Critical evaluation of challenges and future use of animals in experimentation for biomedical research

Abstract

Animal experiments that are conducted worldwide contribute to significant findings and breakthroughs in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, bringing up appropriate clinical interventions. However, their predictive value is often low, leading to translational failure. Problems like translational failure of animal studies and poorly designed animal experiments lead to loss of animal lives and less translatable data which affect research outcomes ethically and economically. Due to increasing complexities in animal usage with changes in public perception and stringent guidelines, it is becoming difficult to use animals for conducting studies. This review deals with challenges like poor experimental design and ethical concerns and discusses key concepts like sample size, statistics in experimental design, humane endpoints, economic assessment, species difference, housing conditions, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses that are often neglected. If practiced, these strategies can refine the procedures effectively and help translate the outcomes efficiently.

Animal experimentation: A look into ethics, welfare and alternative methods

“…It is essential to keep variables such as temperature, humidity and airflow at levels that are appropriate for each species, since abrupt variations can cause stress, decreased resistance and greater susceptibility to infections. 6,13 The space allocated to animals must permit free movement, sleep and contact with other animals of the same species. 4 Rats and mice are very sociable animals and, therefore, should be housed in groups so that they can develop normal behavior.…”

“…28 Conducting research is not permitted in cases where the damage to the animal is greater than the gain in knowledge, since no scientific advance can be justified based on the suffering of other living beings. 29 In addition to ensuring animal welfare, researchers must comply with the relevant legislation. Also, it is their responsibility to inquire about the subject.…”

“…Some scientists argue that the predictive value of this type of research is often low and may lead to biased or imprecise results, which would result in unnecessary suffering to the animals and clinically irrelevant data. 6 It can therefore be stated that the practice of animal experimentation is considered a widespread activity in the scientific environment. Nevertheless, it has provoked public reactions, and this practice has been intensely debated both in society and academic institutions.…”

“…Nevertheless, it has provoked public reactions, and this practice has been intensely debated both in society and academic institutions. 5,6 Our study was aimed at undertaking a narrative review on ethics and welfare in animal experimentation, as well as discussing alternative methods to its use.…”

“…Environmental enrichment and enhancement procedures help reduce stress and positively affect performance. 6 Accordingly, knowledge of the specific behavior and physiology of the species is extremely important, so that FIGURE 1 Healing test using rats as an animal model.…”