Complex environments
EMSG55-CEFAS: Critical evaluation of individual and combined natural and synthetic endocrine active compounds in fish: an in vitro & in vivo approach
The overall goal of this project is to characterize the potential in vitro and in vivo activities of plant-derived endocrine active compounds (EACs) versus synthetic substances and to evaluate potential combinatory effects of relevance to fish reproductive health. In particular, the […]
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EMSG56-BASF: Combined Low-dose Exposures to Anti-androgenic Substances
Considering the available definitions of endocrine disrupting compounds (Weybridge, 1996 and WHO/IPCS, 2002) it is recommended to follow an appropriate experimental design, duration of exposure, and completeness of relevant endpoints (OECD, 2002). As expected human exposures to chemicals, pesticides, biocides, […]
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EMSG34.4-SYNG: Evaluation of the weanling and testosterone-stimulateed weanling rat as an alternative to the Hershberger castrated rat in the detection of coded androgens and antiandrogens
Growing concerns regarding the possibility that environmental contaminants could mimic estrogens and androgens and hence disrupt endocrine systems have led to the evaluation of test systems to detect such contaminants. One system, the weanling rat assay, has been suggested as […]
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EMSG34.4-BACR: Continuation of the Hershberger validation with the intact weanling male rat to prove equivalence to the classic castrated male rat version
The current method of assessing the (anti-)androgenic potential of a compound in vivo is through the use of the Hershberger assay. This involves first castrating adult male rats, allowing the sexual accessory tissues to regress and then exposing the rats […]
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EMSG39-BAHE: Assessment of biological variability in mice – Development of a draft protocol
The objectives of this project ar the following: Literature search on biological variability and evaluation with regard to organ weights, cylcicity, sperm parameters Drafting of pre- and main study for the assessment of biological variability
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EMSG43: Endocrine disrupting effects in fish induced by parasites
Recently evidence evolved that environmental compounds can interfere with the endocrine systems of wildlife and humans. Surface waters are suggested to be the main sink for these so called endocrine disruptors (ED). Therefore aquatic species seem to be the main […]
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EMSG47-WCA: Support a tiered approach to evaluate endocrine effects in aquatic organisms
The specific objectives of the project are: - Development of a ”Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC)” concept for ecotoxicology that is analogous to the mammalian approach. Potency, environmental fate and exposure to a substance should be considered to establish environmental […]
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EMSG49-CNRS: Reprogramming of DNA methylation during mammalian development and environmental impact of Endocrine Disruptors
The analysis of epigenetic modifications at the level of the genome is a very promising field of research. The major question to be addressed is how the epigenome distinguishes cell types and how epigenetic variability between individuals reflects the influence […]
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EMSG52-MRC: Steroidogenesis and inter species comparison literature review
Masculinisation depends on adequate production of testosterone by the fetal testis within a specific'male programming window'. Disorders resulting from subtle deficiencies in this process are common in humans and environmental exposures/lifestyle could contribute causally as common therapeutic and environmental compounds […]
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EMSG37-BAYER: Participation of Bayer CropScience in Phase 1A and 1B of the OECD validation work on the “Non-Spawning Fish Screening Assay†for the detection of endocrine active substances according to the OECD test protocol (ENV/JM/TG/EDTA(2002)5)
In a 21-day-assay (phase 1 B), sexually mature female and male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to a weak estrogen agonist, or a weak aromatase inhibitor, under flow-through conditions. Three different test-compound concentrations, a water-only control, and a corresponding positive control […]
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