Theo Le Godec, Larry G. Higgins, Michael G. Penman and Michael McMahon
Reproductive Toxicology, Volume 143, 2026, Article 109261
New Scientific Publication
Statistical and experimental approaches to discriminate between substance-specific reproductive effects and those mediated by maternal undernutrition: A case study with Rosin and derivatives
Discover our paper
Undernutrition · Ovulation rate · Offspring growth · Feed restriction · Reproduction
Understanding the role of maternal undernutrition in reproductive toxicity studies
How can researchers distinguish between a direct reproductive effect of a substance and an effect caused indirectly by reduced food intake?
This study examines that question using Rosin and 14 related derivatives as a case study. The substances had previously been evaluated in a series of OECD 422 reproductive and developmental toxicity studies, where dietary exposure to some substances was associated with reduced ovulation rates and lower offspring growth.
The authors identified an important potential confounding factor: the test substances were unpalatable to rats, leading to reduced food consumption and consequent maternal undernutrition.
By re-analysing data from 16 regulatory studies and conducting two additional mechanistic studies, the researchers investigated whether the observed reproductive and developmental effects could be explained by this reduction in food intake.
Discover our Scientific Publications
Peer-reviewed research and regulatory science underpinning our advisory work