A predictive data-driven framework for endocrine prioritization: a triazole fungicide case study.

The US Environmental Protection Agency Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) is a tiered screening approach to determine the potential for a chemical to interact with estrogen, androgen, or thyroid hormone systems and/or perturb steroidogenesis. Use of high-throughput screening (HTS) to predict hazard and exposure is shifting the EDSP approach to (1) prioritization of chemicals for further screening; and (2) targeted use of EDSP Tier 1 assays to inform specific data needs. In this work, toxicology data for three triazole fungicides (triadimefon, propiconazole, and myclobutanil) were evaluated, including HTS results, EDSP Tier 1 screening (and other scientifically relevant information), and EPA guideline mammalian toxicology study data. The endocrine-related bioactivity predictions from HTS and information that satisfied the EDSP Tier 1 requirements were qualitatively concordant. Current limitations in the available HTS battery for thyroid and steroidogenesis pathways were mitigated by inclusion of guideline toxicology studies in this analysis. Similar margins (3-5 orders of magnitude) were observed between HTS-predicted human bioactivity and exposure values and between in vivo mammalian bioactivity and EPA chronic human exposure estimates for these products' registered uses. Combined HTS hazard and human exposure predictions suggest low priority for higher-tiered endocrine testing of these triazoles. Comparison with the mammalian toxicology database indicated that this HTS-based prioritization would have been protective for any potential in vivo effects that form the basis of current risk assessment for these chemicals. This example demonstrates an effective, human health protective roadmap for EDSP evaluation of pesticide active ingredients via prioritization using HTS and guideline toxicology information.

Implementing a framework for integrating toxicokinetics into human health risk assessment for agrochemicals.

A strategic and comprehensive program in which toxicokinetic (TK) measurements are made for all agrochemicals undergoing toxicity testing (both new compounds and compounds already registered for use) is described. This approach provides the data to more accurately assess the toxicokinetics of agrochemicals and their metabolites in laboratory animals and humans. Having this knowledge provides the ability to conduct more insightful toxicity studies, refine and interpret exposure assessments and reduce uncertainty in risk assessments. By developing a better understanding of TK across species, including humans via in vitro metabolism studies, any differences across species in TK can be identified early and the most relevant species can be selected for toxicity tests. It also provides the ability to identify any non-linearities in TK as a function of dose, which in turn can be used to identify a kinetically derived maximum dose (KMD) and avoid dosing inappropriately outside of the kinetic linear range. Measuring TK in key life stages also helps to identify changes in ADME parameters from in utero to adults. A robust TK database can also be used to set internal concentration based "Reference Concentrations" and Biomonitoring Equivalents (BE), and support selection of Chemical Specific Adjustment Factors (CSAF). All of these factors support the reduction of uncertainty throughout the entire risk assessment process. This paper outlines how a TK research strategy can be integrated into new agrochemical toxicity testing programs, together with a proposed Framework for future use.

Advancing the use of noncoding RNA in regulatory toxicology: Report of an ECETOC workshop.

The European Centre for the Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) organised a workshop to discuss the state-of-the-art research on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as biomarkers in regulatory toxicology and as analytical and therapeutic agents. There was agreement that ncRNA expression profiling data requires careful evaluation to determine the utility of specific ncRNAs as biomarkers. To advance the use of ncRNA in regulatory toxicology, the following research priorities were identified: (1) Conduct comprehensive literature reviews to identify possibly suitable ncRNAs and areas of toxicology where ncRNA expression profiling could address prevailing scientific deficiencies. (2) Develop consensus on how to conduct ncRNA expression profiling in a toxicological context. (3) Conduct experimental projects, including, e.g., rat (90-day) oral toxicity studies, to evaluate the toxicological relevance of the expression profiles of selected ncRNAs. Thereby, physiological ncRNA expression profiles should be established, including the biological variability of healthy individuals. To substantiate the relevance of key ncRNAs for cell homeostasis or pathogenesis, molecular events should be dose-dependently linked with substance-induced apical effects. Applying a holistic approach, knowledge on ncRNAs, 'omics and epigenetics technologies should be integrated into adverse outcome pathways to improve the understanding of the functional roles of ncRNAs within a regulatory context.

Comparative response of rat and rabbit conceptuses in vitro to inhibitors of histiotrophic nutrition.

Histiotrophic nutrition via the visceral yolk sac is an essential nutritional pathway of the rodent conceptus, and inhibition of this pathway may cause growth retardation, malformations, and death in rodent embryos. Morphologic differences among species during early development indicate that the visceral yolk sac histiotrophic nutrition pathway may be of lesser importance in nonrodent species, including humans. Here, comparative studies were conducted with inhibitors of different steps in the visceral yolk sac histiotrophic nutrition pathway to determine whether the rabbit is similarly responsive to the rat. Early somite stage New Zealand White rabbit and Crl:CD(SD) rat conceptuses (gestation day 9, rabbits; gestation day 10, rats) were exposed for 48 hr to three different histiotrophic nutrition pathway inhibitors using whole embryo culture techniques, after which they were evaluated for growth and malformations. Cubilin antibody, an inhibitor of endocytosis, reduced growth and development and increased malformations in both rat and rabbit embryos, although the rabbit appeared more sensitive. Leupeptin, a lysosomal cysteine protease inhibitor, also impaired growth and development and increased malformations in rat embryos, while in the rabbit it induced malformations and a slight decrease in morphology score but had no effect upon growth. Trypan blue, an inhibitor of endocytosis and endosome maturation, affected all measures in both species to a similar degree at the highest concentration (2500 µg/ml), but rat embryos responded to a greater extent at lower concentrations. Although the specific adverse outcomes appear to be different, these results demonstrate that rabbits, like rats, are sensitive to inhibitors of the histiotrophic nutrition pathway.

Pronamide: Weight of evidence for potential estrogen, androgen or thyroid effects.

Based on the exposure potential to humans and environment, pronamide was one of 52 chemicals on the first list evaluated under US EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The purpose of EDSP is to screen chemicals for their potential to interact with estrogen-, androgen-, or thyroid-signaling pathways. A battery of 11 Tier 1 assays was completed for pronamide in accordance with EDSP test guidelines. In addition, Other Scientifically Relevant Information, which included existing data from regulatory guideline studies and published literature, was used in a weight-of-evidence (WoE) evaluation of potential endocrine activity. The WoE conclusion is that pronamide does not interact directly with estrogen, androgen, or thyroid receptors or post-receptor events. Across in vivo studies, the liver is consistently and reproducibly the target organ for pronamide's effects. Pronamide activates hepatocytic nuclear receptors (including constitutive androstane receptor), induces hepatic enzymes, produces hepatocellular hypertrophy and increases liver weights. These changes are coupled with increased metabolic activity and a subsequent increased metabolism and/or clearance of both steroid and thyroid hormones. Thus, while pronamide alters some endocrine-sensitive endpoints in EDSP Tier 1 assays, effects on liver metabolism likely explain altered hormone levels and indirect endocrine changes.

Mode of action and human relevance of pronamide-induced rat thyroid tumors.

Pronamide, a selective, systemic, pre- and post-emergence herbicide, caused an increased incidence of thyroid follicular cell adenomas in a rat carcinogenicity study. Thyroid tumors, as well as liver and pituitary changes, were limited only to the high-dose group. The evidence for and against specific potential modes of action (MoAs) for rat thyroid follicular cell adenomas and their relevance to humans is discussed. Pronamide is not mutagenic and therefore, direct DNA reactivity is not relevant as a MoA. The hypothesized MoA for this effect is altered homeostasis of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis mediated by the induction of hepatic enzymes, including uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). Evaluation of data from a series of regulatory guideline and MoA studies aimed at identifying the causative and associated key events supported a UGT-mediated MoA in the development of thyroid follicular tumors. This MoA for pronamide-induced thyroid tumors in rats, which involves increased thyroid hormone metabolism/clearance, altered thyroid hormone homeostasis and HPT stimulation is not considered relevant to humans based on quantitative species differences, making rats markedly more sensitive than humans to thyroid perturbations.

Pronamide: Human relevance of liver-mediated rat leydig cell tumors.

Dietary exposure to pronamide resulted in higher incidences of Leydig cell tumors (LCT) at 1000ppm in a 2-year cancer bioassay, but there were no testes effects at 40 or 200ppm, and no testes effects at 12-months at any concentration. A 90-day mode-of-action (MoA) study was conducted at concentrations of 0, 200, 1000 and 2000ppm. Standard parameters and stereological and proliferation analyses of LCs, targeted testis and liver gene expression, in vitro metabolism of testosterone by liver microsomes, and quantification of serum hormones and testosterone metabolites were evaluated. Increased testosterone metabolism due to increases in hepatic microsomal activity, alterations in serum hormone levels, and other data suggest that LCTs were mediated through a perturbation of the HPG-axis. Data suggest that this occurs after a threshold of exposure is reached, indicating a nonlinear/threshold dose-response. Pronamide-induced rat LCTs mediated by alterations to the HPG-axis have low relevance to humans due to quantitative differences in sensitivity between rats and humans to LCTs. Pronamide displayed no genotoxicity or direct endocrine effects. A margin of exposure approach for risk assessment and derivation of the chronic reference dose based on a point of departure of 200ppm is most appropriate and protective of human health.

Application of a novel integrated toxicity testing strategy incorporating "3R" principles of animal research to evaluate the safety of a new agrochemical sulfoxaflor.

Plant protection products (PPPs) and the active substance(s) contained within them are rigorously and comprehensively tested prior to registration to ensure that human health is not impacted by their use. In recent years, there has been a widespread drive to have more relevant testing strategies (e.g., ILSI/HESI-ACSA and new EU Directives), which also take account of animal welfare, including the 3R (replacement, refinement, and reduction) principles. The toxicity potential of one such new active substance, sulfoxaflor, a sulfoximine insecticide (CAS #946578-00-3), was evaluated utilizing innovative testing strategies comprising: (1) an integrated testing scheme to optimize information obtained from as few animals as possible (i.e., 3R principles) through modifications of standard protocols, such as enhanced palatability study design, to include molecular endpoints, additional neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity parameters in a subchronic toxicity study, and combining multiple test guidelines into one study protocol; (2) generation of toxicokinetic data across dose levels, sexes, study durations, species, strains and life stages, without using satellite animals, which was a first for PPP development, and (3) addition of prospective mode of action (MoA) endpoints within repeat dose toxicity studies as well as proactive inclusion of specific MoA studies as an integral part of the development program. These novel approaches to generate key data early in the safety evaluation program facilitated informed decision-making on the need for additional studies and contributed to a more relevant human health risk assessment. This supplement also contains papers which describe in more detail the approach taken to establish the MoA and human relevance framework related to toxicities elicited by sulfoxaflor in the mammalian toxicology studies: developmental toxicity in rats mediated via the fetal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ( Ellis-Hutchings et al. 2014 ); liver tumors in rodents mediated via CAR/PXR ( LeBaron et al. 2014 ); and Leydig cell tumors in Fischer 344 rats ( Rasoulpour et al. 2014 ).

Human relevance framework for rodent liver tumors induced by the insecticide sulfoxaflor.

Sulfoxaflor, a novel active substance that targets sap-feeding insects, induced rodent hepatotoxicity when administered at high dietary doses. Specifically, hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas increased after 18 months in male and female CD-1 mice at 750 and 1250 ppm, respectively, and hepatocellular adenomas increased after 2 years in male F344 rats at 500 ppm. Studies to determine the mode of action (MoA) for these liver tumors were performed in an integrated and prospective manner as part of the standard battery of toxicology studies such that the MoA data were available prior to, or by the time of, the completion of the carcinogenicity studies. Sulfoxaflor is not genotoxic and the MoA data support the following key events in the etiology of the rodent liver tumors: (1) CAR nuclear receptor activation and (2) hepatocellular proliferation. The MoA data were evaluated in a weight of evidence approach using the Bradford Hill criteria for causation and were found to align with dose and temporal concordance, biological plausibility, coherence, strength, consistency, and specificity for a CAR-mediated MoA while excluding other alternate MoAs. The available data include: activation of CAR, Cyp2b induction, hepatocellular hypertrophy and hyperplasia, absence of liver effects in KO mice, absence of proliferation in humanized mice, and exclusion of other possible mechanisms (e.g., genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, AhR, or PPAR activation), and indicate that the identified rodent liver tumor MoA for sulfoxaflor would not occur in humans. In this case, sulfoxaflor is considered not to be a potential human liver carcinogen.

Mode-of-action and human relevance framework analysis for rat Leydig cell tumors associated with sulfoxaflor.

Sulfoxaflor, a molecule that targets sap-feeding insects, was assessed for carcinogenic potential in groups of 50 Fischer rats fed with diets containing 0, 25, 100, 500 (males), or 750 (females) ppm sulfoxaflor for 2 years according to OECD 453. Sulfoxaflor did not alter the number of rats with Leydig cell tumors (LCTs: 88% of controls and 90-92% in treated groups). The size of LCT was increased at 100 and 500 ppm. The spontaneous incidence of LCT in Fischer rat is 75-100% compared with less than 0.01% in humans. These fundamental interspecies differences in spontaneous incidence of LCT are the result of quantitative and qualitative differences in Leydig cell response to hormonal stimuli. There are nine known modes of actions (MoA) for LCT induction. Analysis sulfoxaflor data suggested a hormone-based dopamine enhancement MoA causing the LCT effect through: 1) increased neuronal dopamine release via specific dopaminergic neuron-based nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonism, leading to 2) decreased serum prolactin (Prl) levels, 3) downregulation of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) gene expression in Leydig cells, 4) transient decreases in serum testosterone, 5) increased serum LH levels, and 6) promotion of LCTs. The analysis suggested that sulfoxaflor promoted LCTs through a subtle stimulation of dopamine release. The MoA for LCT promotion in the carcinogenicity study is considered to have no relevance to humans due to qualitative and quantitative differences between rat and human Leydig cells. Therefore, the Fischer 344 rat LCT promotion associated with lifetime administration of high-dose levels of sulfoxaflor would not pose a cancer hazard to humans.