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Renchun Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China
| | - Cheng Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China
| | - Na Zuo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China
| | - Yingzi He
- ENT Institute and Otorhinolaryngology Department, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine Research, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Shaofeng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, 241001, China.
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Aerts L, Miccoli B, Delahanty A, Witters H, Verstraelen S, De Strooper B, Braeken D, Verstreken P. Do we still need animals? Surveying the role of animal-free models in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease research. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110002. [PMID: 35199384 PMCID: PMC8922267 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in neuroscience and biomedical research remains controversial. Policy is built around the “3R” principle of “Refining, Reducing and Replacing” animal experiments, and across the globe, different initiatives stimulate the use of animal‐free methods. Based on an extensive literature screen to map the development and adoption of animal‐free methods in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease research, we find that at least two in three examined studies rely on animals or on animal‐derived models. Among the animal‐free studies, the relative contribution of innovative models that may replace animal experiments is limited. We argue that the distinction between animal research and alternative models presents a false dichotomy, as the role and scientific value of both animal and animal‐free approaches are intertwined. Calls to halt all animal experiments appear premature, as insufficient non‐animal‐based alternatives are available and their development lags behind. In light of this, we highlight the need for objective, unprejudiced monitoring, and more robust performance indicators of animal‐free approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Aerts
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Beatrice Miccoli
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,IMEC vzw, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aaron Delahanty
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,IMEC vzw, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilda Witters
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, VITO, Mol, Belgium
| | - Sandra Verstraelen
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Unit Health, VITO, Mol, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK
| | - Dries Braeken
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,IMEC vzw, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrik Verstreken
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Chitnis KR, Shah AC, Jalgaonkar SV. A Study to Assess the Quality of Reporting of Animal Research Studies Published in PubMed Indexed Journals: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Content Analysis. Cureus 2022; 14:e21439. [PMID: 35198334 PMCID: PMC8857553 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: A complete and concise pre-clinical experimental research gives detailed information about the disease-specific model, prevents duplication, and saves animal life, money, as well as time. It will also allow readers to effectively interpret and evaluate the work and ensure that others can replicate the experiments described. The present study was conducted to assess the adequacy of animal details provided in published experimental animal studies. Methods: All in vivo studies published as full-text articles in two PubMed indexed journals (one Indian and one international) from January 2011 to December 2019 and satisfying the inclusion norms were included. A checklist consisting of 27 discrete items subdivided under three domains, viz. animal details, disease model, and guidelines, was used. Every article was assessed by two investigators independently for determining the reporting quality. Results: One hundred and seventy-seven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Age or age range was reported in 20.34% of the articles in the Indian journal and 5.88% articles in the international journal (p=0.019). Housing and husbandry details were reported in all the articles published in the international journal and 82.7% of the articles in the Indian journal (p=0.001). The disease/pathology studied was given in 70.62% of articles published in the Indian journal and 86.27% of articles published in the international journal (p=0.029). None of the studies provided details of genetic modification, health status, sample size calculation, steps taken to minimize bias, and implementation of randomization. Conclusion: There is a need for optimal reporting of certain relevant animal details, disease models, experimental procedures, sample size calculation, and adherence to guidelines by the researchers for which the reporting was found to be sub-par to improve reproducibility and validity of animal research.
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Cait J, Cait A, Scott RW, Winder CB, Mason GJ. Conventional laboratory housing increases morbidity and mortality in research rodents: results of a meta-analysis. BMC Biol 2022; 20:15. [PMID: 35022024 PMCID: PMC8756709 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01184-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 120 million mice and rats are used annually in research, conventionally housed in shoebox-sized cages that restrict natural behaviours (e.g. nesting and burrowing). This can reduce physical fitness, impair thermoregulation and reduce welfare (e.g. inducing abnormal stereotypic behaviours). In humans, chronic stress has biological costs, increasing disease risks and potentially shortening life. Using a pre-registered protocol ( https://atrium.lib.uoguelph.ca/xmlui/handle/10214/17955 ), this meta-analysis therefore tested the hypothesis that, compared to rodents in 'enriched' housing that better meets their needs, conventional housing increases stress-related morbidity and all-cause mortality. RESULTS Comprehensive searches (via Ovid, CABI, Web of Science, Proquest and SCOPUS on May 24 2020) yielded 10,094 publications. Screening for inclusion criteria (published in English, using mice or rats and providing 'enrichments' in long-term housing) yielded 214 studies (within 165 articles, using 6495 animals: 59.1% mice; 68.2% male; 31.8% isolation-housed), and data on all-cause mortality plus five experimentally induced stress-sensitive diseases: anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression and stroke. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool assessed individual studies' risks of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses supported the hypothesis: conventional housing significantly exacerbated disease severity with medium to large effect sizes: cancer (SMD = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.54-0.88); cardiovascular disease (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.35-1.09); stroke (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.59-1.15); signs of anxiety (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.56-1.25); signs of depression (SMD = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.98-1.49). It also increased mortality rates (hazard ratio = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.25-1.74; relative median survival = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.89-0.94). Meta-regressions indicated that such housing effects were ubiquitous across species and sexes, but could not identify the most impactful improvements to conventional housing. Data variability (assessed via coefficient of variation) was also not increased by 'enriched' housing. CONCLUSIONS Conventional housing appears sufficiently distressing to compromise rodent health, raising ethical concerns. Results also add to previous work to show that research rodents are typically CRAMPED (cold, rotund, abnormal, male-biased, poorly surviving, enclosed and distressed), raising questions about the validity and generalisability of the data they generate. This research was funded by NSERC, Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cait
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alissa Cait
- Department of Translational Immunology, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - R Wilder Scott
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Charlotte B Winder
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia J Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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Ahn N, Park J, Roh S. Operational issues of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee in Korea. J Vet Sci 2022; 23:e59. [PMID: 35920123 PMCID: PMC9346528 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.22087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Korean Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is currently facing some operational pressing issues. 1) Review of the animal protocol containing controversial technology. 2) Review of the multi-institution animal protocol. 3) Review of veterinary clinical trials for client-owned animals. 4) Delay the review process in large institutions with a single IACUC. Here, the following three solutions are proposed to address the above issues. 1) Establishment of public IACUC. 2) Establishment of the Veterinary Clinical Study Committee as an advisory body to the IACUC. 3) Operating multiple committees rather than increasing the number of committee members on a single committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ahn
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jaehak Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sangho Roh
- School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Halim Serafi A, Azmat A, Ahmed M, Bafail M, Hussain Z. Beneficial Effects of Black Cardamom ( Amomum subulatum) on Hemodynamic Parameters in Normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Pak J Biol Sci 2022; 25:358-368. [PMID: 35638531 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2022.358.368] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objectives:</b> <i>Amomum subulatum</i> (AS) is used to improve cardiac health in traditional medicine practice. The present study evaluates the pharmacological effect of AS aqueous extract on blood pressure in Normotensive (NR) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Blood pressure, Heart Rate (HR) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV), was recorded in catheterized Sprague-Dawley rats before and after AS intravenous administration by using Mikro-Tip Pressure-Volume System (MPVS), PowerLab. The receptor activity was assessed by using the drugs Acetylcholine (ACh) and Atropine (Atr). <b>Results:</b> Preliminary phytochemistry of AS suggests that it contains tannins, flavonoids and saponins. Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was found to decrease significantly in NR and SHR as compared with the control. The lowest dose (1 mg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup>) produced the least (16%) while 30 mg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup> caused the maximum reduction (40%) in MAP. Electrocardiograph analysis revealed a significant increase in RR interval (decreased heart rate), time-domain Standard Deviation of Interbeat Interval (SDNN) and the Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD) and High-frequency Domain (HF%) parameters and a decrease in the Low-Frequency (LF) range, suggesting the activation and involvement of the parasympathetic limb. It was also observed that the cardiovascular effects of AS were comparable to Acetylcholine (ACh) and both were completely blocked by Atropine (1 μg kg<sup></sup><sup>1</sup>). <b>Conclusion:</b> The obtained results suggest that AS has a hypotensive effect, with an impact on the HRV of NR and SHR. <i>Amomum subulatum</i> might cause an augmented effect on the cholinergic limb of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and decrease the blood pressure and heart rate significantly.
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Sun Z, Liu X, Chen M, Zhang H, Zeng X. Overexpression of RNF126 is associated with poor prognosis and contributes to the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. Biomark Med 2021; 15:1345-1355. [PMID: 34533052 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2020-0798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To document the expression and function of RNF126 in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD). Materials & methods: A total of 102 LAD patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The mRNA and protein levels of RNF126 were tested via RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to exploring the clinical significance of RNF126 in the prognosis. Knockdown and overexpression strategies were used to validate the tumor-related roles of RNF126 both in vitro and in vivo. Results: RNF126 was highly expressed and was an independent predictor of a poor prognosis for LAD patients. We also revealed that RNF126 knockdown suppressed proliferation of LAD cells and xenografts. Conclusion: RNF126 is a potential survival predictor and therapeutic target for LAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaona Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, 262500, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, 262500, China
| | - Meiyuan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, 262500, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Second Ward of Tuberculosis Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Xiancong Zeng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shiyan People's Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, China
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14
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Niemi SM. Harm-Benefit Analyses Can Be Harmful. ILAR J 2021; 60:341-346. [PMID: 32785593 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa016] [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] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Harm-benefit analyses (HBAs) are becoming de rigueur with some governmental regulatory agencies and popular with local institutional animal care and use committees (or their equivalents), the latter due, in part, to the adoption of HBAs as an international accreditation standard. Such analyses are employed as an attempt to balance potential or actual pain or distress imposed on laboratory animals against scientists' justifications for those impositions. The outcomes of those analyses are then supposed to be included in an official assessment of whether a given animal protocol should be approved as proposed. While commendable in theory as a means to avoid or minimize animal suffering, HBAs come with a flawed premise. Establishing an accurate prediction of benefit, especially for so-called "basic" research (vs "applied" research, such as in vivo testing for product development or batch release), is often impossible given the uncertain nature of experimental outcomes and the eventual value of those results. That impossibility, in turn, risks disapproving a legitimate research proposal that might have yielded important new knowledge if it had been allowed to proceed. Separately, the anticipated harm to which the animal would be subjected should similarly be scrutinized with an aim to refine that harm regardless of purported benefits if the protocol is approved. The intentions of this essay are to reflect on the potential harm and benefit of the HBA itself, highlight how HBAs may be helpful in advancing refinements, and propose alternative approaches to both parts of the equation in the assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Niemi
- Animal Law & Policy Program, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Ahn N, Roh S, Park J. The status and issues of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Seoul National University: from its establishment to the present day. Exp Anim 2021; 70:532-540. [PMID: 34193732 PMCID: PMC8614008 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Seoul National University (SNU) plays a key role in monitoring and managing the humane use of animals in scientific research.
Here, as one of the pioneers of the IACUC in Korea, we reported SNU-IACUC operations and activities including committee establishment and legal formulation, protocol review, and
post-approval monitoring of protocols, which the IACUC has undertaken in the last decade. In addition, legal regulations and improvements were also discussed, and encompassed the limited
number of committee members and the single IACUC policy in Korea. As of December, 2020, amendments are on the table at the National Assembly. We also emphasized the independent nature of the
IACUC in protecting activities, including approval and monitoring animal experiments, and its public role in narrowing the knowledge gap between society and scientists. Thus, the aim of this
report is to help society and scientists understand the operations of the SNU-IACUC and its role in animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ahn
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University
| | - Sangho Roh
- School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University
| | - Jaehak Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University
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16
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Drerup C. First detailed description of the burying behaviour of a bottletail squid, Sepiadarium kochii Steenstrup, 1881. MOLLUSCAN RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13235818.2021.1927464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Drerup
- Marine Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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17
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Aubeux D, Renard E, Pérez F, Tessier S, Geoffroy V, Gaudin A. Review of Animal Models to Study Pulp Inflammation. FRONTIERS IN DENTAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2021.673552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human dental pulp is a highly dynamic tissue equipped with a network of resident immunocompetent cells that play a major role in the defense against pathogens and during tissue injury. Animal studies are mandatory and complementary to in vitro experiments when studying the physiopathology of dental pulp, new diagnostic tools, or innovative therapeutic strategies. This animal approach makes it possible to define a benefit-risk ratio necessary to be subsequently tested in humans. Among the animal kingdom, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, swine, dogs, and non-human primates have been used to model human pulpitis. The diversity of animals found in studies indicate the difficulty of choosing the correct and most efficient model. Each animal model has its own characteristics that may be advantageous or limiting, according to the studied parameters. These elements have to be considered in preclinical studies. This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of the different animal models used to study pulp inflammation. This may help to find the most pertinent or appropriate animal model depending on the hypothesis investigated and the expected results.
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18
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Yao Z, Fu Y. Glycyrrhizic acid restrains airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:461. [PMID: 33747193 PMCID: PMC7967847 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) against asthma have previously been reported; however, the underlying molecular mechanism of GA in asthma has not yet been elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the function and potential molecular mechanism of GA for modulating the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway in asthma-associated airway inflammation and remodeling. In order to study the mechanism of GA on airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice, a mouse model of chronic asthma was constructed. A total of 50 female mice were randomly assigned into five groups (10 mice/group), as follows: Blank group, asthma group, GA group, dexamethasone group and GA + TGF-β1 group. Hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson staining were performed to assess the airway inflammation and remodeling in mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17 in mice were assessed via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the levels of TGF-β1 and Smads in lung tissues of each group of mice. The results demonstrated that GA and dexamethasone treatment mitigated airway inflammation, inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remolding, with a concomitant decrease in the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IL-17, in mice with OVA-induced asthma. In addition, the levels of TGF-β1 and Smad2 notably decreased, while Smad7 expression increased in the GA and dexamethasone groups compared with the asthma group. Furthermore, histopathological morphometry exhibited significantly elevated inflammatory cell infiltration, airway wall and smooth muscle, collagen secretion and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of mice in the GA + TGF-β1 group compared with the GA group. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that GA ameliorates airway inflammation and remodeling via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in mice with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziping Yao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Fu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Yanling Fu, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 North Third Ring East Road, Chaoyang, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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19
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Mitchell AS, Hartig R, Basso MA, Jarrett W, Kastner S, Poirier C. International primate neuroscience research regulation, public engagement and transparency opportunities. Neuroimage 2021; 229:117700. [PMID: 33418072 PMCID: PMC7994292 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific excellence is a necessity for progress in biomedical research. As research becomes ever more international, establishing international collaborations will be key to advancing our scientific knowledge. Understanding the similarities in standards applied by different nations to animal research, and where the differences might lie, is crucial. Cultural differences and societal values will also contribute to these similarities and differences between countries and continents. Our overview is not comprehensive for all species, but rather focuses on non-human primate (NHP) research, involving New World marmosets and Old World macaques, conducted in countries where NHPs are involved in neuroimaging research. Here, an overview of the ethics and regulations is provided to help assess welfare standards amongst primate research institutions. A comparative examination of these standards was conducted to provide a basis for establishing a common set of standards for animal welfare. These criteria may serve to develop international guidelines, which can be managed by an International Animal Welfare and Use Committee (IAWUC). Internationally, scientists have a moral responsibility to ensure excellent care and welfare of their animals, which in turn, influences the quality of their research. When working with animal models, maintaining a high quality of care ("culture of care") and welfare is essential. The transparent promotion of this level of care and welfare, along with the results of the research and its impact, may reduce public concerns associated with animal experiments in neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Mitchell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Renée Hartig
- Centre for Integrative Neurosciences, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michele A Basso
- Fuster Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences UCLA Los Angeles 90095, CA United States
| | - Wendy Jarrett
- Understanding Animal Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sabine Kastner
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute & Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, United States
| | - Colline Poirier
- Biosciences Institute & Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
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20
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Fontana F, Figueiredo P, Martins JP, Santos HA. Requirements for Animal Experiments: Problems and Challenges. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2004182. [PMID: 33025748 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202004182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In vivo models remain a principle screening tool in the drug discovery pipeline. Here, the challenges associated with the need for animal experiments, as well as their impact on research, individual/societal, and economic contexts are discussed. A number of alternatives that, with further development, optimization, and investment, may replace animal experiments are also revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Fontana
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - João P Martins
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FI-00014, Finland
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21
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Li X, Guo Q, Ye Z, Wang E, Zou W, Sun Z, He Z, Zhong T, Weng Y, Pan Y. PPAR γ Prevents Neuropathic Pain by Down-Regulating CX3CR1 and Attenuating M1 Activation of Microglia in the Spinal Cord of Rats Using a Sciatic Chronic Constriction Injury Model. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:620525. [PMID: 33841075 PMCID: PMC8024527 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.620525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have proved that peripheral nerve injury is involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain (NP). The peripheral nerve injury primes spinal M1 microglia phenotype and produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for neurotoxic and neuronal hyper-excitable outcomes. Spinal peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) has been shown to play an anti-inflammatory role in the development of NP. However, the role of PPAR γ in attenuating the pathological pathway of spinal microgliosis is still unknown. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats (male, aged 8-10 weeks) were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., a control group, a NP group, and a NP + lentivirus encoding PPAR γ (LV-PPAR γ) group. The sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was used to induce NP in rats. Pain behavior was assessed by monitoring the rat hind-paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli and withdrawal latency to radiant heat. The LV-PPAR γ was intrathecally infused 1 day before CCI. Western blot analysis and real-time qPCR were used to detect the microglia phenotypic molecules and CX3CR1 expression in the spinal cord. In vitro, BV-2 microglia cells were transfected with LV-PPAR γ and incubated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and the levels of M1 microglia phenotypic molecules and CX3CR1 in BV-2 microglia cells were assessed by western blot analysis, real-time qPCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Preoperative intrathecal infusion of LV-PPAR γ attenuated pain in rats 7 days post-CCI. The M1-microglia marker, CX3CR1, and pro-inflammatory signaling factors were increased in the spinal cord of CCI rats, while the preoperative intrathecal infusion of LV-PPAR γ attenuated these changes and increased the expression of IL-10. In vitro, the overexpression of PPAR γ in BV-2 cells reduced LPS-induced M1 microglia polarization and the levels of CX3CR1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion Intrathecal infusion of LV-PPAR γ exerts a protective effect on the development of NP induced by CCI in rats. The overexpression of PPAR γ may produce both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects due to inhibition of the M1 phenotype and CX3CR1 signaling pathway in spinal microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilei Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qulian Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - E Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wangyuan Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihua Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenghua He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tao Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingqi Weng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yundan Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Codecasa E, Pageat P, Marcet-Rius M, Cozzi A. Legal Frameworks and Controls for the Protection of Research Animals: A Focus on the Animal Welfare Body with a French Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030695. [PMID: 33807523 PMCID: PMC8001902 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Worldwide, the conditions governing the use of laboratory animals are based on culture and traditions. Applications of the principle of the three Rs—replacement, reduction, and refinement—aim to foster humane and responsible science and minimize animal harm. In this paper, the European system regulating laboratory animal welfare is examined since it is one of the strictest such systems in the world. Growing public concern over the use of animals for research animal use and the importance of high research animal welfare to the outcomes of studies have pushed institutions to strengthen their protocols for research activities involving animals. The animal welfare body (AWB) is a type of regulatory structure responsible for protecting animal well-being in each stage of experimental research programs. It is a local structure that fulfills oversight and advisory functions on animal housing conditions and care and research procedures involving animals while providing support for the implementation of legal requirements. Since this structure is an innovation and examples of its functioning are scarce, a French case study is described here. Information on AWB members’ functions, tasks and goals is discussed by examining the body’s activity in a French research institute. The purpose of this work is to add knowledge in this field and share information on the scientific community’s commitment to welfare progress for laboratory animals. Abstract In recent years, efforts have been devoted to improving the welfare of laboratory animals. Scientific progress and growing concerns over animal harm have pushed institutions to strengthen their laws to make science more humane and responsible. European Directive 2010/63/EU makes it mandatory for breeders, suppliers and users of laboratory animals to have an animal welfare body (AWB) to prioritize animal welfare and harmonize experimental standards while reassuring the public that research is being carried out appropriately. Based on application of the three Rs (refinement, reduction and replacement), these bodies provide staff with oversight and advisory functions to support compliance with the legal requirements on both animal housing and project realization. This review aims to present the legal measures protecting research animals, with a focus on European AWBs. The review explains how the mission of AWBs includes development of environmental enrichment programs and how animal training generates benefits not only for animal welfare but also for the research work environment and research quality. A French case study is conducted to provide the scientific community with an example of an AWB’s functioning and activities, share its achievements and propose some perspectives for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Codecasa
- Animal Experimentation Service, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Patrick Pageat
- Responsible for Innovation, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
| | - Alessandro Cozzi
- Research and Education Board, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Quartier Salignan, 84400 Apt, France;
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23
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Li Z, Guo J, Bian Y, Zhang M. Intermedin protects thapsigargin‑induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiomyocytes by modulating protein kinase A and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+‑ATPase. Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:107. [PMID: 33300086 PMCID: PMC7723158 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermedin (IMD) is a calcitonin/calcitonin-related peptide that elicits cardioprotective effects in a variety of heart diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the molecular mechanism of IMD remains unclear. The present study investigated the effects of IMD on neonatal rat ventricular myocytes treated with thapsigargin. The results of the present study demonstrated that thapsigargin induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Thapsigargin induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, as determined by increased expression levels of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein, C/EBP-homologous protein and caspase-12, which were dose-dependently attenuated by pretreatment with IMD. In addition, IMD treatment counteracted the thapsigargin-induced suppression of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity and protein expression levels, and cytoplasmic Ca2+ overload. IMD treatment also augmented the phosphorylation of phospholamban, which is a crucial regulator of SERCA. Additionally, treatment with the protein kinase A antagonist H-89 inhibited the IMD-mediated cardioprotective effects, including SERCA activity restoration, anti-Ca2+ overload, endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition and antiapoptosis effects. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that IMD may protect cardiomyocytes against thapsigargin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and the associated apoptosis at least partly by activating the protein kinase A/SERCA pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Jia Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Shanxi Medical University First Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Yunfei Bian
- Department of Cardiology, Shanxi Medical University Second Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Mingsheng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
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24
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Ni RJ, Tian Y, Dai XY, Zhao LS, Wei JX, Zhou JN, Ma XH, Li T. Social avoidance behavior in male tree shrews and prosocial behavior in male mice toward unfamiliar conspecifics in the laboratory. Zool Res 2020; 41:258-272. [PMID: 32212430 PMCID: PMC7231478 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2020.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male tree shrews vigorously defend against intruding male conspecifics. However, the characteristics of social behavior have not been entirely explored in these males. In this study, male wild-type tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) and C57BL/6J mice were first allowed to familiarize themselves with an open-field apparatus. The tree shrews exhibited a short duration of movement (moving) in the novel environment, whereas the mice exhibited a long duration of movement. In the 30 min social preference-avoidance test, target animals significantly decreased the time spent by the experimental tree shrews in the social interaction (SI) zone, whereas experimental male mice exhibited the opposite. In addition, experimental tree shrews displayed a significantly longer latency to enter the SI zone in the second 15 min session (target-present) than in the first 15 min session (target-absent), which was different from that found in mice. Distinct behavioral patterns in response to a conspecific male were also observed in male tree shrews and mice in the first, second, and third 5 min periods. Thus, social behaviors in tree shrews and mice appeared to be time dependent. In summary, our study provides results of a modified social preference-avoidance test designed for the assessment of social behavior in tree shrews. Our findings demonstrate the existence of social avoidance behavior in male tree shrews and prosocial behavior in male mice toward unfamiliar conspecifics. The tree shrew may be a new animal model, which differs from mice, for the study of social avoidance and prosocial behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jun Ni
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yang Tian
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xin-Ye Dai
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lian-Sheng Zhao
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jin-Xue Wei
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Ma
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. E-mail:
| | - Tao Li
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Huaxi Brain Research Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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25
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Xiao Y, Fan M, Jin W, Li WA, Jia Y, Dong Y, Jiang X, Xu J, Meng N, Lv P. Lithium chloride ameliorated spatial cognitive impairment through activating mTOR phosphorylation and inhibiting excessive autophagy in the repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion mouse model. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:109. [PMID: 32989388 PMCID: PMC7517419 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium has been previously demonstrated to alleviate cognitive impairment caused by neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injuries; however, the specific mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, the C57BL/6 mouse model of spatial cognitive impairment induced by repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was established. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the levels of spatial cognitive impairment. Nissl staining was used to observe any morphological alterations, whilst western blotting was performed to measure the expression levels of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin1 in addition to mTOR phosphorylation. LiCl was found to significantly improve spatial learning and memory impairments according to data from the Morris water maze test. Nissl staining indicated that LiCl inhibited neuronal damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Additionally, LiCl increased mTOR phosphorylation, reduced beclin1 expression and reduced the LC3 II/I expression ratio. Taken together, these findings suggest that LiCl may alleviate the spatial cognitive impairment induced by repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. This observation may be attributed to the inhibition of excessive autophagy by LiCl through mTOR signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Mingyue Fan
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Wei Jin
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - William A Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Yanqiu Jia
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Dong
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Nan Meng
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Peiyuan Lv
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
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26
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Zhang X, Chen J, Jin H, Zhao W, Chang Z, Wu H. Effect of erlotinib combined with cisplatin on IL-6 and IL-12 in mice with Lewis lung cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:902-906. [PMID: 32566018 PMCID: PMC7285801 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Effect of erlotinib combined with cisplatin on tumor growth, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) in mice with Lewis lung cancer (LLC) was investigated. Forty-four pure inbred SPF C57BL/6J mice were modeled for LLC and randomized into groups A, B, C and D (n=11 each group). Mice in group A were given normal saline, group B was given erlotinib, group C was given cisplatin injection and group D erlotinib combined with cisplatin. Tumor growth of the mice was observed and the tumor mass was measured. Serum IL-6 and IL-12 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 40 days later. At different time-points after medication, tumor volume in group D was significantly lower than that in groups A, B and C (P<0.05), and that in groups B and C was significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). Tumor mass in groups B, C and D was significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05), and that in group D was significantly lower than that in groups B and C (P<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). Compared with groups B and C, mice in group D had significantly lower IL-6 level (P<0.05), but significantly higher IL-12 level (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IL-6 and IL-12 levels between groups B and C (P>0.05). In conclusion, erlotinib combined with cisplatin can inhibit the tumor growth of mice with LLC, and inhibition of IL-6 level and upregulation of IL-12 level may be one of its therapeutic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jinliang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Hongsong Jin
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of Taizhou, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650031, P.R. China
| | - Zhibo Chang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
| | - Huijing Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radio-Chemotherapy Center, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
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27
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Abstract
3D bioprinting involves engineering live cells into a 3D structure, using a 3D printer to print cells, often together with a compatible 3D scaffold. 3D-printed cells and tissues may be used for a range of purposes including medical research, in vitro drug testing, and in vivo transplantation. The inclusion of living cells and biomaterials in the 3D printing process raises ethical, policy, and regulatory issues at each stage of the bioprinting process that include the source of cells and materials, stability and biocompatibility of cells and materials, disposal of 3D-printed materials, intended use, and long-term effects. This chapter focuses on the ethical issues that arise from 3D bioprinting in the lab-from consideration of the source of cells and materials, ensuring their quality and safety, through to testing of bioprinted materials in animal and human trials. It also provides guidance on where to seek information concerning appropriate regulatory frameworks and guidelines, including on classification and patenting of 3D-bioprinted materials, and identifies regulatory gaps that deserve attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Goddard
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Susan Dodds
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Industry Engagement), La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Farahany NA, Greely HT, Giattino CM. Part-revived pig brains raise slew of ethical quandaries. Nature 2019; 568:299-302. [PMID: 30996311 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-019-01168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Harding JD. Nonhuman Primates and Translational Research: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. ILAR J 2017; 58:141-150. [PMID: 29253273 PMCID: PMC5886318 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are the closest animal models to humans regarding genetics, physiology and behavior. Therefore, NHPs are usually a critical component in translational research projects aimed at developing therapeutics, vaccines, devices or other interventions aimed at preventing, curing or ameliorating human disease. NHPs are often used in conjunction with other animal models, such as rodents, and results obtained using NHPs must often be used as the final criterion for establishing the potential efficacy of a pharmaceutical or vaccine before transition to human clinical trails. In some cases, NHPs may be the only relevant animal models for a particlular translational study. This issue of the ILAR journal brings together, in one place, articles that discuss the use of NHP models for studying human diseases that are highly prevalent and that cause extraordinary human suffering and financial and social burdens. Topics covered in detail include: tuberculosis; viral hepatitis; HIV/AIDS; neurodegenerative disorders; Substance abuse disorders; vision and prevention of blindness; disorder associated with psychosocial processes, such as anxiety, depression and loneliness; cardiovascular disease; metabolic disease, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome; respiratory disease; and female reproduction, prenatal development and women's health. Proper husbandry of NHPs that reduces stress and maintains animal health is critical for the development of NHP models. This issue of the journal includes a review of procedures for environmental enrichment, which helps assure animal health and wellbeing. Taken together, these articles provide detailed reviews of the use of NHP models for translational investigations and discuss successes, limitations, challenges and opportunities associated with this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Harding
- John D. Harding, PhD, recently retired after several years of service at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where he was program officer for grants funding the US National Primate Research Centers.
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