Publication Categories in Toxicologic Pathology

Toxicologic Pathology is the official journal of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP), the British Society of Toxicological Pathology, and the European STP (ESTP). Toxicologic Pathology publishes articles related to topics in various aspects of toxicologic pathology such as anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, experimental pathology, and biomarker research. Publications include society-endorsed Best Practice/Position and Points to Consider publications and ESTP Expert Workshop articles that are relevant to toxicologic pathology and scientific regulatory processes, Opinion articles under the banner of the STP Toxicologic Pathology Forum, Original Articles, Review Articles (unsolicited/contributed, mini, and invited), Brief Communications, Letters to the Editor, Meeting Reports, and Book Reviews. This article provides details on the various publication categories in Toxicologic Pathology and will serve as a reference for authors and readers.

The Analysis of Toxicological Situation According to Three Specialized Centers of Russian Federation

The relevance of the study is associated with the exceptional medical and social significance of the issues of toxicological assistance. In order to improve toxicological assistance to the population, we analyzed the dynamics of patient admission to major toxicological centers in St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Kazan in 2011–2017, which revealed a significant increase in the number of patients with a toxicological pathology and unidirectional changes in the structure of acute poisoning. We used statistical and analytical research methods. According to the results of the study, in all three centers the proportion of poisoning by narcotic substances increased, and the qualitative characteristics of poisoning changed (compared to 2011). Poisonings with opioid alkaloids and heroin haven’t been substantially found recently; the main proportion of poisonings was associated with the use of synthetic drugs (phencyclidines, piperazines, synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, amphetamines, γ-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol, etc.). The proportion of patients with ethanol poisoning increased significantly: the number grew by 2.5 times in St. Petersburg, 3.0 times in Novosibirsk and 30% in Kazan. At the same time, the number of drug poisoning decreased in all three centers by an average of 20–30%. The number of carbon monoxide poisoning has also decreased in St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. Data were obtained on some regional features of poisoning. The prevalence of poisoning by cauterizing agents in Novosibirsk and by plant poisons in Kazan. Despite a decline of mortality, the absolute number of deaths by acute poisoning during the study period increased. The study resulted in an attempt to identify the main problems and tasks of the toxicological service at present and to develop mechanisms for its improvement, taking into account modern changes in the volumes and structure of acute poisonings.Authors declare lack of the conflicts of interests.

The Emergence of Microphysiological Systems (Organs-on-chips) as Paradigm-changing Tools for Toxicologic Pathology

Microphysiological systems (MPS), commonly known as organs-on-chips, are a rapidly advancing technology that promises to impact many areas of medical and toxicological pathology. In this minireview, the history of MPS and its potential utility in safety assessment are described with the toxicologic pathologist in mind. Several MPS development focus areas are defined, and recent progress in the area is highlighted. MPS will likely become an important tool for the toxicologic pathologist as part of our role in the safety assessment process within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and cosmetic and agrichemical industries.

Statistical Guidance for Reviewers of Toxicologic Pathology

Study design, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and conclusions should be a part of all research papers. Statistics are integral to each of these components and are therefore necessary to evaluate during manuscript peer review. Research published in Toxicological Pathology is often focused on animal studies that may seek to compare defined treatment groups in randomized controlled experiments or focus on the reliability of measurements and diagnostic accuracy of observed lesions from preexisting studies. Reviewers should distinguish scientific research goals that aim to test sufficient effect size differences (i.e., minimizing false positive rates) from common toxicologic goals of detecting a harmful effect (i.e., minimizing false negative rates). This journal comprises a wide range of study designs that require different kinds of statistical assessments. Therefore, statistical methods should be described in enough detail so that the experiment can be repeated by other research groups. The misuse of statistics will impede reproducibility.

Gut Homeostasis, Microbial Dysbiosis, and Opioids

Gut homeostasis plays an important role in maintaining animal and human health. The disruption of gut homeostasis has been shown to be associated with multiple diseases. The mutually beneficial relationship between the gut microbiota and the host has been demonstrated to maintain homeostasis of the mucosal immunity and preserve the integrity of the gut epithelial barrier. Currently, rapid progress in the understanding of the host–microbial interaction has redefined toxicological pathology of opioids and their pharmacokinetics. However, it is unclear how opioids modulate the gut microbiome and metabolome. Our study, showing opioid modulation of gut homeostasis in mice, suggests that medical interventions to ameliorate the consequences of drug use/abuse will provide potential therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for opioid-modulated intestinal infections. The study of morphine’s modulation of the gut microbiome and metabolome will shed light on the toxicological pathology of opioids and its role in the susceptibility to infectious diseases.