Course:
Reproductive Toxicology
This postgraduate course introduces the field of
reproductive toxicology from the viewpoint of a variety of contributing
disciplines. Starting from basic toxicological and embryological concepts it
covers subjects from experimental research to clinical studies and
epidemiology. Specific topics include advice on drugs use in pregnancy, the
teratology of antiepileptic drugs, folic acid deficiency and neural tube
defects, and the classical and still topical DES saga. Special attention is
given to the interpretation of animal reproductive toxicity studies which form
the basis for human risk assessment of chemicals. Students will receive timely
subjects for self-study in subgroups culminating in presentations on Friday.
Programme outline:
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General Introduction.
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The reproductive cycle: definitions, history, disciplines, human and
animal studies.
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Fundamental and applied research, risk evaluation and risk management.
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Alternatives to animal experimentation.
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The DES Saga: Pathology and epidemiology of DES effects, mothers and
sons/daughters.
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Clinical Teratology: genetic predisposition versus exogenous exposures,
clinical research and counselling.
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Drugs use in Pregnancy: safety evaluation, exposures in pregnancy,
post-marketing surveillance of drugs, risk communication.
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Epidemiology of congenital malformations: study types with pros and
cons, birth defects registries, examples of congenital anomalies.
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Folic acid and neural tube defects, nutrition and pregnancy, folic acid
requirements, epidemiology.
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Risk assessment in Reproductive Toxicology: overview of guideline-based
animal study test protocols, their use in testing strategies, parental versus
fetal toxicity.
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Risk assessment in Reproductive Toxicology: Workshop with practical
examples of animal study results
-
Presentation of self study reports
Lecturers:
Dr. A.H. Piersma RIVM Bilthoven, Course Leader
Dr. G.P. Bailey, Janssen Pharmaceutica Beerse Belgium.
Mrs. Prof. Dr. M.C. Cornel, VU Amsterdam
Drs. M.E.T.A. Koster, DES-Center Utrecht
Mrs. Prof. Dr. L.T.W. de Jong-van den Berg, Groningen University
Prof. Dr. D. Lindhout, UMC Utrecht
Mrs. Dr. R.P.M. Steegers-Theunissen, StRadboud MC Nijmegen.
Duration: 1 week
ECTS credits: 1.5
Period:
19/04
- 23/04, 2010 (every 2
years)
Fee: €
1,000.= (PhD
students may apply for the reduced rate of € 250.=)
Location: Institute
for Risk Assessment Sciences,