A group of Korean researchers overseas has discovered a method that evaluates the long-term toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) to the environment by using artificial zebrafish. 

The joint research team led by Kim Young-jun, head of environmental safety corps at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Europe, and Professor Kong Hyun-joon at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign conducted experiments cultivating organoids, which are miniaturized versions of organs imitating the liver of zebrafish, to replaces animal tests. 

KIST Europe researchers have found a method to analyze toxicity in EDCs using artificial zebrafish, replacing real animals in this photo. (KIST)
KIST Europe researchers have found a method to analyze toxicity in EDCs using artificial zebrafish, replacing real animals in this photo. (KIST)

Vitellogenin (VTG), the indicator substance used to evaluate whether it affects endocrine disruption using zebrafish, had been widely used in toxicology. However, the team could not use zebrafish organoids in the actual toxicity experiment, as the tissues could produce high concentrations of VTG. 

Researchers utilized polyethylene glycol (PEG) to produce organoid bones to cultivate zebrafish liver cells. As a result, the team could use the cells long-term as they combined and assembled themselves, maintaining in shape for 28 days. 

Using this cultivating method, the team successfully developed artificial zebrafish liver organoids for chronic toxicity testing, which can be used in long-term effects for more than six weeks. 

Researchers expected that using artificial liver will have similar results to direct tests on zebrafish, replacing animal testing with ethical problems. Using the three-dimensional biomimetic system developed by the team could measure the long-term effects of endocrine-disabled substances on the environment in a shorter time, according to the team. 

“KIST Europe has been focusing on developing the ‘toxic development of EDCs in the ecosystem framework’ with our accumulated work and research experiences since 2018,” KIST Europe Director Kim Joon-kyeong said. “We will work on supporting the safety and medical technology development based on the abilities in toxicity experiments and animal test replacement laws.” 

Research team leader Kim also said, “The short-term goal is to secure the basis for technologies concerning global-level animal replacement testing methods to lay the foundation for technology transferring in Korea.”

KIST Europe plans to focus on developing new alternative testing methods in environmental toxicity by developing toxic signaling systems that can analyze the impact of various EDCs, he added. 

This research was conducted as part of the National Research Council of Science and Technology’s creative convergence project and key research project of KIST Europe with the Ministry of Science and ICT support. 

The results are published in the latest issue of Environmental Science & Technology. 
 

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