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Brandmair K, Dising D, Finkelmeier D, Schepky A, Kuehnl J, Ebmeyer J, Burger-Kentischer A. A novel three-dimensional Nrf2 reporter epidermis model for skin sensitization assessment. Toxicology 2024; 503:153743. [PMID: 38341018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Skin sensitization assessment has progressed from the use of animal models towards the application of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). Several skin sensitization NAMs are accepted for regulatory use, but a majority relies on submerged in vitro cell cultures that limit their applicability domain, posing challenges for testing hydrophobic chemicals and mixtures. A newly developed three-dimensional (3D) Nrf2 reporter epidermis model for skin sensitization assessment is reported. This NAM may help to overcome these limitations. The NAM combines the in vivo-like biology and exposure conditions of 3D epidermis models with the reliability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of secreted reporter gene technology. The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway was chosen as the reporter gene read-out, as it is induced by most skin sensitizers and already adopted in OECD Test guideline 442D. Immortalized human primary keratinocytes (Ker-CT) were stably transfected with the pIGB-Nrf2-SEAP vector to construct a Nrf2 reporter cell line. Ker-CT Nrf2 reporter cells showed negligible basal expression of the Secreted Embryonic Alkaline Phosphatase (SEAP) reporter, which was induced 13.5-fold by exposure to the skin sensitizer cinnamic aldehyde (CA). Co-exposure to CA and the Nrf2 inhibitor glucocorticoid clobetasol propionate significantly suppressed the CA-induced SEAP expression, confirming dependance of the SEAP expression on Nrf2 activation. Using air-liquid interface and animal constituent free culture conditions, the Ker-CT Nrf2 reporter cells differentiated to stratified 3D epidermis models with an in vivo-like skin architecture and functional skin barrier. Evaluation of a Ker-CT Nrf2 reporter cell-based 2D assay by testing 10 conventional reference chemicals showed a predictive accuracy for skin sensitization potential of 80% and 70% compared to LLNA and human data in two independent laboratories and a high intra- and interlaboratory reproducibility. Moreover, the 3D epidermis models predicted 3 sensitizing and 2 non-sensitizing reference chemicals correctly in a first proof-of-concept study. Further investigations foresee the testing of additional chemicals, including hydrophobic compounds and mixtures to confirm the potential of the 3D epidermis models to broaden the applicability domain for NAM-based skin sensitization assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brandmair
- Beiersdorf AG, Beiersdorfstraße 1-9, Hamburg 20245, Germany
| | - D Dising
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Cell and Tissue Technologies, Nobelstraße 12, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - D Finkelmeier
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Cell and Tissue Technologies, Nobelstraße 12, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - A Schepky
- Beiersdorf AG, Beiersdorfstraße 1-9, Hamburg 20245, Germany
| | - J Kuehnl
- Beiersdorf AG, Beiersdorfstraße 1-9, Hamburg 20245, Germany
| | - J Ebmeyer
- Beiersdorf AG, Beiersdorfstraße 1-9, Hamburg 20245, Germany.
| | - A Burger-Kentischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, Cell and Tissue Technologies, Nobelstraße 12, Stuttgart 70569, Germany.
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Pesce E, Garde M, Rigolet M, Tindall AJ, Lemkine GF, Baumann LA, Sachs LM, Du Pasquier D. A Novel Transgenic Model to Study Thyroid Axis Activity in Early Life Stage Medaka. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:99-109. [PMID: 38117130 PMCID: PMC10786150 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Identifying endocrine disrupting chemicals in order to limit their usage is a priority and required according to the European Regulation. There are no Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) test guidelines based on fish available for the detection of Thyroid axis Active Chemicals (TACs). This study aimed to fill this gap by developing an assay at eleuthero-embryonic life stages in a novel medaka (Oryzias latipes) transgenic line. This transgenic line expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in thyrocytes, under the control of the medaka thyroglobulin gene promoter. The fluorescence expressed in the thyrocytes is inversely proportional to the thyroid axis activity. When exposed for 72 h to activators (triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)) or inhibitors (6-N-propylthiouracil (PTU), Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) of the thyroid axis, the thyrocytes can change their size and express lower or higher levels of fluorescence, respectively. This reflects the regulation of thyroglobulin by the negative feedback loop of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axis. T3, T4, PTU, and TBBPA induced fluorescence changes with the lowest observable effect concentrations (LOECs) of 5 μg/L, 1 μg/L, 8 mg/L, and 5 mg/L, respectively. This promising tool could be used as a rapid screening assay and also to help decipher the mechanisms by which TACs can disrupt the thyroid axis in medaka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Pesce
- Laboratoire
WatchFrog S.A., 1 Rue
Pierre Fontaine, 91000 Évry, France
- UMR
7221 Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS, Muséum
National d’Histoire Naturelle, CP32, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Marion Garde
- Laboratoire
WatchFrog S.A., 1 Rue
Pierre Fontaine, 91000 Évry, France
| | - Muriel Rigolet
- UMR
7221 Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS, Muséum
National d’Histoire Naturelle, CP32, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Andrew J. Tindall
- Laboratoire
WatchFrog S.A., 1 Rue
Pierre Fontaine, 91000 Évry, France
| | | | - Lisa A. Baumann
- University
of Heidelberg, Centre for Organismal
Studies, Aquatic Ecology and Toxicology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 504, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute
for Life and Environment, Section Environmental Health & Toxicology, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laurent M. Sachs
- UMR
7221 Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS, Muséum
National d’Histoire Naturelle, CP32, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - David Du Pasquier
- Laboratoire
WatchFrog S.A., 1 Rue
Pierre Fontaine, 91000 Évry, France
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Maertens A, Luechtefeld T, Knight J, Hartung T. Alternative methods go green! Green toxicology as a sustainable approach for assessing chemical safety and designing safer chemicals. ALTEX 2024; 41:3-19. [PMID: 38194639 DOI: 10.14573/altex.2312291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Green toxicology is marching chemistry into the 21st century. This emerging framework will transform how chemical safety is evaluated by incorporating evaluation of the hazards, exposures, and risks associated with chemicals into early product development in a way that minimizes adverse impacts on human and environmental health. The goal is to minimize toxic threats across entire supply chains through smarter designs and policies. Traditional animal testing methods are replaced by faster, cutting-edge innovations like organs-on-chips and artificial intelligence predictive models that are also more cost-effective. Core principles of green toxicology include utilizing alternative test methods, applying the precautionary principle, considering lifetime impacts, and emphasizing risk prevention over reaction. This paper provides an overview of these foundational concepts and describes current initiatives and future opportunities to advance the adoption of green toxicology approaches. Chal-lenges and limitations are also discussed. Green shoots are emerging with governments offering carrots like the European Green Deal to nudge industry. Noteworthy, animal rights and environ-mental groups have different ideas about the needs for testing and their consequences for animal use. Green toxicology represents the way forward to support both these societal needs with sufficient throughput and human relevance for hazard information and minimal animal suffering. Green toxi-cology thus sets the stage to synergize human health and ecological values. Overall, the integration of green chemistry and toxicology has potential to profoundly shift how chemical risks are evaluated and managed to achieve safety goals in a more ethical, ecologically-conscious manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Maertens
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Hartung
- Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT), Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Doerenkamp-Zbinden-Chair for Evidence-based Toxicology, Baltimore, MD, USA
- CAAT-Europe, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Bernhard A, Poulsen R, Brun Hansen AM, Hansen M. Toxicometabolomics as a tool for next generation environmental risk assessment. EFSA J 2023; 21:e211005. [PMID: 38047121 PMCID: PMC10687767 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.e211005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally applied methodology in environmental risk assessment (ERA) has fallen out of step with technological advancements and regulatory requirements, challenging effectiveness and accuracy of the assessments. Extensive efforts have been focused towards a transition to a more data-driven and mechanistically-based next generation risk assessment. Metabolomics can produce detailed and comprehensive molecular insight into affected biochemical processes. Combining metabolomics with environmental toxicology can help to understand the mechanisms and/or modes of action underlying toxicity of environmental pollutants and inform adverse outcome pathways, as well as facilitate identification of biomarkers to quantify effects and/or exposure. This Technical Report describes the activities and work performed within the frame of the European Food Risk Assessment Fellowship Programme (EU-FORA), implemented at the section 'Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology' at the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University in Denmark with synergies to an ongoing H2020 RIA project 'EndocRine Guideline Optimisation' (ERGO). In accordance with the 'training by doing' principles of the EU-FORA, the fellowship project combined the exploration of the status of scientific discussion on methodology in ERA through literature study with hands-on training, using the metabolomics analysis pipeline established at Aarhus University. For the hands-on training, an amphibian metamorphosis assay (OECD test no.231) was used as a proof-of-concept toxicometabolomics study case. Both a targeted biomarker - and an untargeted metabolomics approach was applied.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rikke Poulsen
- Section of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Department of Environmental ScienceAarhus UniversityDenmark
| | - Anna M Brun Hansen
- Section of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Department of Environmental ScienceAarhus UniversityDenmark
| | - Martin Hansen
- Section of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Department of Environmental ScienceAarhus UniversityDenmark
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Horánszky A, Shashikadze B, Elkhateib R, Lombardo SD, Lamberto F, Zana M, Menche J, Fröhlich T, Dinnyés A. Proteomics and disease network associations evaluation of environmentally relevant Bisphenol A concentrations in a human 3D neural stem cell model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1236243. [PMID: 37664457 PMCID: PMC10472293 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1236243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is associated with a plethora of neurodevelopmental abnormalities and brain disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated BPA-induced perturbations to critical neural stem cell (NSC) characteristics, such as proliferation and differentiation, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain under debate. The present study evaluated the effects of a repeated-dose exposure of environmentally relevant BPA concentrations during the in vitro 3D neural induction of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), emulating a chronic exposure scenario. Firstly, we demonstrated that our model is suitable for NSC differentiation during the early stages of embryonic brain development. Our morphological image analysis showed that BPA exposure at 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µM decreased the average spheroid size by day 21 (D21) of the neural induction, while no effect on cell viability was detected. No alteration to the rate of the neural induction was observed based on the expression of key neural lineage and neuroectodermal transcripts. Quantitative proteomics at D21 revealed several differentially abundant proteins across all BPA-treated groups with important functions in NSC proliferation and maintenance (e.g., FABP7, GPC4, GAP43, Wnt-8B, TPPP3). Additionally, a network analysis demonstrated alterations to the glycolytic pathway, potentially implicating BPA-induced changes to glycolytic signalling in NSC proliferation impairments, as well as the pathophysiology of brain disorders including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study enhances the current understanding of BPA-related NSC aberrations based mostly on acute, often high dose exposures of rodent in vivo and in vitro models and human GWAS data in a novel human 3D cell-based model with real-life scenario relevant prolonged and low-level exposures, offering further mechanistic insights into the ramifications of BPA exposure on the developing human brain and consequently, later life neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Horánszky
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Bachuki Shashikadze
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Radwa Elkhateib
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Salvo Danilo Lombardo
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Center for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Federica Lamberto
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | | | - Jörg Menche
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Center for Molecular Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Mathematics, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Addicks GC, Rowan-Carroll A, Reardon A, Leingartner K, Williams A, Meier MJ, Moffat I, Carrier R, Lorusso L, Wetmore BA, Yauk C, Atlas E. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in mixtures show additive effects on transcriptomic points of departure in human liver spheroids. Toxicol Sci 2023:7169149. [PMID: 37195416 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a wide range of chemicals that are used in a variety of consumer and industrial products leading to direct human exposure. Many PFAS are chemically non-reactive and persistent in the environment, resulting in additional exposure from water, soil, and dietary intake. While some PFAS have documented negative health effects, data on simultaneous exposures to multiple PFAS (PFAS mixtures) are inadequate for making informed decisions for risk assessment. The current study leverages data from previous work in our group using Templated Oligo-Sequencing (TempO-Seq™) for high-throughput transcriptomic analysis of PFAS-exposed primary human liver cell spheroids; herein, we determine the transcriptomic potency of PFAS in mixtures. Gene expression data from single PFAS and mixture exposures of liver cell spheroids were subject to benchmark concentration (BMC) analysis. We used the 25th lowest gene BMC as the point of departure to compare the potencies of single PFAS to PFAS mixtures of varying complexity and composition. Specifically, the empirical potency of eight PFAS mixtures were compared to predicted mixture potencies calculated using the principal of concentration addition (i.e., dose addition) in which mixture component potencies are summed by proportion to predict mixture potency. In this study, for most mixtures, empirical mixture potencies were comparable to potencies calculated through concentration addition. This work supports that the effects of PFAS mixtures on gene expression largely follow the concentration addition predicted response and suggests that effects of these individual PFAS in mixtures are not strongly synergistic or antagonistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Addicks
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - A Rowan-Carroll
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - A Reardon
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - K Leingartner
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - A Williams
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - M J Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - I Moffat
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, HECSB, Health Canada, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - R Carrier
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, HECSB, Health Canada, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - L Lorusso
- Chemicals and Environmental Health Management Bureau, HECSB, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - B A Wetmore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27711, USA
| | - C Yauk
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - E Atlas
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB), Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
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Vliet SMF, Hazemi M, Blatz D, Jensen M, Mayasich S, Transue TR, Simmons C, Wilkinson A, LaLone CA. Demonstration of the Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility Tool for Rapid Assessment of Protein Conservation. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/63970. [PMID: 36847398 PMCID: PMC10758989 DOI: 10.3791/63970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The US Environmental Protection Agency Sequence Alignment to Predict Across Species Susceptibility (SeqAPASS) tool is a fast, freely available, online screening application that allows researchers and regulators to extrapolate toxicity information across species. For biological targets in model systems such as human cells, mice, rats, and zebrafish, toxicity data are available for a variety of chemicals. Through the evaluation of protein target conservation, this tool can be used to extrapolate data generated from such model systems to thousands of other species lacking toxicity data, yielding predictions of relative intrinsic chemical susceptibility. The latest releases of the tool (versions 2.0-6.1) have incorporated new features that allow for the rapid synthesis, interpretation, and use of the data for publication plus presentation-quality graphics. Among these features are customizable data visualizations and a comprehensive summary report designed to summarize SeqAPASS data for ease of interpretation. This paper describes the protocol to guide users through submitting jobs, navigating the various levels of protein sequence comparisons, and interpreting and displaying the resulting data. New features of SeqAPASS v2.0-6.0 are highlighted. Furthermore, two use-cases focused on transthyretin and opioid receptor protein conservation using this tool are described. Finally, SeqAPASS' strengths and limitations are discussed to define the domain of applicability for the tool and highlight different applications for cross-species extrapolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M F Vliet
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Scientific Computing and Data Curation Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
| | | | | | - Marissa Jensen
- Swenson College of Science and Engineering, Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth
| | | | | | - Cody Simmons
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Research Triangle Park
| | | | - Carlie A LaLone
- Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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8
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Drake C, Wehr MM, Zobl W, Koschmann J, De Lucca D, Kühne BA, Hansen T, Knebel J, Ritter D, Boei J, Vrieling H, Bitsch A, Escher SE. Substantiate a read-across hypothesis by using transcriptome data-A case study on volatile diketones. Front Toxicol 2023; 5:1155645. [PMID: 37206915 PMCID: PMC10188990 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1155645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This case study explores the applicability of transcriptome data to characterize a common mechanism of action within groups of short-chain aliphatic α-, β-, and γ-diketones. Human reference in vivo data indicate that the α-diketone diacetyl induces bronchiolitis obliterans in workers involved in the preparation of microwave popcorn. The other three α-diketones induced inflammatory responses in preclinical in vivo animal studies, whereas beta and gamma diketones in addition caused neuronal effects. We investigated early transcriptional responses in primary human bronchiolar (PBEC) cell cultures after 24 h and 72 h of air-liquid exposure. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were assessed based on transcriptome data generated with the EUToxRisk gene panel of Temp-O-Seq®. For each individual substance, genes were identified displaying a consistent differential expression across dose and exposure duration. The log fold change values of the DEG profiles indicate that α- and β-diketones are more active compared to γ-diketones. α-diketones in particular showed a highly concordant expression pattern, which may serve as a first indication of the shared mode of action. In order to gain a better mechanistic understanding, the resultant DEGs were submitted to a pathway analysis using ConsensusPathDB. The four α-diketones showed very similar results with regard to the number of activated and shared pathways. Overall, the number of signaling pathways decreased from α-to β-to γ-diketones. Additionally, we reconstructed networks of genes that interact with one another and are associated with different adverse outcomes such as fibrosis, inflammation or apoptosis using the TRANSPATH-database. Transcription factor enrichment and upstream analyses with the geneXplain platform revealed highly interacting gene products (called master regulators, MRs) per case study compound. The mapping of the resultant MRs on the reconstructed networks, visualized similar gene regulation with regard to fibrosis, inflammation and apoptosis. This analysis showed that transcriptome data can strengthen the similarity assessment of compounds, which is of particular importance, e.g., in read-across approaches. It is one important step towards grouping of compounds based on biological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Drake
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Christina Drake,
| | - Matthias M. Wehr
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Walter Zobl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Britta A. Kühne
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Hansen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Knebel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Detlef Ritter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Boei
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Annette Bitsch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sylvia E. Escher
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Hannover, Germany
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9
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Kubickova B, Jacobs MN. Development of a reference and proficiency chemical list for human steatosis endpoints in vitro. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1126880. [PMID: 37168981 PMCID: PMC10166001 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent liver disease in humans is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterised by excessive hepatic fat accumulation, or steatosis. The western diet and a sedentary lifestyle are considered to be major influences, but chemical exposure may also play a role. Suspected environmental chemicals of concern include pesticides, plasticizers, metals, and perfluorinated compounds. Here we present a detailed literature analysis of chemicals that may (or may not) be implicated in lipid accumulation in the liver, to provide a basis for developing and optimizing human steatosis-relevant in vitro test methods. Independently collated and reviewed reference and proficiency chemicals are needed to assist in the test method development where an assay is intended to ultimately be taken forward for OECD Test Guideline development purposes. The selection criteria and considerations required for acceptance of proficiency chemical selection for OECD Test Guideline development. (i.e., structural diversity, range of activity including negatives, relevant chemical sectors, global restrictions, etc.) is described herein. Of 160 chemicals initially screened for inclusion, 36 were prioritized for detailed review. Based on the selection criteria and a weight-of-evidence basis, 18 chemicals (9 steatosis inducers, 9 negatives), including some environmental chemicals of concern, were ranked as high priority chemicals to assist in vitro human steatosis test method optimisation and proficiency testing, and inform potential subsequent test method (pre-)validation.
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Ireland D, Collins EMS. New Worm on the Block: Planarians in (Neuro)Toxicology. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e637. [PMID: 36571713 PMCID: PMC9797031 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Traditional mammalian testing is too time- and cost-intensive to keep up with the large number of environmental chemicals needing assessment. This has led to a dearth of information about the potential adverse effects of these chemicals, especially on the developing brain. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid and cost-effective neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity testing. Because of the complexity of the brain, metabolically competent organismal models are necessary to understand the effects of chemicals on nervous system development and function on a systems level. In this overview, we showcase asexual freshwater planarians as an alternative invertebrate ("non-animal") organismal model for neurotoxicology research. Planarians have long been used to study the effects of chemicals on regeneration and behavior. But they have only recently moved back into the spotlight because modern molecular and computational approaches now enable quantitative high-content and high-throughput toxicity studies. Here, we present a short history of the use of planarians in toxicology research, highlight current techniques to measure toxicity qualitatively and quantitatively in planarians, and discuss how to further promote this non-animal organismal system into mainstream toxicology research. The articles in this collection will help work towards this goal by providing detailed protocols that can be adopted by the community to standardize planarian toxicity testing. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Ireland
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
| | - Eva-Maria S. Collins
- Department of Biology, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA, United States of America
- Department of Physics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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11
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Jeon YS, Crump D, Boulanger E, Soufan O, Park B, Basu N, Hecker M, Xia J, Head JA. Hepatic Transcriptomic Responses to Ethinylestradiol in Two Life Stages of Japanese Quail. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022; 41:2769-2781. [PMID: 35975422 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Chemical risk assessment for avian species typically depends on information from toxicity tests performed in adult birds. Early-life stage (ELS) toxicity tests have been proposed as an alternative, but incorporation of these data into existing frameworks will require knowledge about the similarities/differences between ELS and adult responses. The present study uses transcriptomics to assess hepatic gene expression in ELS and adult Japanese quail following exposure to ethinylestradiol (EE2). Prior to incubation, ELS quail were dosed with measured EE2 concentrations of 0.54, 6.3, and 54.2 µg/g egg weight via air cell injection. Adult quail were fed a single dose of EE2 at nominal concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg body weight by gavage. Liver tissue was collected from five to six individuals per dose group at mid-incubation for ELS quail and 4 days after dosing for adults. A total of 283 and 111 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in ELS and adult quail, respectively, 16 of which were shared across life stages. Shared DEGs included estrogenic biomarkers such as vitellogenin genes and apovitellenin-1. For the dose groups that resulted in the highest number of DEGs (ELS, 6.3 µg/g; adult, 5 mg/kg), 21 and 35 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were enriched, respectively. Ten of these pathways were shared between life stages, including pathways involved with signaling molecules and interaction and the endocrine system. Taken together, our results suggest conserved mechanisms of action following estrogenic exposure across two life stages, with evidence from differential expression of key biomarker genes and enriched pathways. The present study contributes to the development and evaluation of ELS tests and toxicogenomic approaches and highlights their combined potential for screening estrogenic chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2769-2781. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Seon Jeon
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Boulanger
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Othman Soufan
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Computer Science Department, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Bradley Park
- School of the Environment and Sustainability and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Markus Hecker
- School of the Environment and Sustainability and Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jianguo Xia
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jessica A Head
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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12
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Abstract
There is a need for paradigm change in the methodology employed for toxicological testing and assessment. It could be said that this change is well on its way, through an evolutionary progress analogous to that of natural selection. Darwin's Theory of Evolution has defined the idea of evolution and descendancy since the last third of the 19th century. Increasingly, this concept of 'evolution' is being applied beyond the field of biology. This Comment article discusses the progress of toxicological testing in the context of 'evolutionary pressure' and deliberates how this process can help foster the development, implementation and acceptance of mechanistic and human-relevant methods in this field. By comparing the current regulatory landscape in toxicity testing and assessment to specific elements in Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory, we aim to better understand the needs and requirements for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Landsiedel
- 5184BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
- Free University of Berlin, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Birk
- 5184BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Dorothee Funk-Weyer
- 5184BASF SE, Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
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13
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Petersen EJ, Uhl R, Toman B, Elliott JT, Strickland J, Truax J, Gordon J. Development of a 96-Well Electrophilic Allergen Screening Assay for Skin Sensitization Using a Measurement Science Approach. Toxics 2022; 10:257. [PMID: 35622670 PMCID: PMC9147637 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Electrophilic Allergen Screening Assay (EASA) has emerged as a promising in chemico method to detect the first key event in the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for skin sensitization. This assay functions by assessing the depletion of one of two probe molecules (4-nitrobenzenethiol (NBT) and pyridoxylamine (PDA)) in the presence of a test compound (TC). The initial development of EASA utilized a cuvette format resulting in multiple measurement challenges such as low throughput and the inability to include adequate control measurements. In this study, we describe the redesign of EASA into a 96-well plate format that incorporates in-process control measurements to quantify key sources of variability each time the assay is run. The data from the analysis of 67 TCs using the 96-well format had 77% concordance with animal data from the local lymph node assay (LLNA), a result consistent with that for the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA), an OECD test guideline (442C) protein binding assay. Overall, the measurement science approach described here provides steps during assay development that can be taken to increase confidence of in chemico assays by attempting to fully characterize the sources of variability and potential biases and incorporate in-process control measurements into the assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah J. Petersen
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA;
| | - Richard Uhl
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Chemistry, US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | - Blaza Toman
- Statistical Engineering Division, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA;
| | - John T. Elliott
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA;
| | - Judy Strickland
- Inotiv-RTP., 601 Keystone Park Drive, Suite 800, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA; (J.S.); (J.T.)
| | - James Truax
- Inotiv-RTP., 601 Keystone Park Drive, Suite 800, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA; (J.S.); (J.T.)
| | - John Gordon
- Division of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 5 Research Place, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
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14
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Noorlander A, Zhang M, van Ravenzwaay B, Rietjens IMCM. Use of physiologically based kinetic modeling-facilitated reverse dosimetry to predict in vivo acute toxicity of tetrodotoxin in rodents. Toxicol Sci 2022; 187:127-138. [PMID: 35218365 PMCID: PMC9041554 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the ability of a new in vitro/in silico quantitative in vitro–in vivo extrapolation (QIVIVE) methodology was assessed to predict the in vivo neurotoxicity of tetrodotoxin (TTX) in rodents. In vitro concentration–response data of TTX obtained in a multielectrode array assay with primary rat neonatal cortical cells and in an effect study with mouse neuro-2a cells were quantitatively extrapolated into in vivo dose–response data, using newly developed physiologically based kinetic (PBK) models for TTX in rats and mice. Incorporating a kidney compartment accounting for active renal excretion in the PBK models proved to be essential for its performance. To evaluate the predictions, QIVIVE-derived dose–response data were compared with in vivo data on neurotoxicity in rats and mice upon oral and parenteral dosing. The results revealed that for both rats and mice the predicted dose–response data matched the data from available in vivo studies well. It is concluded that PBK modeling-based reserve dosimetry of in vitro TTX effect data can adequately predict the in vivo neurotoxicity of TTX in rodents, providing a novel proof-of-principle for this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Noorlander
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE, the Netherlands
| | - Mengying Zhang
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE, the Netherlands
| | - Bennard van Ravenzwaay
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE, the Netherlands.,Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, BASF SE, Z 470, Ludwigshafen, 67056, Germany
| | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE, the Netherlands
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15
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Rowan-Carroll A, Reardon A, Leingartner K, Gagné R, Williams A, Meier MJ, Kuo B, Bourdon-Lacombe J, Moffat I, Carrier R, Nong A, Lorusso L, Ferguson SS, Atlas E, Yauk C. High-Throughput Transcriptomic Analysis of Human Primary Hepatocyte Spheroids Exposed to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances as a Platform for Relative Potency Characterization. Toxicol Sci 2021; 181:199-214. [PMID: 33772556 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely found in the environment because of their extensive use and persistence. Although several PFAS are well studied, most lack toxicity data to inform human health hazard and risk assessment. This study focused on 4 model PFAS: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 8 carbon), perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS; 4 carbon), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; 8 carbon), and perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS; 10 carbon). Human primary liver cell spheroids (pooled from 10 donors) were exposed to 10 concentrations of each PFAS and analyzed at 4 time points. The approach aimed to: (1) identify gene expression changes mediated by the PFAS, (2) identify similarities in biological responses, (3) compare PFAS potency through benchmark concentration analysis, and (4) derive bioactivity exposure ratios (ratio of the concentration at which biological responses occur, relative to daily human exposure). All PFAS induced transcriptional changes in cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid metabolism pathways, and predicted PPARα activation. PFOS exhibited the most transcriptional activity and had a highly similar gene expression profile to PFDS. PFBS induced the least transcriptional changes and the highest benchmark concentration (ie, was the least potent). The data indicate that these PFAS may have common molecular targets and toxicities, but that PFOS and PFDS are the most similar. The transcriptomic bioactivity exposure ratios derived here for PFOA and PFOS were comparable to those derived using rodent apical endpoints in risk assessments. These data provide a baseline level of toxicity for comparison with other known PFAS using this testing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rowan-Carroll
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Anthony Reardon
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Karen Leingartner
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Remi Gagné
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Andrew Williams
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Matthew J Meier
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Byron Kuo
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Julie Bourdon-Lacombe
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Ivy Moffat
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Richard Carrier
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Andy Nong
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Luigi Lorusso
- Chemicals and Environmental Health Management Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Stephen S Ferguson
- U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Ella Atlas
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Carole Yauk
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch (HECSB) Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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