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Administrative data

Description of key information

Two studies are available:


> A Combined repeated dose and reproduction / developmental screening study in Sprague-Dawley rats (Japanese NIHS, 2004) according to OECD 422 and using oral (gavage) administration: NOAEL= 40 mg/kg bw/day.


> A 90-day repeated dose toxicity study (J. Ducroq, 2018) in Wistar rats by oral route (gavage) according to OECD 408 guideline: NOAEL = 125 mg/kg bw/day


Both studies are GLP compliant.


 


In the OECD 422 study the administered doses were 8, 40 and 200 mg/kg bw/day. In the OECD 408 study the administered doses were 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg bw/day. The latest study, with the longest exposure (subchronic; 90 days), is regarded as the most relevant study to derive a point of departure (NOAEL) for human health risk assessment. In addition, the intervals between doses in the OECD 422 study are significatively too large.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Repeated dose toxicity: via oral route - systemic effects

Link to relevant study records

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
short-term repeated dose toxicity: oral
Remarks:
combined repeated dose and reproduction / developmental screening
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
not stated
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Remarks:
Modern study conducted in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 422
Qualifier:
equivalent or similar to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 422 (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction / Developmental Toxicity Screening Test)
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Males were treated for 42 days, with a satellite high dose group retained for a further 15 days to demonstrate recovery after treatment.
The females were treated for 14 days prior to mating and then through gestation to lactation day 4. A high dose satellite recovery group of females was also retained for fifteen days following completion of treatment.
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
no
Species:
rat
Strain:
Crj: CD(SD)
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Crj:CD(SD)IGS rats used but no details provided regarding supplier
- Age at study initiation: No data
- Weight at study initiation: No data
- Fasting period before study: No data
- Housing: No data

- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): no data
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): no data
- Acclimation period: no data

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): No data
- Humidity (%): No data
- Air changes (per hr): No data
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): No data

IN-LIFE DATES: From: not stated To: not stated
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Vehicle:
other: 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution
Details on oral exposure:
REPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:

VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water):0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution used as suspending agent
Males were treated for 42 days, with a satellite high dose group retained for a further 15 days to demonstrate recovery after treatment.
The females were treated for 14 days prior to mating and then through gestation to lactation day 4. A high hose satellite recovery group of females was also retained for fifteen days following completion of treatment.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
not specified
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
no data
Duration of treatment / exposure:
Males were treated for 42 days, with a satellite high dose group retained for a further 15 days to demonstrate recovery after treatment.
The females were treated for 14 days prior to mating and then through gestation to lactation day 4. A high dose satellite recovery group of females was also retained for fifteen days following completion of treatment.
Frequency of treatment:
Daily
Dose / conc.:
0 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Dose / conc.:
8 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Dose / conc.:
40 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Dose / conc.:
200 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
No. of animals per sex per dose:
twelve; an additional five rats per sex were allocated to the satellite groups for retention through the recovery phase.
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
As a screening study this investigation was limited to the parental generation and F1 offspring only. The repeated adminstration phase for males (42 days) and females (14 days) prior to mating provides some subacute toxicity data and the treatment of females through gestation gives some reproductive and developmental toxicity information.

The males and females were dosed for up to 42 days by oral gavage and this subacute exposure was used to address the short-term toxicology endpoints. Clinical signs, bodyweight gain, food consumption haematology, clinical chemistry and urinalysis parameters were recorded together with a limited functional observation battery, organ weights and macroscopic and microscopic examinations at termination.
Positive control:
Not applicable
Observations and examinations performed and frequency:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: daily

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: at weekly intervals - assessment in homecage, then in observers hands and then outside the homecage. Assessments included posture, sleeping, locomotion,vocalisations, tremors and convulsions, response to capture and handling, salivation, grading of heart beat, body temperature, exophthalmus and pupil size, exhibition of any discoloration of fur, skin or lacrimation. Outside the cage the assessment of posture, grooming, vocalisations, occurrence of straub tail, gait, tremor, convulsion pilo-erection and palpebral opening; exploration and respiratory rate and any exhibition of stereotypy or bizarre behaviour.

A functional assessment was completed on the final day of treatment to assess various reflex responses.

BODY WEIGHT: recorded on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 of treatment and days 1, 7, and 14 of recovery for males.
Females were weighed on days 1, 7, and 14 of treatment; days 0, 7, 14 and 20 of pregnancy and days 0 and 4 of lactation
Bodyweights and bodyweight gains are reported.

Food consumption was recorded for the males and for the satellite females (treated at 200 mg/kg) on days 1-2, 7-8, 14-15, 29-30, 35-36 and 41-42 and then days 6-7 and 13-14 of the recovery phase.

Urinalysis was performed on Day 31 and 32 for males and females respectively. Parameters assessed included colour, turbidity, pH, protein, glucose, ketone and bilirubin levels, occult blood, urobilinogen and presence in urinary sediment of crystals by incidence and type/shape and urinary specific gravity.

Clinical pathology in the form of standard haematology and biochemical parameters were assessed on Day 43 of treatment and on Day 15 of the recovery phase for male rats and on Day 5 of lactation for the females.

Organ weights were recorded on Day 43 of treatment and on Day 15 of the recovery phase for male rats and on Day 5 of lactation for the females.


Necropsy was completed on termination of treatment or after completion of the recovery phase or on day 5 of lactation. Macroscpic findings were recorded at each scheduled necropsy. Histopathological findings were documented for tissues sampled following each of the scheduled necropsy events. The list of tissues examined was in accordance with the test guideline.



Sacrifice and pathology:
SACRIFICE
- Male animals: All surviving animals following day 42 of treatment or on day 15 of the recovery phase.
- Maternal animals: All surviving animals on day 5 of lactation or on day 15 for the satellite animals in the recovery phase.

GROSS NECROPSY
- Gross necropsy consisted of external and internal examinations including the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal viscera. Certain organ weight parameters were also recorded at termination.

HISTOPATHOLOGY / ORGAN WEIGHTS
The tissues indicated in the attached table were prepared for microscopic examination and weighed, respectively.
Other examinations:
Additional examinations related to the reproductive toxicity/developmental toxicity screening were included and have been detailed in the summary presented in the relevant section.

The study design was based on test guideline OECD 422 and included assessmeny of various reproductive and developmental toxicity parameters including:
oestrous cycling for females in the pre-treatment period, treatment period and during the mating period

reproductive performance parameters - copulation index, number of pregnant females, fertility index, length of pairing time to copulation

pup development parameters including number of pregnant females and those with live neonates, gestation length, number of corpora lutea, number of implantations, various parameters related to lactation Day 0 indices and for lactation Day 4; and sex ratio of pups on day 4.
Pup weights, number of live neonates and morphological findings for live and dead pups
Statistics:
No data
Clinical signs:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
daily observations showed no adverse reactions; detailed clinical assessment revealed no treatment related changes
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Description (incidence):
daily observations showed no adverse reactions; detailed clinical assessment revealed no treatment related changes
Body weight and weight changes:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
bodyweights for males and females showed no significant differences from controls at any timepoint.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
Food consumption showed no significant treatment related differences
Food efficiency:
not examined
Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
not examined
Ophthalmological findings:
not examined
Haematological findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No significant treatment related changes
Clinical biochemistry findings:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
No significant treatment related changes
Urinalysis findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Urinary turbidity, specific gravity changes
Behaviour (functional findings):
not examined
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
relative liver weights increased for high dose males
Gross pathological findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
darkened enlarged livers at 200 mg/kg
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
liver histopathology in males at 200 mg/kg
Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
not examined
Details on results:
Oral administration of 4,4'-biphenyldiol at dose levels of 8, 40 or 200 mg/kg bw/day did not cause death or a moribund condition in any animals. None of the scores obtained during detailed clinical observations differed in a biologically significant manner between the control and the compound-treated groups.
No apparent changes were observed in general clinical conditions, except that urine in the 200 mg/kg bw/day treated group became cloudy with elapse of time after excretion. Urinalysis was performed on treatment days 31 and 32 in male and female rats, respectively, calcium oxalate-like urinary crystal sediments were found in males given 200 mg/kg and in females given 40 or 200 mg/kg. Turbidity was enhanced at dose levels of 40 or 200 mg/kg, and urinary specific gravity was decreased in these females. These changes in urine parameters were not found when urinalysis was performed 11 days after cessation of the treatment (on day 11 of recovery) in either sex for the satellite animals.
Body weight, weight gain and food consumption were not affected by treatment at any dose level in either sex. No animals showed any abnormality in functional parameters after the final treatment.
At necropsy on termination of the treatment, no apparent effects of the compound were found on haematological or blood-biochemical examination at any dose level of the compound in either sex.

Results are presented in tabular form below. In conclusion, we propose to use a NOAEL of 40 mg/kg bw/day.

At 40 mg/kg bw d in males only, increased (+10%) absolute liver weight, not statistically significant, was observed. A slight increment (+6%), not statistically significant, in absolute kidney weight was also observed. No effects on females were observed at this dose level.
Histopathological effects in males were considered of no toxicological significance since no substantial variation in respect to control was observed. No effects on females were observed at this dose level.
Turbidity of the urine was only reported in 1/5 males due to presence of oxalate like crystal formation (2/5). Also in 1/5 females turbidity of urine was observed, but in this case only 1/5 animal showed presence of oxalate like crystal formation. A statistically significant decrement of Specific Gravity (-1%) was
observed in urine, but only for females . This decrement was not considered to be biologically relevant and/or adverse.
Since there were no effects on kidney and on liver at 40 mg/kg and all those effects observed at the high dose level were reversible in nature, it can be concluded that effects observed at 40 mg/kg bw day represent a NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for this compound.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOEL
Effect level:
8 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: see 'Remark'
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
40 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
other: see 'Remark'
Key result
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
200 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
System:
hepatobiliary
Organ:
liver
Treatment related:
yes
Key result
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
200 mg/kg bw/day (actual dose received)
System:
urinary
Organ:
kidney
Treatment related:
yes

Tabulated summary of toxicologically important findings in the reproductive and developmental toxicity screening study in rats

 

Dose levels for main study

Dose levels for recovery groups

0

8

40

200

0R

200R

Organ weight %variation compared with control

 

Males

Liver

--

-2%

10%

8% **

--

3%

Kidney

--

-1%

6%

2%

--

-2%

Organ weight %variation compared with control

 

Females

Liver

--

-9%

-6%

-2%

--

1%

Kidney

--

-4%

2%

-5%

--

4%

Histopathology

 

Males

Liver
centrilobular hypertrophy

0/5

0/5

0/5

2/5

0/5

0/5

Liver
periportal fatty change ##

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

5/5

Kidney
Eosinophilic body ##

2/5

2/5

5/5

5/5

2/5

5/5

Histopathology

 

Females

Liver
centrilobular hypertrophy

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

Liver
periportal fatty change ##

4/5

5/5

3/5

4/5

1/5

3/5

Kidney
Eosinophilic body ##

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

0/5

Urinalysis

 

Males

Turbidity

0/10

0/5

1/5

10/10

0/5

0/5

Crystals (few)

10/10

4/5

3/5

0/10

0/5

0/5

Crystals (abundant)

0/10

1/5

2/5

10/10

0/5

0/5

Oxalate-like crystals

0/10

0/5

0/5

8/10

0/5

0/5

Specific Gravity

--

--

--

--

--

-1%

Urinalysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Females

Turbidity

0/7

0/7

2/7

6/7

0/5

4/5

Crystals (few)

5/7

3/7

6/7

0/7

5/5

1/5

Crystals (abundant)

0/7

2/7

1/7

7/7

0/5

4/5

Oxalate-like crystals

0/7

0/7

1/7

6/7

0/5

4/5

Specific Gravity

--

--

-1% *

-2% **

--

-1%

##       no toxicological significance or biological importance since the treated groups responded similarly to control with no notable variation.
*
        p<0.05
**
      p<0.01

Bodyweights for males and satellite females during treatment and during the recovery phase were similar to controls. No notable difference in bodyweight or bodyweight gain was recorded for treated, pregnant females in comparison with controls throughout the treatment, pregnancy or lactation phases. Food consumption, similarly, for males, satellite females and the treated dams showed no changes from controls that were indicative of a toxicologically significant or treatment-related effect.

The incidence of clinical signs generally revealed no notable differences between treated and control groups. However, voiding of cloudy, white turbid urine was observed frequently for the majority of males, satellite females and the pregnant females following dosing at 200 mg/kg bw/day but no observed among any rats dosed at 0, 8 or 40 mg/kg bw/day. The detailed clinical assessment in the home cage and during handling or in an outside arena also showed no treatment-related clinical response among any of the rats.

Functional findings (assessment of Preyer's reflex; pupillary reflex; visual placing; startle response; pain response; hindlimb withdrawal; corneal reflex and righting reflex) showed no differences between treated and control rats.

Urinary findings are tabulated above. No toxicologically significant differences between treated and control rats (males, satellite females or the treated dams) were apparent for colour, pH, protein, glucose, ketone,bilirubin, occult blood or urobilinogen levels.

For the males and satellite females a similar pattern of response was noted at termination an on day 11 of the recovery period - increased turbidity in the high dose group, 200 mg/kg bw/day, on day 31 but no effects by day 11 of recovery. Examination of urinary sediment revealed few crystals in the control and increasingly abundant crystal presence with increasing dose and examination of the shape indicated increased incidence of calcium oxalate type crystals in the high dose group and less frequently in males dosed at 40 mg/kg bw/day.

A similar pattern was observed in the treated pregnant rats, slight to moderate urinary turbidity at the high dose with a higher frequency of calcium oxalate-like crystals. The urinary specific gravity was significantly lower for the 40 and 200 mg/kg bw/day groups (-1 and -2% respectively; p<0.05 and p<0.01 respectively).

There were no changes in any of the haematology or biochemical parameters to indicate any treatment-related systemic toxicity for males, satellite females or the treated females at the end of the treatment period or following the recovery phase.

Absolute and relative organ weights showed no evidence of any consistent treatment-related effects in males and females. In particular there were no significant differences between treated and control groups for kidney weights and only the high dose males showed a significant increase in relative liver weight with no effect apparent following the recovery phase. There were no indications from organ weights that the potential target organs, liver or kidney, were affected by treatment at 40 mg/kg bw/day.

The macroscopic findings revealed dark, enlarged livers for all male rats dosed at 8, 40 or 200 mg/kg bw/day and for all the control rats. No liver effects were apparent for any females on Day 5 of lactation and the incidence of renal pelvic dilation in the kidneys was comparable across treated and control groups, as was the incidence of small spleen or small thymus. None of these macroscopic observations were considered to represent an adverse effect of treatment.

No treatment-related histopathological changes of toxicological significance were identified for the females. In the high dose male group two rats had centrilobular hypertrophy and five showed a periportal fatty change, the latter achieving statistical significance in comparison with controls. The changes were graded on a five point scale (negative,very slight, slight, moderate and severe) and all of the reactions observed in the male livers were graded as very slight.

In the absence of any confirmatory clinical or microscopic pathology, the minor changes in relative liver weight were considered not to be toxicologically signifcant. The induction of liver enzymes is non-specific response and may be considerd an adaptive response to increased metabolic load. The crystal deposition at the high dose level did not affect kidneys in rats dosed at 40 mg/kg bw/day. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level for systemic toxicity based on sub acute exposure of rats in this screening study is therefore considered to be 40 mg/kg bw/day.

Conclusions:
Treatment up to 200 mg/kg bw/d did not affect the reproductive performance of parental animals or the early development of their offspring. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for repeat dose toxicity of 4,4'-biphenyldiol is considered to be 40 mg/kg bw/d for both sexes of animals. The NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity is considered to be 200 mg/kg/day for females and males, and the NOAEL for offspring is considered to be 200 mg/kg/day.
Executive summary:

A combined repeat dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity screening test was conducted in rats according to the OECD Test Guideline 422 with 4,4'-biphenyldiol.

At the high dose level of 200 mg/kg bw/d, excreted urine became cloudy over the treatment period. Urinalysis revealed turbidity for males and females dosed at 200 mg/kg bw/d but only an isolated case at 40 mg/kg bw/d. Calcium oxalate-like urinary crystal sediment was found in the males given 200 mg/kg bw/d and in the females given 40 or 200 mg/kg bw/d. Urinary specific gravity was marginally decreased in the females given doses of 40 or 200 mg/kg bw/d. At necropsy after the final treatment, the high dose, 200 mg/kg bw/d, affected male livers - increased relative weights and altered the histopathological appearance, including development of centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy and incrased frequency of very slight periportal fatty change. Fourteen days after the final treatment the recovery group of males and the satellite females demonstrated that all of the changes caused by the compound had disappeared and no delayed toxicity was evident. The no observed adverse effect dose level (NOAEL) for repeat dose toxicity of 4,4'-biphenyldiol is considered to be 40 mg/kg bw/d for both sexes of animals. Treatment up to 200 mg/kg bw/d did not affect the reproductive performance of parental animals or the early development of their offspring. The NOAEL for reproductive/developmental toxicity is considered to be 200 mg/kg bw/d for females and males, and the NOAEL for offspring is considered to be 200 mg/kg bw/d.

Endpoint:
sub-chronic toxicity: oral
Type of information:
experimental study
Adequacy of study:
key study
Study period:
18 November 2016 to 30 August 2018
Reliability:
1 (reliable without restriction)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
guideline study
Remarks:
GLP study performed according to the OECD Test Guideline No. 408.
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to same study
Reason / purpose for cross-reference:
reference to same study
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
OECD Guideline 408 (Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents)
Version / remarks:
September 1998
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EU Method B.26 (Sub-Chronic Oral Toxicity Test: Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents)
Version / remarks:
May 2008
Qualifier:
according to guideline
Guideline:
EPA OPPTS 870.3100 (90-Day Oral Toxicity in Rodents)
Version / remarks:
August 1998
GLP compliance:
yes
Limit test:
no
Species:
rat
Strain:
Wistar
Details on species / strain selection:
Rat Wistar: Crl: WI (Han)
Sex:
male/female
Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
TEST ANIMALS
- Supplier: Charles River Laboratories France, Domaine des Oncins, 69210 Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France.
- Age at study initiation: approximately 6 weeks.
- Weight at study initiation:
males: 151.7 to 191.2 g
females: 141.2 to 189.0 g.
- Housing: One air-conditioned room in a barrier protected unit. Animals were housed in groups of 5 of the same sex and dose group in polycarbonate cages with sawdust bedding, in compliance with European Regulations (Directive 2010/63/EU).
- Diet: ad libitum
- Water: ad libitum
- Acclimatisation period: 7 days between animal arrival and the start of treatment.

DETAILS OF FOOD AND WATER QUALITY:
- Food: complete diet sterilised by irradiation and analysed for a predefined list of chemical and bacteriological contaminants.
Each batch of diet is supplied with a certificate of analysis which is verified and authorized for release by a veterinarian.
- Water: softened and filtered (0.2 µm) mains drinking water.
Water is analysed twice a year for chemical and bacterial contaminants by Laboratoire Santé Environnement Hygiène de Lyon, France.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): 22 +/- 3 °C (target range)
- Humidity (%): 35 to 70 % (target range)
- Air changes (per hr): At least 10 air changes per hour
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): 12 hours light (artificial)/12 hours dark (except when required for technical acts).

IN-LIFE DATES: From: 30 August 2017 (Day 1 of treatment) To: 30 November 2017 (Last necropsy)
Route of administration:
oral: gavage
Details on route of administration:
The oral route was selected as this is a potential route of human exposure during manufacture, handling or use of the test substance as specified in the applicable guidelines.
Vehicle:
CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose)
Remarks:
0.5 % [w/v] Carboxymethylcellulose 300-600 centipoises in water for injection
Details on oral exposure:
- PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
- The test item was prepared as a suspension in the vehicle at concentrations of 6, 25 and 100 mg/mL
- Rate of preparation: At least weekly
- Storage of formulations: refrigerated (between +2 and +8 °C)
- Stability of the test item in the vehicle: 11 days at room temperature (between +15 and +25 °C) or refrigerated (between +2 and +8 °C), and 26 days when stored frozen (between -15 and -25 °C)
- Homogeneity of the test item in the vehicle: homogeneity at 1 and 200 mg/mL was validated

- VEHICLE
- Vehicle: 0.5% [w/v] Carboxymethylcellulose 300-600 centipoises in water for injection.
- Concentration in vehicle: 6, 25 and 100 mg/mL

- ADMINISTRATION
- Volume of administration: 5 mL/kg/day
- Individual dose volumes were adjusted weekly using the latest body weight.
Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
yes
Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
The test item 4,4'-biphenyldiol was quantified in dosing formulations generated during the study.
This assay was performed by UPLC-UV according to a validated analytical method in a Test site. This method was specific, linear in the calibration range, precise and accurate.
Concentrations of 4,4'-biphenyldiol were determined in dosing formulations from four validated series of analysis. They were validated by the assay of quality control samples dispatched throughout the formulation samples.

> Preparation of 4,4'-biphenyldiol stock solutions, working solurions and calibration standards:
- The test item was accurately weighed and dissolved into a flask by hand shaking in methanol/isopropanol (4/1). The solution was sonicated for 2 minutes and the volume was adjusted to 5.00 mL with methanol/isopropanol (4/1) giving a parent stock solution at 1000 µg/mL. The solution was then transferred in an amber glass vial and stored protected from light for 8 days at 5±4°C.
- A 200 µg/mL working solution was prepared daily by dilution of the stock solution in methanol/isopropanol (4/1).
- The calibration standards and the quality control samples were prepared daily by dilution of a 200 µg/mL working solution in methanol/isopropanol (4/1). Then they were mixed for 10 sec using a vortex mixer, transferred in vials and centrifuged for 3 min at 4000 rpm and 4°C.

> Preparation and analysis of the study samples:
- 4 samples of 1 g each were taken from each formulation including the control, used on the first day of treatment, on a suitable day during Week 4 and during the last week of treatment. The samples were stored frozen (between -15 and -25 °C) before shipment to the Test Site. One set of samples was dispatched to the Test Site for analysis. They were stored and analysed within the stability period as defined in the validation study.
- Results of achieved concentrations should be within the range of ±15 %.
- Before analysis, the frozen study samples were left to thaw at room temperature and were diluted in methanol/isopropanol (4/1). Each diluted sample was mixed for 10 sec, transferred in a vial and centrifuged for 3 min at 4000 rpm and 4°C.
Duration of treatment / exposure:
At least 91 days.
The first day of dosing is designated as Day 1. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed on the day after the last day of treatment.
Frequency of treatment:
Daily
Dose / conc.:
0 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Remarks:
Group 1 (Control vehicle) - Formulation concentration: 0 mg/mL
Dose / conc.:
30 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Remarks:
Group 2 (Low dose) - Formulation concentration: 6 mg/mL
Dose / conc.:
125 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Remarks:
Group 3 (Intermediate dose) - Formulation concentration: 25 mg/mL
Dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Remarks:
Group 4 (High dose) - Formulation concentration: 100 mg/mL
No. of animals per sex per dose:
10 per sex and per group
Control animals:
yes, concurrent vehicle
Details on study design:
Additional tests were performed, which are not part of recommended tests in the OCDE 408 guideline.
These tests include oestrus cycle determination and sperm analysis:
> Daily vaginal smears were sampled from all females during the last 4 weeks of treatment and the day of necropsy to determine Oestrus cycles.
> Sperm analysis was performed at necropsy in males from groups 1 and 4.
Observations and examinations performed and frequency:
CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: All animals were observed at least twice daily.

DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: The animals were observed daily during the study.
To detect any clinical signs or reactions to treatment, the animals were observed before and at least once after dosing.
A full clinical examination was performed weekly out of the cage.

BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: All animals were weighed at the time of randomisation, prior to the first dosing and then once weekly.

FOOD CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE:
- Food consumption was measured weekly for each cage of animals during the treatment period and reported in g/animal/day.

WATER CONSUMPTION AND COMPOUND INTAKE (if drinking water study): No

OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: All animals pretest, all animals in groups 1 and 4 during Week 13 (Day 86).

HAEMATOLOGY AND CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of blood: All animals, on Day 92/93 for males/females
- Anaesthetic used for blood collection: Blood was withdrawn from the retro-orbital sinus under isoflurane anaesthesia
- Animals fasted: Yes (animals fasted overnight)
- Standard haematology, coagulation and clinical chemistry parameters were examined.

URINALYSIS: Yes
- Time schedule for collection of urine: All animals, on Day 92/93 for males/females from animals fasted overnight.
- Metabolism cages used for collection of urine: Yes (Urine was collected in individual metabolism cages for approximately 16 hours from animals deprived of food and water but receiving 20 mL/kg of tap water by gavage before the beginning of the collection period).
- Standard parameters were examined.

NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: On Days 91/92 for males/females.
- Dose groups that were examined: 5 first animals/sex/group
- Battery of functions tested: auditory reflex / pupillary reflex / righting reflex / fore- and hind-limb grip strenght / locomotor activity in an open field test

IMMUNOLOGY: No

ESTROUS CYCLES: Yes
- Animals examined: All females
- Frequency:
Daily vaginal smears were performed to determine the stage of oestrus during the last 4 weeks of treatment.
On the day of scheduled necropsy, a vaginal smear was taken to determine the stage of the oestrous cycle and allow correlation with histopathology of female reproductive organs.

SPERM ANALYSIS: Yes
- Animals examined and frequency: All animals in groups 1 and 4 at necropsy.
- Sperm analysis was performed using automated equipment (Hamilton Thorne Research IVOS). The left cauda epididymis was sampled and used for the assessment of caudal sperm reserves, sperm motility and progressive motility. Sperm counts were performed using the left testis following removal of the tunica albuginea.
- Sperm morphology was evaluated (at least 200 spermatozoids per sample, where possible). The numbers of spermatozoids with each type of abnormality was recorded.
- In the case of an abnormality of the left epididymis or testis, the right organs may be used for sperm analysis.
Sacrifice and pathology:
GROSS PATHOLOGY: Yes
HISTOPATHOLOGY: Yes
Statistics:
The following parameters were analysed statistically on each occasion for males and females separately:
body weights and body weight gains
haematology, coagulation and serum clinical chemistry parameters, urine volume, specific gravity and urine pH
terminal body weights, absolute and relative organ weights.
Statistical analyses were performed by the Provantis data acquisition system as follows:
The best transformation for the data (none, log or rank) was determined depending upon the kurtosis of the data, the probability of the Bartlett's test for homogeneity of the variances and the similarity of the group sizes. Non- or log-transformed data were analysed by parametric methods. Rank transformed data were analysed using non-parametric methods. The homogeneity of means was assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Data were then analysed to test for a dose-related trend to detect the lowest dose at which there was a significant effect, based on the Williams test for parametric data or Shirley's test for non-parametric data.
If no trend was found but the means were not homogeneous, the data were analysed by a stepwise parametric or non-parametric Dunnett's test to look for significant differences from the control group.
Data from functional test (fore- and hind-limb grip strength and locomotor activity in an open field test) and from sperm analysis was analysed using a SAS software package. Levene’s test was used to test the equality of variance across groups and Shapiro-Wilk's test was used to assess the normality of the data distribution in each group. Data with homogeneous variances and normal distribution in all groups were analysed using Anova followed by Dunnett’s test. Data showing non-homogeneous variances or a non-normal distribution in at least one group will be analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Wilcoxon's rank sum test.
Microsoft Excel® 2003 was employed to present certain results and perform associated calculations.
Clinical signs:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Observed clinical signs consisted of chromodacryorrhea in one group 4 male from Day 68 to Day 92 and in one group 2 female from Day 68 to Day 69 and from Day 91 to Day 93, soft distended abdomen in group 3 female from Day 41 to Day 42, slight piloerection in two group 4 females on a single occasion (Day 88), exophthalmos and tilted head in a group 3 male on a single occasion (D51). They were considered incidental since they were only observed sporadically in very few animals. Scabs, sores and localised hairloss were noted in treated and control animals and were also considered incidental.
Mortality:
no mortality observed
Body weight and weight changes:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
An overall lower mean body weight gain was noted in rats given the highest dose (500 mg/kg/day) compared to controls (-13 % and -10 % in males and females, respectively), without obvious impact on mean body weight. At the end of the treatment period, mean body weight from group 4 males and females was -4 % lower than controls.
Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
no effects observed
Ophthalmological findings:
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The ophthalmological findings observed in Week 13 consisted of corneal opacities noted as punctiform or linear and persistent pupillary membrane. They were considered to be incidental since they were already noted pretest and/or in the control group. Moreover, all these ocular findings are known to be observed in the laboratory rat [1] as congenital, spontaneous or common changes, and can evolve with time.
Haematological findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
There were no test item related variations in haematology parameters in males, at any dose levels.
In females given 500 mg/kg/day, increased mean total white blood cell counts was noted compared to controls (+34 %), due to elevated mean neutrophil counts (+120 %), above historical background data. Higher mean fibrinogen concentration was also noted in females at 500 mg/kg/day (+53 %), above historical background data. The increases in neutrophils counts and fibrinogen concentration correlated with adverse retrograde nephropathy and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration noted at the histopathological examination.
Clinical biochemistry findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
The following test item-related changes were noted:
- lower mean cholesterol concentration noted at 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg/day in males only, with dose-dependency (-11 %, -26 % and -47 % from controls, respectively). Mean values at 500 mg/kg/day were below historical background data.
- slightly higher mean inorganic phosphorus concentration in males (+9 %) and females (+27 %) given 500 mg/kg/day, above historical background data in females only.
- higher mean calcium (+5 %), urea (+22 %), triglyceride (+55 %), total protein (+6 %) and globulin (+11 %) concentrations at 500 mg/kg/day in females only.
The increases in electrolytes, urea, protein and globulin concentration, mostly seen in females at 500 mg/kg/day, correlate with histopathological findings in kidneys, considered adverse in females only.
Urinalysis findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In treated animals, the following variations were noted at the end of the treatment period compared to controls:
- Lower mean pH in males at 500 mg/kg/day (7.50 vs 8.65 in controls) and in females at 125 and 500 mg/kg/day (respectively 6.95 and 6.10 vs 7.44 in controls).
- Minimally higher mean specific gravity in males and females from 125 mg/kg/day.
- Higher ketone content in males given 500 mg/kg/day.
- Higher turbidity and crystals content in females given 500 mg/kg/day. The nature of crystals was not determined by additional analysis.
Variations of urinalysis parameters correlate with adverse pathology findings on the kidneys.
Behaviour (functional findings):
effects observed, non-treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
No toxicologically relevant effects on hearing ability, pupillary reflex, static righting reflex and grip strength were observed, with the exception of a lower mean grip strength (anterior and posterior) in females given 500 mg/kg/day. Because these lower force values had no repercussions on motor activity (open field session), they were considered non adverse.
Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
In both sexes, the group mean absolute weight of the kidneys in all treated groups was higher than in control group. The differences from the control group were generally dose-related and were marginal, although statistically significant at the high dose in both sexes. This was considered likely related to the treatment-related histopathological changes observed in the kidney.
Gross pathological findings:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Treatment-related macroscopic changes were observed in the kidneys in females treated at 500 mg/kg/day and consisted of bilateral renal enlargement and/or presence of pale foci.
At microscopic evaluation, this correlated with treatment-related retrograde nephropathy.
Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
effects observed, treatment-related
Description (incidence and severity):
Treatment-related retrograde nephropathy and tubular casts were observed in the kidneys in most females (minimal to marked) and in a few males (minimal) treated at 500 mg/kg/day. In female, theses renal changes were considered adverse in view of their severity and correlated with the enlarged appearance and/or pale foci noted macroscopically in several females.
There were no treatment-related histopathological changes in the kidneys in males and females treated at 30 or 125 mg/kg/day.
Other effects:
no effects observed
Description (incidence and severity):
- There were no test item-related effects on sperm analysis, at any dose levels. Absence of sperm or very low sperm count was noted in 2/10 animals in the control group and 1/10 animals in group 4 (500 mg/kg/day).
- There were no test item-related effects on oestrus cycles, at any dose levels.
Key result
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
Effect level:
125 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
Based on:
test mat.
Sex:
male/female
Basis for effect level:
histopathology: non-neoplastic
Key result
Critical effects observed:
yes
Lowest effective dose / conc.:
500 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
System:
urinary
Organ:
kidney
Treatment related:
yes
Relevant for humans:
yes

Analysis of the dosing formulations:

- Samples from day 1: duplicate samples at 100 mg/mL were sent to Test Site and analysed because the first vial sent was broken during sample preparation at the Test Site.

- Samples from Week 13: duplicate samples at 6 and 25 mg/mL were also sent and analysed because first results of analysis were out of the acceptance criteria.

Results of the dosing formulations analysis:

- No 4,4'-biphenyldiol was quantified in the sample of vehicle.

- The concentration of 4,4'-biphenyldiol in test item formulations at 6, 25 and 100 mg/mL (corresponding to the doses of 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg/day, respectively) was comprised in the range of ±15% when compared to the nominal values for 10 of the 12 formulation samples. While all Days 1 and Week 4 results were within acceptance criteria, two formulations used on Week 13 presented a recovery lower than 85%. Indeed, week 13 formulations at 6 and 25 mg/mL showed recovery of respectively 79.5 % and 83.6 %. An investigation was performed on these “out of specification” results but no analytical issues were observed. These formulations were nevertheless controlled again at the Study Director request from duplicates formulation samples and results were confirmed.

Mean recovery for the 6 and 25 mg/mL concentration on Week 13 were respectively 78.7 and 81.2% from nominal concentrations. However, taking into account analytical results from Day 1, Week 4 and Week13, mean recovery during the overall treatment period can be considered to be 89%, 99% and 91%, within acceptance criteria of 85-115%. The deviation from nominal concentration on Week 13 was therefore considered without impact on the overall animal exposure.

Conclusions:
The toxicity of the test item 4,4'-biphenyldiol was determinated in the rat following daily oral (gavage) administration for 13 weeks, according to the OECD 408 guidelilne.
The tested dose levels were 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, and were clinically well-tolerated.
At 30 and 125 mg/kg/day, test item-related findings were limited to decreased cholesterol in males only from 30 mg/kg/day, without histopathological correlate in any organs examined histologically, and decreased urine pH in females at 125 mg/kg/day.
At 500 mg/kg/day, kidney lesions were seen in most females and in a few males and were considered adverse in females in view of their severity. These kidney lesions were associated with changes in clinical haematology, serum chemistry and urine parameters, as well as with lower body weight gain.
Consequently, 125 mg/kg/day was considered to be the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in this study.
Executive summary:

The objectives of the study were to determine the toxicity of the test item 4,4'-biphenyldiol, in the rat following daily oral (gavage) administration for 13 weeks, according to the OECD 408 guideline and under GLP compliance. The tested dose levels of the main study (30,125 and 500 mg/kg/day) were selected on the basis of two dose range-finding (DRF) assays: 14 -day repeated dose toxicity study (Ducrocq, 2018) and 28 -day repeated dose toxicity study (Ducrocq, 2018)


 


Formulations were prepared on a weekly basis as suspension in the vehicle (0.5 % [w/v] Carboxymethylcellulose 300-600 centipoises in water for injection).


Morbidity/mortality checks were performed at least twice daily. Clinical observations were performed daily, before and after administration. A full clinical examination was performed weekly. Individual body weights were recorded weekly. Food consumption was measured weekly for each cage of animals. Ophthalmological examinations were performed pretest and during Week 13. Clinical laboratory determinations (haematology, serum clinical chemistry and urinalysis) were performed on Days 92/93 in males/females respectively. Functional tests were performed on Days 91/92 in males/females respectively.


Additional tests were performed, which are not part of recommended tests in the OCDE 408 guideline. These tests include oestrus cycle determination and sperm analysis. Daily vaginal smears were sampled from all females during the last 4 weeks of treatment and the day of necropsy to determine Oestrus cycles. Sperm analysis was performed at necropsy in males from groups 1 and 4.


All animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period and necropsied. Selected organs were weighed. Selected organs/tissues from group 1 (control) and 4 (high dose) animals were examined histopathologically. Target organs identified in group 4 were examined histopathologically in groups 2 and 3.


 


The concentrations analyzed in all the test item formulations on Day 1 and Week 4 and the high dose formulation on Week 13 were in agreement with target concentrations.


There were no test-item related clinical signs.


There were no test item-related changes in ophthalmology and food consumption.


A lower mean body weight gain was noted in males and females at 500 mg/kg/day, considered non adverse in view of the low magnitude of variations.


There were no test item-related effects on oestrus cycles, sperm analysis and functional test (with the exception of decreased in grip strength without impact on motor activity).


There were test item-related effects on haematology parameters at the end of the dosing period in females given 500 mg/kg/day only, consisting in increased mean total white blood cell and neutrophils and increased mean fibrinogen, correlated with retrograde nephropathy and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration.


There were test item-related effects on clinical chemistry parameters at the end of the dosing period, consisting in lower mean cholesterol concentration in males from 30 mg/kg/day without histopathological correlate, increased inorganic phosphorus in males and females at 500 mg/kg/day and increased calcium, urea, triglycerides, total protein and globulin in females at 500 mg/kg/day. The increases in electrolytes, urea, protein and globulin concentrations, mostly seen in females at 500 mg/kg/day, correlated with histopathological findings in kidneys.


There were test item-related effects on urine parameters at the end of the dosing period, limited to decrease in pH noted in females at 125 mg/kg/day and in both sexes at 500 mg/kg/day, increased ketone in males at 500 mg/kg/day and increased specific gravity, turbidity and crystals content in females at 500 mg/kg/day.  


At the histopathological examination, treatment-related retrograde nephropathy and tubular casts were observed in the kidneys in most females (minimal to marked) and in a few males (minimal) treated at 500 mg/kg/day. In females, these renal changes were considered adverse in view of their severity and correlated with the enlarged appearance and/or pale foci noted macroscopically in several females. There were no test item-related effects on reproductive organs.


 



Under the defined experimental conditions, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of this study was considered to be 125 mg/kg/day.



 

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
adverse effect observed
Dose descriptor:
NOAEL
125 mg/kg bw/day
Study duration:
subchronic
Species:
rat
Quality of whole database:
Klimisch score = 1.
System:
other: digestive: liver and kidney
Organ:
kidney

Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - systemic effects

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - local effects

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - systemic effects

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - local effects

Endpoint conclusion
Endpoint conclusion:
no study available

Additional information

> A study (Japanese NIHS, 2004) was conducted according to the screening test guideline OECD 422 (repeated dose/reproductive/developmental toxicity study) at the dose levels of 8, 40 and 200 mg/kg bw/day. A NOAELs of 40 mg/kg bw/d was reported for repeated dose toxicity and a NOAEL of 200 mg/kg bw/d was reported for reproductive and developmental toxicity; 200 mg/kg bw/d was the highest dose level tested.


At the high dose level of 200 mg/kg bw/d, excreted urine became cloudy over the treatment period. Urinalysis revealed turbidity in males and females administered 40 or 200 mg/kg bw/d; calcium oxalate-like urinary crystal sediment was found in males at 200 mg/kg bw/d and in the females at 40 and 200 mg/kg bw/d. Urinary specific gravity was also decreased in the females at 40 and 200 mg/kg bw/d. Necropsy revealed hepatic changes in males at 200 mg/kg bw/d; increased relative weight, darkening and enlarged appearance were associated histopathologically with centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy and a reduction in occurrence of periportal fatty change. Fourteen days after the final treatment the recovery group of males and the satellite females demonstrated that all of the changes caused by treatment had resolved and no delayed toxicity was evident. Treatment up to 200 mg/kg bw/d did not affect the reproductive performance of parental animals or the early development of their offspring. The effects of treatment on urinalysis parameters are attributable to precipation of the substance (which is of low water solubility) in the urine; findings are not considered to be of toxicological significance in the absence of any correlating histopathology. The NOAEL for this study is therefore 40 mg/kg bw/d, based on liver effects at the highest dose level of 200 mg/kg bw/d


 


 


> A second study in the rat following daily oral (gavage) administration for 13 weeks, according to the OECD 408 guidelilne is available (Ducrocq, 2018). The dose levels were selected on the basis of two Dose Range Finding studies. The first one was conducted at 100, 300 and 750 mg/kg/day for a 14 -day exposure period. The second one was conducted at 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg/day for a 28 -day exposure period. No marked toxicity was observed at any dose level except kidney lesions. Based on the results of the Dose Range Finding studies, the dose level of 500 mg/kg/day was considered as a suitable highest dose for a longer exposure during the main 13-week study.


Finally, the selected tested dose levels in the main 90 -day study were 30, 125 and 500 mg/kg/day for 13 weeks, and they were clinically well-tolerated.


At 30 and 125 mg/kg/day, test item-related findings were limited to decreased cholesterol in males only from 30 mg/kg/day, without histopathological correlate in any organs examined histologically, and decreased urine pH in females at 125 mg/kg/day.


At 500 mg/kg/day, kidney lesions were seen in most females and in a few males and were considered adverse in females in view of their severity. These kidney lesions were associated with changes in clinical haematology, serum chemistry and urine parameters, as well as with lower body weight gain.


There were no test item-related effects on oestrus cycles or sperm analysis. Hystopathological evaluation of the reproductive organs did not show test item-related changes.


Consequently, 125 mg/kg/day was considered to be the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) in this study.


 


> An Extended One Generation Reproductive Toxicity study (see section 7.8.1) was conducted in rats by oral route at the dose levels of 25, 75 and 225 mg/kg bw/day (on the basis of the results of a simplified OECD 422 study conducted at 200 and 250 mg/kg bw/day in order to select the dose levels of the OECD 443 study). The NOAEL for maternal toxicity was established at 75 mg/kg on the basis of adverse pathology findings in kidney, heart and glandular stomach. The NOAEL for reproduction was established at 225 mg/kg/day (the highest tested dose level) in absence of any effect on fertility or development.



Repeated dose toxicity: via oral route - systemic effects (target organ) digestive: liver and kidney

Justification for classification or non-classification

Significant toxic effects observed in the 90-day repeated-dose study (OECD 408) or in the extended one generation reproductive toxicity study (OECD 443) or in the OECD 422 study are seen at dose levels above 100 mg/kg bw/day. Therefore, on the basis of the criteria defined in the CLP regulation, no classification for repeated administration oral toxicity is warranted for biphenyl-4,4'-diol.