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New nonpurified diet (NTP-2000) for rodents in the National Toxicology Program's toxicology and carcinogenesis studies.

The NIH-07 open-formula nonpurified diet was the selected diet for rodents in the National Toxicology Program's toxicology and carcinogenesis studies from 1980 to 1994. Protein and mineral concentrations of the NIH-07 diet may have increased some diet- and age-associated lesions such as nephropathy. A number of experimental nonpurified diets with lower protein and higher fat and fiber (approximately 15% protein, 7-8.5% fat, and 9-14% crude fiber) than the NIH-07 diet were formulated and evaluated in Fischer 344 (F344) rats. Decreasing protein content of the diet decreased protein consumption by approximately 30% and decreased severity of nephropathy without affecting growth. Increased fat intake seemed to have decreased the incidence or severity of leukemia, a lethal neoplasm of F344 rats. Increasing fiber content without decreasing the caloric density lowered body weight gain and slowed growth of mammary tumors. Higher fat and/or fiber intake decreased the incidences of adrenal pheochromocytomas and medullary hyperplasia in male rats. Nonpurified diets with lower protein and higher fat and fiber concentrations than the NIH-07 diet decreased or delayed diet- and age-associated lesions and increased survivals in 2-y studies. On the basis of these results, a new cereal-based nonpurified diet, designated as NTP-2000, was formulated with approximately 14.5% protein, approximately 8.2% fat, approximately 9.3% fiber and a calcium:phosphorus molar ratio of approximately 1.3. The NTP-2000 diet was compared with the NIH-07 diet in a 13-wk study in F344 rats. The NTP-2000 diet was adequate for growth, did not affect the hematological parameters and did not cause substantial changes in blood chemistry, serum enzyme or serum electrolyte values. The NTP-2000 diet decreased liver and kidney weights, prevented nephrocalcinosis and decreased the severity of diet- and possibly age-associated lesions.

Animal Feed↗

Statistical studies in genetic toxicology: a perspective from the U.S. National Toxicology Program.

This paper surveys recent, as yet unpublished, statistical studies arising from research in genetic toxicology within the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP). These studies all involve analyses of data from Ames Salmonella/microsome mutagenicity tests, but the statistical methodologies are broadly applicable. Three issues are addressed: First, what is a tenable sampling model for Ames test data, and how does one best test the adequacy of the Poisson sampling assumption? Second, given that nonmonotone dose-response curves are fairly common in the Salmonella assay, what new statistical techniques or modifications of existing ones seem appropriate to accommodate to this reality? Finally, an intriguing question: How can the extensive NTP Ames test data base be used to assess the characteristics of any mutagen-nonmutagen decision rule? The last issue is illustrated with the commonly used "two-times background" rule.

Animals↗

NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Oxymetholone (CAS NO. 434-07-1) in F344/N Rats and Toxicology Studies of Oxymetholone in B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies).

Oxymetholone is a synthetic anabolic steroid used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypogonadism and delayed puberty. It is also used to correct hereditary angioneurotic edema, manage carcinoma of the breast, promote a positive nitrogen balance following injury or surgery, and stimulate erythropoiesis. Considerable amounts of androgens are consumed by athletes in attempts to improve athletic performance. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Cancer Institute nominated oxymetholone for study based on its extensive illicit pharmaceutical use and the limited evidence that it is a potential human carcinogen. Male and female F344/N rats received oxymetholone (greater than 99% pure) in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 16 days, 14 weeks, or 2 years, and male and female B6C3F1 mice received oxymetholone in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 16 days or 14 weeks. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 16-DAY STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female F344/N rats were administered 0, 160, 315, 625, 1,250, or 2,500 mg oxymetholone/kg body weight in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 16 days. All male rats survived to the end of the study; one 2,500 mg/kg female died on day 14. The mean body weights of all dosed groups of males were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls, while those of 160 and 315 mg/kg females were significantly greater. 16-DAY STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female B6C3F1 mice were administered 0, 320, 630, 1,250, 2,500, or 5,000 mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 16 days. All mice survived to the end of the study. The final mean body weights of all dosed groups of females were greater than those of the vehicle controls. 14-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 10 male and 10 female F344/N rats were administered 0, 80, 160, 315, 625, or 1,250 mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 14 weeks. One male rat each in the 625 and 1,250 mg/kg groups died before the end of the study. The mean body weights of males administered 160 mg/kg or greater were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls; in contrast, the mean body weights of all dosed groups of females were significantly greater. A dose-related erythrocytosis, evidenced by increases in erythrocyte counts, total hemoglobin concentrations, and hematocrit values, occurred in dosed groups of rats at week 14. A dose-related hypocholesterolemia occurred at all time points in all dosed groups of rats. Dose- and time-related decreases in 5 -nucleotidase activity occurred in treated rats. There was a transient, treatment-related increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase in males and females. For male rats administered oxymetholone, cauda epididymis, epididymis, and testis weights and spermatid counts and total spermatid heads per testis were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls, and total spermatid heads per gram testis were significantly greater. Female rats in the 80 mg/kg group spent more time in diestrus and less time in estrus than did the vehicle controls. Kidney weights of males and females and liver and uterus weights of females were increased compared to vehicle controls in rats that received 315 mg/kg or greater; thymus weights of males and females and sartorius muscle and testis weights of males were less. Compared to the vehicle controls, rats that received 160 mg/kg or greater had increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions of the kidney and mammary gland, and the incidences of hydrometra of the uterus and dysgenesis of the ovary were increased in dosed groups of females. Female rats administered 315 mg/kg or greater had increased incidences of cytoplasmic vacuolization of the adrenal gland and myocardial degeneration of the heart. The severities of these lesions generally increased with increasing dose. 14-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female B6C3F1 mice were administered 0, 160, 320, 630, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kged 0, 160, 320, 630, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for 14 weeks. All mice administered oxymetholone survived until the end of the study. The mean body weights of all dosed groups were similar to those of the vehicle controls. The percentages of motile sperm in 1,250 and 2,500 mg/kg males were significantly less than those of the vehicle controls. The estrous cycle lengths of 630, 1,250, and 2,500 mg/kg females were significantly longer, and females in the 1,250 and 2,500 mg/kg groups spent more time in diestrus and less time in estrus. Kidney and liver weights of males and females were greater and thymus weights of females were less than those of the vehicle controls. All dosed females had hyperplasia of the clitoral gland, metaplasia of the parietal layer epithelium of the Bowman's capsule in the kidney, and cytoplasmic alteration of the submandibular gland; these lesions were not observed in the vehicle control group. The incidences of hypoplasia of the ovary in 320 mg/kg or greater females and of parotid gland atrophy in 1,250 and 2,500 mg/kg females were increased. The results of the 14-week oral gavage studies were generally similar in rats and mice, but rats were much more sensitive to oxymetholone. Because it was not likely that a long-term mouse study would provide significant additional toxicity information, the NTP decided to conduct a 2-year study in rats only. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 90 male F344/N rats were administered 0, 3, 30, or 150 mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage, and 90 female F344/N rats were administered 0, 3, 30, or 100 mg/kg in 0.5% methylcellulose by gavage for up to 104 weeks, with 9 or 10 rats per group evaluated at 3, 6, 12, or 18 months. Survival and Body Weights: Survival of all dosed groups was similar to that of the vehicle controls. The mean body weights of the 30 mg/kg male group were generally within 10% of those of the vehicle controls, but those of the 150 mg/kg group were markedly decreased. Mean body weights of 3 and 30 mg/kg females were generally greater than those of the vehicle controls throughout the study. Determinations of Oxymetholone in Plasma: The concentrations of oxymetholone in plasma of male and female rats receiving 3 mg/kg for 6, 12, or 18 months were generally below the limits of quantification; therefore, all plasma concentrations in the 3 mg/kg group are considered to be estimates (Table 8). The plasma concentrations at 30 mg/kg were approximately one order of magnitude greater than those of the estimates for males and females receiving 3 mg/kg. There were no dose-related differences in plasma concentrations in female rats receiving 30 or 100 mg/kg, but plasma concentrations in males were significantly elevated in the 150 mg/kg group. It was concluded that oxymetholone kinetics was saturated at 30 mg/kg in female but not male rats. Pathology Findings: A wide spectrum of neoplasms and nonneoplastic lesions was seen in rats administered oxymetholone for 2 years. The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly increased in 100 mg/kg females as were the incidences of basophilic and clear cell foci in 150 mg/kg males and 100 mg/kg females compared to vehicle controls. The incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma and adenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly increased in 30 mg/kg females. The incidences of mineralization in the lung of 150 mg/kg males and 30 and 100 mg/kg females were significantly increased. The incidence of keratoacanthoma was increased in 30 mg/kg females, and the combined incidence of squamous cell papilloma, keratoacanthoma, basal cell adenoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or carcinoma of the sweat gland was significantly increased in 100 mg/kg females. The incidences of subcutaneous tissue fibroma and fibroma or fibrosarcoma (combined) were significantly increased in 3 mg/kg males. At 2 years, the incidences of benign pheochromocytoma and benign or malignant pheochromocytoma (combined) of the adrenal gland in 150 mg/kg males and medullary hyperplasia in 100 mg/kg females were significantly increased. The incidences of cytoplasmic vacuolization of adrenal cortical cells were significantly increased in 30 and 150 mg/kg males at 18 months and 2 years and in 100 mg/kg females beginning at 12 months and in 30 mg/kg females at 2 years. The incidences of renal tubule adenoma in 3 and 150 mg/kg males were slightly increased. An extended evaluation of the kidney was conducted, and additional incidences of renal tubule adenoma were observed in step sections in vehicle control and dosed male rats. The combined single- and step-section incidence of renal tubule adenoma was significantly increased in 3 mg/kg males. The incidences of nephropathy were significantly increased in 30 and 150 mg/kg males at 2 years and in 100 mg/kg females beginning at 3 months. The severities of nephropathy were significantly increased in dosed groups of males at 2 years and in 100 mg/kg females at 18 months and 2 years. The incidences of mineralization of the kidney were significantly increased in 150 mg/kg males at all time points. The incidences of ovarian dysgenesis were significantly increased in 100 mg/kg females beginning at 3 months and in 30 mg/kg females beginning at 6 months, and severities increased with increasing dose. The incidences of chronic myocardial degeneration (cardiomyopathy) were significantly increased in 100 mg/kg females at 6 months and 2 years and the severity was increased at 2 years. The incidences of lobular hyperplasia were increased in 150 mg/kg males at 18 months and 2 years and in 30 and 100 mg/kg females at all time points. The incidences of seminiferous tubule degeneration were significantly increased in 30 and 150 mg/kg males at 2 years, and the incidences of mineralization of the testis were increased in 150 mg/kg males at 12 months and in 30 mg/kg males at 18 months and at 2 years. Decreased incidences of neoplasms occurred in male and female rats. The incidence of uterine stromal polyp or stromal sarcoma (combined) was significantly decreased in 100 mg/kg females at 2 years. The incidences of mammary gland fibroadenoma and fibroadenoma or carcinoma (combined) were significantly decreased in all dosed groups of females. The incidences of pituitary gland pars distalis adenoma were significantly decreased in 30 and 100 mg/kg females at 2 years. The incidences of testicular interstitial cell adenoma were significantly decreased in 30 and 150 mg/kg males at 18 months and in all dosed groups at 12 months and 2 years. The incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia were significantly decreased in 30 and 150 mg/kg males and 100 mg/kg females at 2 years. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: Oxymetholone was not mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA97, TA98, TA100, or TA1535, with or without S9 metabolic activation. It did not induce chromosomal aberrations in cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, with or without S9, and no increase in the frequency of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes was noted in peripheral blood samples from male or female mice treated for 14 weeks with oxymetholone. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this 2-year gavage study, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of oxymetholone in male F344/N rats based on increased incidences of subcutaneous tissue fibromas and fibromas or fibrosarcomas (combined) of the skin, variably increased incidences of benign and benign or malignant pheochromocytomas (combined) of the adrenal gland, and increased incidences of renal tubule adenomas. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of oxymetholone in female F344/N rats based on increased incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms. Increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms and skin neoplasms in female rats were also related to oxymetholone administration. Decreased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar neoplasms and testicular interstitial cell adenomas in males; uterine stromal polyps or stromal sarcomas (combined), mammary gland neoplasms, and pituitary gland pars distalis adenomas in females; and mononuclear cell leukemia in males and females were related to oxymetholone administration. In addition, gavage administration of oxymetholone to male and female F344/N rats resulted in a spectrum of nonneoplastic effects frequently reported with administration of synthetic anabolic androgens. Synonyms: Adroidin; anadroyd; anasteron; anasteronal; anasterone; androstan-3-one, androstano[2,3-c]1,2,5-oxadiazol-17-ol, 17-methyl-, (5-a,17-b)-; becorel; 4,5-dihydro-2-hydroxymethylene-17-a-methyltestosterone; dynasten; HMD; 17b-hydroxy-2- (hydroxymethyl)-17-methyl-5-a-androstan-3-one; 17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-(5-a,17-b)-; 17-hydroxy- 2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-5-a-17-b-androst-3-one; 17b-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-a-methyl-5-a-androstan-3-one; 17b-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-5a-androstan-3-one; 17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethylene)-17-methyl-5-a-17- b-androstan-3-one; 17b-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylene-17a-methyl-3-androstanone; 2-hydroxymethylene-17-a-methyl-5- a-androstan-17-b-ol-3-one; 2-hydroxymethylene-17a-methyl dihydrotestosterone; 2-hydroxymethylene-17-a-methyl-17-b- hydroxy-3-androstanone; methabol; 17a-methyl-2-hydroxymethylene-17-hydroxy-5-a-androstan-3-one; oximetholonum; oximetolona; oxitosona-50; oxymethenolone; roboral; zenalosyn Trade names: Adroyd; Anadrol; Anapolon; Anapolon 50; Nastenon; Pardroyd; Pavisoid; Plenastril; Protanabol; Synasteron

Journal Article↗

NTP toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of decalin (CAS No. 91-17-8) in F344/N rats and B6C3F(1) mice and a toxicology study of decalin in male NBR rats (inhalation studies).

Decalin is used as an industrial solvent for naphthalene, fats, resins, oils, and waxes. It is also used as a substitute for turpentine in lacquers, paints, and varnishes; as a solvent and stabilizer for shoe polishes and floor waxes; and as a constituent of motor fuels and lubricants. Other applications include use as a paint thinner and remover, a patent fuel in stoves, a high-density fuel in submarine-launched cruise missile systems, and in stain removal and cleaning machinery. Decalin was nominated for study by the National Cancer Institute because of its chemical structure, its potential for consumer exposure, and a lack of adequate testing of the chemical. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to decalin (greater than 99% pure) by inhalation for 2 weeks, 3 months, or 2 years. Groups of male NBR rats were exposed to decalin for 2 weeks. Male NBR rats do not produce alpha2u-globulin; the NBR rats were included to study the relationship of alpha2u-globulin and renal lesion induction. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes. 2-WEEK STUDIES IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female F344/N rats and five male NBR rats were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ppm decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 16 days. All rats survived to the end of the study, and mean body weights of exposed groups were similar to those of the chamber controls. Renal toxicity studies were performed in male F344/N and NBR rats. The numbers of labeled cells and the labeling indices in the left kidney of 200 and 400 ppm F344/N male rats were significantly greater than those in the chamber controls. The alpha2u-globulin/soluble protein ratios were significantly increased in all exposed groups of F344/N rats. Liver weights of male F344/N and NBR rats exposed to 100 ppm or greater were significantly increased, as were those of all exposed groups of females. Kidney weights of male F344/N rats exposed to 50 ppm or greater were significantly increased. Exposure-related hyaline droplet accumulation, degeneration and regeneration of renal cortical tubules, and granular casts occurred in the kidney of exposed F344/N male rats. 2-WEEK STUDIES IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ppm decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 17 days. All mice survived to the end of the study, and mean body weights of exposed groups were similar to those of the chamber control groups. Liver weights of 200 and 400 ppm males and females and 100 ppm females were significantly increased. 3-MONTH STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 25 male and 20 female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ppm decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 2 (five male renal toxicity rats), 6 (10 male and 10 female clinical pathology rats), or 14 (10 core study rats) weeks. All rats survived to the end of the study, and mean body weights of exposed groups were similar to those of the chamber control groups. Urinalysis results indicated that decalin exposure caused increases in urine glucose and protein concentrations and enzyme activities that were consistent with the renal lesions observed microscopically. Renal toxicity studies were performed on rats sacrificed at 2 and 6 weeks and at the end of the study. In kidney tissue examined for cell proliferation, the numbers of PCNA-labeled cells and labeling indices were generally significantly greater than those of the chamber controls in exposed groups of rats at all three time points. Concentrations of alpha2u-globulin in the kidney as well as the alpha2u-globulin/soluble protein ratios were significantly increased at week 2 in all exposed groups and in the 200 and 400 ppm groups at week 6 and at the end of the study. Absolute and/or relative kidney and liver weights of male rats exposed to 50 ppm or greater were increased. Incidences of renal tubule regeneration and granular casts in the medulla of the kidney in exposed male rats were increased, and the severities of hyaline droplets generally increased with increasing exposure concentration. 3-MONTH STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 10 male and 10 female B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ppm decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 14 weeks. All mice survived to the end of the study, and mean body weights of exposed groups were similar to those of the chamber control groups. Liver weights of 200 and 400 ppm males and females were significantly increased. There was a significant exposure concentration-related decrease in the absolute spermatid head count and a significant decrease in absolute head count of the 400 ppm group compared to the chamber controls. Incidences of centrilobular cytomegaly of the liver were increased in exposed male mice. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 50 male and 50 female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 25, 50 (male rats only), 100, or 400 ppm (female rats only) decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 105 weeks. A group of 20 male rats was exposed to 400 ppm. Survival of exposed groups was similar to that of the chamber control groups. Mean body weights of 400 ppm males were slightly less than those of the chamber controls during the second year of the study. Incidences of renal tubule adenoma and adenoma or carcinoma (combined) and of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma (combined) of the adrenal medulla in 100 and 400 ppm males were significantly increased. There was a significant association between nephropathy severity and adrenal pheochromocytoma incidence. Nonneoplastic lesions related to decalin exposure occurred in the kidney of male rats. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 50 male and 50 female B6C3F(1) mice were exposed to 0, 25, 100, or 400 ppm decalin vapor 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 105 weeks. Survival of exposed mice was similar to that of the chamber controls. Mean body weights of exposed groups were generally similar to those of the chamber control groups throughout the study. Increased incidences of hepatocellular neoplasms occurred in 25 and 400 ppm female mice, and the incidences of centrilobular hypertrophy, necrosis, syncytial alteration, and erythrophagocytosis of the liver in 400 ppm males were significantly increased. The incidences of uterine stromal polyp and stromal polyp or stromal sarcoma (combined) occurred with positive trends in female mice. PHARMACOKINETIC MODEL: The rate of metabolism of decalin was the same for males and females in rats and mice. Also in rats and mice, decalin metabolism was saturated at less than 400 ppm. Increased labeling indices in male rats were likely due to changes related to alpha2u-globulin. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: Decalin was not mutagenic in S. typhimurium strains TA97, TA98, TA100, or TA1535, with or without induced hamster or rat liver S9 enzymes. A small but significant increase in the frequency of micronucleated normochromatic erythrocytes was noted in male mice exposed to decalin for 3 months; however, no induction of micronuclei was observed in female mice. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of decalin in male F344/N rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule neoplasms. The increased incidences of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma (combined) of the adrenal medulla in male rats were also considered to be exposure related. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of decalin in female F344/N rats exposed to 25, 100, or 400 ppm. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of decalin in male B6C3F(1) mice exposed to 25, 100, or 400 ppm. There was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of decalin in female B6C3F(1) mice based on marginally increased incidences of hepatocellular and uterine neoplasms. Exposure of male rats to decalin resulted in nonneoplastic lesions of the kidney characteristic of alpha2u-globulin accumulation. Nonneoplastic lesions of the liver were observed in male mice exposed to decalin.

Administration, Inhalation↗

The toxicological response of Brazilian chrysotile asbestos: a multidose subchronic 90-day inhalation toxicology study with 92-day recovery to assess cellular and pathological response.

Inhalation toxicology studies with chrysotile asbestos have in the past been performed at exceedingly high doses without consideration of fiber number or dimensions. As such, the exposures have exceeded lung overload levels, making quantitative assessment of these studies difficult if not impossible. To assess the cellular and pathological response in the rat lung to a well-characterized aerosol of chrysotile asbestos, a 90-day subchronic inhalation toxicology study was performed using a commercial Brazilian chrysotile (CA 300). The protocol was based on that established by the European Commission for the evaluation of synthetic vitreous fibers. The study was also designed to assess the potential for reversibility of any such changes and to permit association of responses with fiber dose in the lung and the influence of fiber length. Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to an air control group and to 2 CA 300 exposure groups at mean fiber aerosol concentrations of 76 fibers L > 20 microm/cm3 (3413 total fibers/cm3; 536 WHO fibers/cm3) or 207 fibers L > 20 microm/cm3 (8941 total fibers/cm3; 1429 WHO fibers/cm3). The animals were exposed using a flow-past, nose-only exposure system for 5 days/wk, 6 h/day, during 13 consecutive weeks (65 exposures), followed by a subsequent nonexposure period lasting for 92 days. Animals were sacrificed after cessation of exposure and after 50 and 92 days of nonexposure recovery. At each sacrifice, subgroups of rats were assessed for the determination of the lung burden; histopathological examination; cell proliferation response; bronchoalveolar lavage with the determination of inflammatory cells; clinical biochemistry; and for analysis by confocal microscopy. Through 90 days of exposure and 92 days of recovery, chrysotile at a mean exposure of 76 fibers L > 20 microm/cm3 (3413 total fibers/cm3) resulted in no fibrosis (Wagner score 1.8 to 2.6) at any time point. The long chrysotile fibers were observed to break apart into small particles and smaller fibers. In vitro modeling has indicated that these particles are essentially amorphous silica. At an exposure concentration of 207 fibers L > 20 microm/cm3 (8941 total fibers/cm3) slight fibrosis was observed. In comparison with other studies, chrysotile produced less inflammatory response than the biosoluble synthetic vitreous fiber CMS. As predicted by the recent biopersistence studies on chrysotile, this study clearly shows that at that at an exposure concentration 5000 times greater than the U.S. threshold limit value of 0.1 f(WHO)/cm3, chrysotile produces no significant pathological response.

Aerosols↗

Characteristics of patients with no underlying toxicologic syndrome evaluated in a toxicology clinic.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients seek medical evaluation for chronic subjective symptoms they presume to be associated with a single toxic trigger. This report describes our clinic experience with these patients. CASE SERIES: Twenty patients (of a total of 261 patients) with a mean age of 41 years (median age 42 years; range: 4 to 65 years) were evaluated over an 8 month period. All describe a single past toxic exposure triggering their nonspecific (usually vaguely neurologic) symptoms. Zero of 20 (0%) describe other chemical sensitivities; 2/20 (10%) report ongoing exposure, 18/20 (90%) had a limited exposure dating 1 month to 6 yrs prior to toxicology clinic evaluation; 9/20 (45%) are currently employed; 6/20 (30%) sought alternative medical therapy prior to toxicologist evaluation; 6/20/(30%) have attempted litigation. CONCLUSION: Despite repeatedly normal toxicologic and medical evaluations, all data refuting an underlying toxic cause are not accepted by this series of patients, and their search for a diagnostic linkage persists. Specific toxin identification or treatment for these patients is unlikely to occur.

Adolescent↗

Application of neurobehavioral toxicology methods to the military deployment toxicology assessment program.

The military Tri-Service (Army, Navy & Marines, Air Force) Deployment Toxicology Assessment Program (DTAP) represents a 30-year (1996-2026) planning effort to implement comprehensive systems for the protection of internationally deployed troops against toxicant exposures. A major objective of DTAP is the implementation of a global surveillance system to identify chemicals with the potential to reduce human performance capacity. Implementation requires prior development of complex human risk assessment models, known collectively as the Neurobehavioral Toxicity Evaluation Instrument (NTEI), based on mathematical interpolation of results from tissue-based and in vivo animal studies validated by human performance assessment research. The Neurobehavioral Toxicity Assessment Group (NTAG) at the Naval Health Research Center Detachment-Toxicology (NHRC-TD), Dayton, OH, and associated academic institutions are developing and cross-validating cellular-level (NTAS), laboratory small animal (NTAB), nonhuman primate (GASP), and human-based (GASH) toxicity assessment batteries. These batteries will be utilized to develop and evaluate mathematical predictors of human neurobehavioral toxicity, as a function of laboratory performance deficits predicted by quantitative structural analysis relationship (QSAR-like) properties of potential toxicants identified by international surveillance systems. Finally, physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and pharmacodynamic (PBPD) modeling of NTAS, NTAB, GASP, GASH data will support multi-organizational development and validation of the NTEI. The validated NTEI tool will represent a complex database management system, integrating global satellite surveillance input to provide real-time decision-making support for deployed military personnel.

Animals↗

Toxicological information series, II. A survey of toxicology information.

The structure of toxicology information is outlined. Key resources, both print and electronic, are described and the role of organizations is discussed on national and world levels. The section on computerized information covers systems such as TOXNET, CIS, and the ANSWER workstation.

Dictionaries, Chemical as Topic↗

Toxicological effects of propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate on gallstone pathogenesis: An integrated mendelian randomization, network toxicology, and experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Gallstone disease is a prevalent digestive disorder with substantial global socioeconomic burden. Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (PP), a widely used paraben preservative, exhibits potential metabolic and hepatic toxicity, yet its role in gallstone pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the causal association between PP exposure and gallstone formation and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Network toxicology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were applied to screen for core targets. In vivo experiments, transcriptome sequencing, Western blot (WB), and ELISA were conducted for mechanistic validation. RESULTS: MR confirmed a causal link between circulating PP levels and an elevated risk of gallstones (P&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), with AKT1 identified as the key target. In mice, PP aggravated gallstone formation by activating the AKT1-NF-&#x3ba;B-CXCL1 pathway, enhancing hepatic inflammation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation; these effects were reversed by AKT inhibition. CONCLUSION: PP promotes gallstone formation via the AKT1-NF-&#x3ba;B-CXCL1-NETs axis. Our findings highlight PP as an environmental risk factor for gallstones, providing novel insights into their prevention and targeted therapy.

Animals↗

Future of toxicology-metabolic activation and drug design: challenges and opportunities in chemical toxicology.

The issue of chemically reactive drug metabolites is one of growing concern in the pharmaceutical industry inasmuch as some, but not all, reactive intermediates are believed to play a role as mediators of drug-induced toxicities. While it is now relatively straightforward to identify these short-lived electrophilic species through appropriate in vitro "trapping" experiments, our current understanding of mechanistic aspects of xenobiotic-induced toxicities is such that we cannot predict which reactive intermediates are likely to cause a toxic insult and which will be benign. Little is known about the identities of the macromolecular targets (primarily proteins) of these electrophiles or the functional consequences of their covalent modification by reactive drug metabolites. As a result, several companies have adopted approaches to minimize the potential for metabolic activation of drug candidates at the discovery/lead optimization phase as a default strategy. However, research leading to a deeper insight into mechanistic aspects of toxicities caused by reactive drug metabolites will aid greatly in the rational design of drug candidates with superior safety profiles and represents a challenging and exciting opportunity for chemical toxicology.

Biotransformation↗

A toxicology databank--the Registry of Human Toxicology.

The Registry of Human Toxicology is a databank designed to assist in the interpretation of results obtained from the analysis of human body organs for toxic substances. The present Registry contains over 16,000 analyses from 4309 cases giving details of 282 compounds and 360 preparations. Computer facilities are provided for collating, storing and disseminating the information.

Computers↗

[Tox-Didact:CD-ROM for toxicology education. Value in hospital toxicology].

New teaching techniques should allow students more independence in their training, particularly in learning from problems and using clinical reasoning. We designed Tox-Didact, a modular multimedia educational software program, which is suitable for both students and professionals, regardless of their orientation (pharmacy or medicine) or level. Each module concerns four domains: diagnosis, biological monitoring, curative treatment and prevention. Tox-Didact is multidisciplinary, interactive, simple to use and reliable. Nineteen modules are now being prepared. In final form, Tox-Didact will cover all the acute and chronic pathologies of toxicology.

CD-ROM↗

[Toxicogenomics--a new paradigm of toxicology and birth of reverse toxicology].

Toxicogenomics is, similar to other genome science fields, based on DNA microarray and/or DNA chip technologies, which has enabled a large number of gene expressions, thus, have been applied to such functional genomics as pharmacogenomics, oncogenomics, proteomics, metabonomics, etc. Toxicogenomics has advantages such as deducing the number of test animals and the test period, and adopts simpler techniques using new biomarkers. What toxicogenomics can offer to conventional toxicology is given herein.

Computational Biology↗

History of scientific cooperation between Department of Clinical Toxicology and the Chair of Forensic Medicine Jagielionian University Medical College in the period of last four decades as a document of clinical and forensic toxicology integration.

An integration of clinical and forensic toxicologist society enjoys its 40-year tradition. A practice in this field proves that the cooperation can be fruitful in both the scientific and preventative and organizational areas provided the concentration of the participants' efforts is focused. The article shows the examples of such collaboration, the illustration of which are the presented works. The articles constitute the original papers and casuistic works as well concerning problems of contemporary toxicology such as: epidemiology of poisoning, complex evaluation of ethanol, carbon monoxide, pesticides, drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals and other poisonings.

Academic Medical Centers↗

[Selection of a statistical model for evaluation of the reliability of the results of toxicological analyses. I. Discussion on selected statistical models for evaluation of the systems of control of the results of toxicological analyses].

2 statistical models for evaluation of toxicological studies results have been presented. Model I. after R. Hoschek and H. J. Schittke (2) involves: 1. Elimination of the values deviating from most results-by Grubbs' method (2). 2. Analysis of the differences between the results obtained by the participants of the action and tentatively assumed value. 3. Evaluation of significant differences between the reference value and average value for a given series of measurements. 4. Thorough evaluation of laboratories based on evaluation coefficient fx. Model II after Keppler et al. As a criterion for evaluating the results the authors assumed the median. Individual evaluation of laboratories was performed on the basis of: 1. Adjusted test "t" 2. Linear regression test.

Models, Theoretical↗

An analysis of the National Toxicology Program's (NTP) Technical Report (NTP TR 421) on the toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of talc.

The NTP toxicology and carcinogenicity studies of nonasbestiform, cosmetic-grade talc (the NTP Talc Report) were conducted by exposing male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice to target aerosol concentrations of 0, 6, and 18 mg/m3 talc for 6 hr daily, 5 days per week. Based on results of the high dose, the Report concluded that talc caused lung tumors in female rats and pheochromocytomas in male and female rats, and there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in mice. A thorough evaluation of lung toxicity revealed that talc-induced lung tumors occurred only in the group of animals that exhibited the most profound degree of chronic toxicity. However, these data were presented as empirical observations rather than discussed in a manner that would relate them to the risk assessment implications of the bioassay, i.e., relevant data were collected but not "used." In addition, the evaluation of the pheochromocytomas was inadequate because it failed to place sufficient emphasis on the spontaneous incidence of this tumor in rats. These deficiencies caused the author to vote against the conclusions presented in the Talc Report when it was reviewed by the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors. The appropriate conclusions are (1) the data do not indicate that the pheochromocytomas were treatment-related; (2) the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was exceeded in the female rats exposed to the high dose; and (3) talc is not expected to cause lung tumors under conditions of exposure that fail to result in marked chronic lung toxicity.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Preclinical toxicology studies with azithromycin: genetic toxicology evaluation.

Azithromycin was subjected to a series of three in vitro and one in vivo genetic toxicology assays for the detection of drug-associated gene or chromosomal effects. In the Ames Salmonella typhimurium tester strains TA1535, TA1537, TA98 and TA100, the presence of azithromycin was not associated with any increase in the number of his- revertants. Urine from mice dosed with up to 200 mg/kg of azithromycin also had no effect on the number of revertants in these same strains suggesting the absence of mutagenic excretory products following oral exposure. When tested up to the cytotoxic level of 240 micrograms/ml, azithromycin caused no increase in the mutant frequency at the thymidine kinase locus of L5178Y/TK cells. Both the mammalian and microbial gene mutation assays included the presence of rat-liver postmitochondrial (S9) fraction for the detection of mutagenic biotransformation products. Mitogen-stimulated human lymphocytes cultured in the presence of 2.5-7.5 micrograms/ml azithromycin for 24 h or 30.0-40.0 micrograms/ml azithromycin for 3 h in the presence of rat S9 had chromosomal aberration frequencies that were no different than negative control cells even though slight to moderate mitotic suppression was associated with these concentrations. In vivo assessment of this compound was completed in male and female mice with a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg followed by sacrifice at 6, 24 or 48 h later and metaphase analysis of bone marrow for chromosomal aberrations. No statistically significant elevations of chromosomally aberrant cells were found. We conclude that azithromycin does not cause gene mutations in microbial or mammalian cells, or chromosomal aberrations in cultured human lymphocytes or in mouse bone marrow in vivo.

Animals↗

Toxicological evaluation of food additives. Toxicological evaluation over estimation of potential high intake to permitted levels of use of food additives and vice versa.

Permitted levels of use for food additives should agree with the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) established by toxicologists. To ensure accordance, nutritional and physiological factors can be used to estimate high intakes of food and beverages. Appetite and thirst (energy and liquid requirements) are such quantitative factors. They are universal and, if placed on the same level as the ADI, i.e., expressed on a kilogram of body weight basis, can be used to estimate high intakes of an additive. This tool can be easily used to judge whether a suggested level of use may cause consumption of the additive to exceed the ADI. It also tells us to what level (ADI) toxicological clearance should be sought, when the technological need is known. The method is independent of food consumption surveys, but these may be carried out to confirm its forecasts. This paper uses caramel in soft drinks as an example. The approach, also called "the budget method," has been tried out in Denmark and Sweden. It is now being offered as a solution to the problem facing the European Communities: to establish before 1993 a common list of food additives containing quantitative limitations for use.

Appetite↗